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Congratulations to the 2023 ATHENA Award Recipients!

The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 2023 ATHENA private sector, public sector, and young professional award recipients at its 36th 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.

Melody Lewis

Jeri Royce

Naquana Borrero

Melody Lewis, Jeri Royce, and Naquana Borrero were chosen from among 11 ATHENA finalists selected from a large group of nominees. The following is a complete list of the 2023 ATHENA finalists:

Private Sector Finalists

  • Ginger Clayton, CEO, Elontec
  • Melody Lewis, Owner & Founder, Indigenous Community Collaborative
  • Jen Scrivner, Chief Operating Officer, Goodmans
  • Kristen Shroyer, Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer, ONEHOPE

Public Sector Finalists

  • Tara Jackson, President, Arizona Town Hall
  • Jeri Royce, President & CEO, Advance Community
  • Lorraine Tallman, Founder & CEO, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
  • Dawn Trapp, CEO, Civitan Foundation, Inc.

Young Professional Finalists

  • Ashlee Atkins, Diversity Manager, ASU Enterprise Partners
  • Naquana Borrero, CFRE; Director of Development and Communications Jazz in Arizona/The Nash & Owner, Bella Vita Consulting Group
  • Heather Vana, Senior Director of External Communications, Avnet

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.”