Nominations Open January 5, 2026! The ATHENA Award is presented to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her/his business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. The award takes the form of a hand-cast bronze sculpture, symbolizing the strength, courage, and wisdom of the recipient. Previous Award Recipients 2025 — Linda Thomas-Hemak, M.D., FACP, FAAP 2024 — Deborah Kolsovsky 2023 — Laura Ducceschi 2022 — Maria Montoro-Edwards 2021 — Marion Munley, Esq. 2020 — Nada Gilmartin 2009 — Elizabeth Randol 2008 — Paula Mackarey 2007 — Joann Arduino 2006 — Rosemary Broderick 2005 — Melinda Ghilardi ATHENA Award Qualifications: Nominee must provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community. Nominee must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in her business or profession. Nominee must demonstrate an ongoing advancement or progressive job growth in her career, including significant leadership accomplishments and milestones along the way. Nominee must possess a minimum of 10 years of professional business experience. Nominee must actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential. Eligibility: Previous Athena Award recipients are not eligible for nomination. The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce staff are not eligible for nomination. Athena committee members are not eligible for nomination. Athena committee members may not score an application that they submit for nomination. Nominees must own or be an employee of a business that is a member in good standing of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. Nominations must be received no later than January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Incomplete nominations will not be reviewed. Selection Process: Nominations will be open on January 5, 2026. Nominations must be received by January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The Athena Award committee will review all nominations and score independently. The Athena Award winner will be announced in early February 2026. The ATHENA Award recipient is honored at the Chamber’s Annual Dinner.
