The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 2025 ATHENA private sector, public sector, and young professional award recipients at its 37th 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.
Grenee Martacho, Elvy Barton and Brandie Reiner were chosen from among 11 ATHENA finalists selected from a large group of nominees. The following is a complete list of the 2025 ATHENA finalists:
Grenee Martacho
Elvy Barton
Brandie Reiner
Private Sector Finalists
- Jessica Berger, founder & CEO, Bundle x Joy
- Sonya Engle, chief operating officer, Sonora Quest Laboratories
- Heather Lennon, owner/founder, Imagine General Contracting and Development
- Grenee Martacho, CEO, Concord General Contracting
Public Sector Finalists
- Elvy Barton, water and forest sustainability senior manager, Salt River Project
- Debbie Esparza, CEO emerita, YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix
- Melinda Gulick, CEO, First Things First
- Sintra Hoffman, president & CEO, WESTMARC
Young Professional Finalists
- Breanna Naegeli, PhD, dean; Honors College & Global Education Programs, Grand Canyon University
- Christina Ngo, assistant vice president of social embeddedness, Arizona State University
- Brandie Reiner, executive director, National Association of Social Workers, Arizona Chapter
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.”
