Nominations Now Open For the 2026 Girls Inc. Athena Award

The mission of Girls Inc. is one that is near and dear to my heart. I proudly serve on the local board of directors for this national organization. We are not only committed to educating and inspiring girls to be strong, smart, and bold, but also to honoring area leaders who embody those qualities as well.

Girls Inc. of Owensboro-Daviess County: Transforming Lives for Over 50 Years

Girls Inc. seeks to enrich girls in every aspect of life. Creative programming focuses on the importance of mental health, physical health, emotional health, education, confidence, life skills, and the list goes on. The value this organization has in our community and beyond cannot be measured, but when you meet a Girls Inc. girl, or when you hear someone share stories about the mission, you understand.

Girls Inc. Owensboro-Daviess Athena Award Past Recipients

Past recipients include, Lamone Mayfield, Jean Wells, Brenda Clayton, Debbie Nunley, Helen Sears, Jane Noble, Martha Clark, Marianne Smith Edge, Jacqueline Addington, Vicki Stogsdill, Ursuline Sisters, Virginia Braswell, Patti Rayburn, Cherri Lolley, Helen Mountjoy, Margaret Britton, Deborah Fillman, Aloma Dew, Kathryn Raymer, Cindy Fiorella, Susan Montalvo-Gesser, Alma Randolph, Sara Hemingway, Karla Ward, Marcia Carpenter, and Beth Steele.

Nominations Now Open For the 2026 Girls Inc. Athena Award

This luncheon is an inspirational moment for all who attend. You will be moved by the courageous girls who stand tall and share their stories. You will be actively supporting Girls Inc. and its powerful mission. You will be motivated by the impressive women nominated for the Athena Award.

The Athena Award nominations are now open if you know of "someone who has attained and personified the highest level of professional excellence in their business or profession; has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way; and most especially, has generously assisted women in attaining their full potential."

Here is the criteria for eligibility:

• Both females and males are eligible for consideration.
• The nominee must live, work, or influence the Owensboro-Daviess County community.
• Past ATHENA Award recipients are not eligible for nomination. However, past nominees may be nominated again.
• There is no age qualification for nomination or consideration.
• Nominees do not need to be actively employed to be considered.
• Award candidates may not nominate himself or herself.
• Current or past affiliation with Girls Inc., the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award sponsors is not a prerequisite for consideration or given undue weight in the selection process.
• No staff member of Girls Inc. or the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce or award committee member is eligible for consideration during their active tenure.
• No posthumous awards will be given except for the possibility of a person who died within the current year of the award.

The deadline for submitting nominations is January 7, 2025. Nomination forms may be obtained by contacting Girls Inc. at 270-684-7833. For additional information, please contact Sue Napper at suenapper10@gmail.com. The award program and luncheon are scheduled for March 24, 2026, at the Owensboro Convention Center.

“As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”  — Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court “Women in Power”

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