ATHENA Awards
The ATHENA® International Leadership Awards program is a prestigious initiative that recognizes and honors individual women for their outstanding achievements and contributions in leadership, mentorship, and community service. Organized by ATHENA® International, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, developing, and celebrating women leaders, the awards are presented annually to outstanding leaders who inspire others and create positive change.
The 2026 ATHENA® Professional Award will be presented at the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony to be held at the High Country Conference Center on Friday, February 13, 2026. Nominations for the 2026 ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional awards are now open.
Nominees for the award must live, work and/or serve in the Greater Flagstaff area and demonstrate the following criteria:
• The highest level of professional excellence
• Highly committed to community service in civic, charitable, &/or religious organizations
• Personal Leadership-supporting the professional advancement of women
Two ATHENA Awards will be presented: one to an individual in the public/non-profit sector and one to an individual in the private sector. In addition, one award will be presented for the ATHENA Young Professional.
2025 ATHENA Award Recipients
ATHENA Private Sector
Jennifer Nordstrom
Jen Nordstrom Accounting
ATHENA Public/Non-Profit Sector
Cindy Payne
Cancer Support Community Northern Arizona
2025 ATHENA Privete Sector Nominees
Amanda Steavenson
Nestlé Purina
Christine Farr
Coldwell Banker Northland
Ellen Jimenez
Embassy Suites Flagstaff
Maggie Colletti
IDB Designs
Suk Lowman
Restoration Forest Products
2025 ATHENA Public/Non-profit Nominees
Dr. Amy Waltz
Ecological Restoration Institute - Northern Arizona University
Cody Halfmoon
Lowell Observatory
Sue Brown
Coconino County
Nicole Tuchscherer
Northern Arizona University
Tasha Vigil
Northern AZ Alzheimer’s Dementia Alliance/ Angels Care Home Health
Stephanie Washington
Flagstaff Unified School District
2025 ATHENA Young Professional Nominees
Kimberly Guttierez
The Bluffs of Flagstaff
Sarah Heemstra
Coconino Community College
Past ATHENA and ATHENA Young Professional Awards
2024 Athena Award – Public/Non-profit
Devonna McLaughlin,
Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona
2024 Athena Award – Private Sector
Lisa Lamberson
Mountain Sports Flagstaff
2024 Athena Young Professional Award
Kate Wyatt
Flagstaff Medical Center