ATHENA Award Celebration

media release: Thirteen nominees will be honored, and one will be named the 2024 ATHENA Award® recipient at the 27th annual ATHENA Award Celebration.

 March 14, 2024, from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M., Monona Terrace, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison

The event is sponsored each year by The Business Forum, a local professional women’s organization that fosters the personal and professional growth of its members and other women through networking, scholarships, mentoring, and community involvement.

This year's nominees are:  Rhonda Adams, Lisa Fiala, Dr. Liz Gross, Rachel Hanson, Dr. Roxie Hentz, Joy Kurber, Kristi Moe, Amy Newton, Devine Nzegwu, Dr. Christina Outlay, Melanie Thompson-Ruelas, Nichole Vander Meulen, Andrea White​​​​​​

ATHENA Award nominees must demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential. Both women and men are eligible.

The recipient will receive an ATHENA sculpture and will be invited to join the ATHENA International Foundation, which works to create leadership opportunities for women.

Dane County's first ATHENA Award was presented in 1998 to community activist Carol Toussaint, a foundation consultant. In 2023 the recipient for the 26th anniversary was Dana Pellebon, Executive Director of RCC (Sexual Violence Resource Center) and elected member to Dane County Board of Supervisors in 2022.

The 2024 ATHENA Award Celebration is to be held on March 14, 2024, at the Monona Terrace. Tickets purchased by February 9, 2024: Individual tickets are $80. Tickets purchased after February 9, 2024: Individual tickets are $85. Tickets, Corporate Tables and Sponsorships are available from The Business Forum at www.thebusinessforum.org or call 608-838-1019 or email: tbf@thebusinessforum.org.

Event partners are InBusiness, WMTV 15, Creative Company and Magic 98, as well as the support provided by numerous other women’s groups and local businesses. Proceeds go to The Business Forum Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that awards scholarships to high school students and returning adult women who attend college in Wisconsin.

The Business Forum is a local professional women’s organization that fosters the personal and professional growth of its members and other women through networking, scholarships, mentoring and community involvement. Proceeds from our events go to The Business Forum Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that awards scholarships to returning adult women and high school students who attend college in Wisconsin. Since the scholarship program began in 1989, The Business Forum Foundation has awarded over $465,000 in scholarships.