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Congratulations to the 2018 ATHENA Award recipients!

Click here to view photos from the ATHENA Awards Luncheon

The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 2018 ATHENA Private Sector, Public Sector, and Young Professional Award recipients during its 31st Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon October 24 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

The ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award recognizes a woman in the public and private sectors, in addition to highlighting an upcoming leader in the Valley as an ATHENA Young Professional.  ATHENA finalists are chosen for their excellence in business and leadership, dedication to the community and support, and mentorship of other women.

Kathleen Duffy Ybarra, CEO/Founder, Duffy Group, Inc., was awarded the 2018 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the private sector. Martha Martinez, Manager, Language & International Programs at Maricopa Integrated Health System, earned the 2018 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the public sector. Terri Waibel, Owner, Psychotherapist, Grief Counselor of the Center for Compassion, LLC, took home the 2018 ATHENA Young Professional Award.

“We are honored to celebrate an incredible group of leaders as this year’s recipients of the Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHENA Awards,” said Todd Sanders, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “These women are making our community stronger through all that they do, and it is inspiring to see their dedication to building a brighter future for us all.  They represent the best that the Arizona business community has to offer, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to make an impact in our region.”

The ATHENA Awards, named after the Greek goddess of courage and wisdom, is a program of ATHENA International, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women.

Duffy Ybarra, Martinez, and Waibel were chosen from among 11 ATHENA finalists, who were selected from a large group of nominations received in August. The following is a complete list of the 2018 ATHENA finalists:

Private Sector finalists:
Kathleen Duffy Ybarra, CEO/Founder, Duffy Group, Inc.
Letitia Frye, President & Founder/CEO, Letitia Frye, LLC
Jessica Pacheco, Vice President, State & Local Affairs, Arizona Public Service
Terry Roman, Partner, Snell & Wilmer

Public Sector finalists:
Melissa Holdaway, CEO, Arizona Charter Academy
Martha Martinez, Manager, Language & International Programs, Maricopa Integrated Health System
Tanya M. Muniz, Chief Financial Officer, Valley of the Sun United Way
Melissa Trujillo, President & CEO, Be A Leader Foundation

Young Professional finalists:
Audrey Monell, President, Forrest Anderson Plumbing and AC
Kado Stewart, Director of Programs, One n Ten
Terri Waibel, Owner, Psychotherapist, Grief Counselor, Center for Compassion

 

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing 2,400 businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce promotes regional prosperity by serving as a catalyst for economic vitality and strong communities. The Chamber pursues this mission by collaborating with business, political and community leaders to grow the regional talent pool, create a regional approach to economic development and drive a pro-Arizona agenda.

About the ATHENA Award
The ATHENA Award, an honor awarded internationally, recognizes exemplary achievement and challenges its recipients with a continued sense of responsibility, support and leadership. The ATHENA Award honors women who have consistently invested in themselves, their profession, their community, and especially other women. They reflect the pinnacle of success within their industry, mentor women throughout their career, and dedicate themselves to the community through various activities and charities.

About the ATHENA Young Professional Award
ATHENA International established an award to honor emerging young leaders in our community. The ATHENA Young Professional Award officially launched at the 2007 International ATHENA Leadership Conference and Phoenix was proud to be one of the first cities to present it within their community. These are the “women to watch.”