The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to an individual who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
It was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment -- qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model®.
The Award is unique in both scope (local, national and international) and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to a woman or man who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.
By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Award® Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.
IWIL is the proud presenting sponsor of the Springfield Area Athena leadership Award.®
2026 ATHENA Award Ceremony
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Erin's Pavilion at Southwind Park in Springfield
5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour | 6:30 p.m. Dinner | 7:00 p.m. ATHENA Leadership Award Presentation
Registration will open later this year.
Sponsor ATHENA 2026
Want to sponsor this year's Athena Award Ceremony? See the levels below. Contactus at info@iwil217.org to get the conversation started!
Level
|
ATHENA Tickets
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Recognition
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$10,000+
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25
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Thank You messaging in Springfield Business Journal, IWIL Facebook Page, IWIL website, Logo prominently displayed on the IWIL website throughout the year, ATHENA program book
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$5,000 - $9,999
|
15
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Thank You messaging in Springfield Business Journal, IWIL Facebook Page, IWIL website, Logo prominently displayed on the IWIL website throughout the year, ATHENA program book
|
|
$2,500 - $4,999
|
12
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Thank You messaging in Springfield Business Journal, IWIL Facebook Page, IWIL website, Logo prominently displayed on the IWIL website throughout the year, ATHENA program book
|
$1,000 - $2,400
|
4
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Thank You messaging in Springfield Business Journal, IWIL Facebook Page, IWIL website, Logo prominently displayed on the IWIL website throughout the year, ATHENA program book
|
|
$500 - $999
|
2
|
Thank You messaging in Springfield Business Journal, IWIL Facebook Page, IWIL website, Logo prominently displayed on the IWIL website throughout the year, ATHENA program book
|
|
Criteria of ATHENA Leaders
ATHENA Leadership Award Nominees must meet each of the following criteria:
• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
• Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
• Actively assist others, particularly women, in achieving their full leadership potential
• Help to facilitate Athena’s mission and goals by actively engaging in meaningful ways to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in their professional and personal lives
• Reside in Sangamon or surrounding counties
Want to Nominate someone for the ATHENA Award?
Submissions are closed for 2026. Submit a nomination by March 1, 2027.
Go to NOmination Form
2026 Nominees
Heather Burton
Cindee Fassero
Monica Zanetti Reed
Sarah Wilks
Dr. Nikki Hernandez
Angie Sowle
2025 Athena Award Winner: Ava Carpenter-McPike
Ava Carpenter-McPike is a Senior Probation Officer with Sangamon County Court Services. In her role as a probation officer, she consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative, going above and beyond to support and guide at-risk youth.
Ava has been awarded Probation Officer of the Year by the Illinois Probation Court Services Association, and she was honored as one of Security Bank’s 2024 Women of Influence. She has developed anger management programming for youth that focuses on accountability, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making.
Beyond her career, Ava has served on the board of United Way. She has served as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and she has served in several leadership roles with the Illinois Museum Society Board.
She has been a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for 29 years where she has served as both President and Vice President and has led initiatives focused on education, empowerment, and mentorship.
Ava’s nominator says of Ava, “You loved me at my worst. You refused to give up! You have dedicated your life to helping others. You have always inspired me. Thank you for loving me!”
Athena Reception Photos
Photos from past Athena receptions.
Past ATHENA Leadership Award® Recipients
2024 - Dr. Susan Thompson Hingle
2023 - Dr. Wendi El-Amin
2022 - Dr. Diane Rutledge
2021 - Dr. Diane Hillard-Sembell
2020 - Postponed (COVID-19)
2019 - Dr. Tanya DeSanto
2018 - Karen Hasara
2017 - Margaret Ann Jessup
2016 - Sheila Feipel
2015 - Grace Luttrell Nanavati
2014 - Dr. Linda Jones & Kim Leistner (tie)
2013 - Gail Lorenzini
2012 - Darlene Weaver
2011 - Sarah Mackey
2010 - Deb Shultz
2009 - Evelyn Brandt Thomas
2008 - Lisa Pierce
2007 - Linda Dillon
2006 - Alison Novak
2005 - Amy Hagen
2004 - Cindy Davis
2003 - Judith Teller
2002 - Sue Myerscough
2001 - Linda Waldron
2000 - L. Gay Davidson
1999 - Desiree Logsdon
Questions about the ATHENA Leadership Award? Please contact info@iwil217.org