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Congratulations to the 2020 ATHENA Award Recipients!

The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 2020 ATHENA private sector, public sector and young professional award recipients during its 33rd Annual ATHENA Awards Nov. 6 in a virtual event.

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.

Monica Garnes, Division President, Fry’s Food Stores was awarded the 2020 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the private sector. Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO, Arizona Science Center, earned the 2020 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the public sector. Monica Trejo, Arizona State Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action, took home the 2020 ATHENA Young Professional Award.

Monica Trejo

Monica Garnes

Chevy Humphrey

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate an inspiring 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 influential women are dedicated to building a brighter future and ensuring our community remains strong. They embody the best of the Arizona business community and we look forward to seeing how they will carry on the legacy of ATHENA through their work.”

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.

Garnes, Humphrey and Trejo were chosen from among 11 ATHENA finalists, who were selected from a large group of nominees. The following is a complete list of the 2020 ATHENA finalists:

Young Professionals

Veronica Aguilar, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, Arizona State University
Anna Carolina Ortiz, International Program Director, Esperança
Monica Trejo, Arizona State Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action

From the Public Sector

Peggy J. Chase, President & CEO, Terros Health
Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO, Arizona Science Center
Torrie A. Taj, CEO, Child Crisis Arizona
Christine K. Wilkinson, PhD, Senior Vice President & Secretary of the University; CEO & President, ASU Alumni Association, Arizona State University

From the Private Sector

Rhonda Bannard, President & Chief Connector, Inspired Connections
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq., Principal & Managing Attorney, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
​Monica Garnes, Division President, Fry’s Food Stores
Doris Savron, Vice Provost, Academic Colleges, University of Phoenix

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.”