The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 2022 ATHENA private sector, public sector, and young professional award recipients at its 35th Annual ATHENA Awards.
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.
Delma Herrera, Vice President of Field Sales, West Region, Cox Communications, was awarded the 2022 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the private sector. Jennifer Caraway, Founder & Executive Director, The Joy Bus, earned the 2022 ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award in the public sector. Veronica Aguilar, Vice President, Teach for America, took home the 2022 ATHENA Young Professional Award.
Delma Herrera
Jennifer Caraway
Veronica Aguilar
Herrera, Caraway, and Aguilar were selected among 11 incredible finalists, who were selected from a large group of nominees. Learn more about the 2022 ATHENA finalists:
Private Sector Finalists
- Deb Gullett, CEO, Arizona Association of Health Plans
- Delma Herrera, Vice President of Field Sales, West Region, Cox Communications
- Sissie Roberts Shank, President & CEO, Chas Roberts A/C & Plumbing Inc.
- Marcia Veidmark, Owner, Founder, CEO & Chairman of the Board, SSC Underground (Specialized Services Co.)
Public Sector Finalists
- Jennifer Caraway, Founder & Executive Director, The Joy Bus
- Christine Mackay, Director, Community & Economic Development, City of Phoenix
- April A. Salomon, Executive Director, Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
- Kate Smith, Ed.D., President, Rio Salado College
Young Professional Finalists
- Veronica Aguilar, Vice President, Teach for America
- Lindsey Beagley, Senior Director for Mirabella at ASU, ASU Enterprise Partners
- Amber Cordoba, Director of Business Education and Consulting Services, CPLC – Prestamos CDFI
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.”