Athena International

“I think the key is for women not to set any limits” – Martina Navratilova, international tennis champion

In the early 80’s, ATHENA International’s founder, Martha Mertz was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Michigan Regional Chamber of commerce. After finding herself to be the only business woman serving on the Board and discovering that her Chamber had only once honored a woman, Martha quickly recognized that the Chamber’s Boardroom did not reflect the reality of the community.

Martha worked with her Chamber to recognize the leadership of outstanding professional business women in the community and advocated to provide opportunities for them to move into leadership positions. The first ATHENA Award® was presented in 1982 – and the ATHENA spirit was born.

The ATHENA Mission ~

• Supporting, developing and honoring women leaders

• Inspiring women to achieve their full potential

• Creating balance in leadership worldwide

ATHENA Award ® Program

The ATHENA Award is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities. The award is established through local host organizations in partnership with ATHENA International’s national underwriters, local businesses and individual sponsors.

Nominations are solicited and an ATHENA sculpture is awarded to an individual in the community who meets specific criteria listed below.

Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 5000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and most recently the United Kingdom. By honoring exceptional leaders the ATHENA Award® Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

The Criteria: ATHENA Award Recipients are individuals who:

  • Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
  • Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
  • Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential