ATHENA Events
When you need community and sisterhood, our events are the place to be.
Building a business or stepping into a new leadership role can often feel overwhelming and isolating. You’re juggling a million things, and it’s too easy to get buried in the work and forget to breathe.
But when you’re backed by a community of fellow women leaders who’ve been in your shoes (or are there right now), navigating the path forward doesn’t have to be such a solitary journey. Our events bring together the best of what ATHENA offers: networking, wisdom, and unwavering support from a sisterhood of like-minded and driven women leaders.
Our Upcoming Events
Be sure to check back regularly or follow us on Facebook to get updates on new and upcoming events.
Our Signature Biannual Events
Bringing Women Leaders Together
ATHENA Leadership Luncheon
In celebration of ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Day, the Leadership Luncheon is held every other year to bring together established and emerging leaders for an afternoon to collaborate, build relationships, and learn from each other.
ATHENA Awards Luncheon
The ATHENA Awards Luncheon is held every other year (opposite the ATHENA Women’s Leadership Luncheon) to celebrate and present awards to influential women leaders and the men who support them.
The ATHENA Awards
Each year, we proudly present two prestigious awards to recognize seasoned and emerging leaders in our community.
ATHENA Leadership Award
Established in 1982 and inspired by the Greek goddess Athena, known for her strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment, the ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual (man or woman) who is honored for professional excellence, community service, and actively assisting women in attaining professional excellence and leadership skills.
The ATHENA Sculpture is nationally recognized as the highest honor by business professionals and community leaders, and has been bestowed upon over 6,000 recipients worldwide.
Past Award Recipients
2023 – Donna Douglass
2021 – Kathy Dahlkemper
2019 – Dr. Andrea Jeffress, MD, FACOG
2017 – Sister Joan Chittister
2015 – Joyce Savocchio, MA
2013 – Laurie Root
2011 – Colleen Moore Mezler
2009 – Linda Stevenson
2008 – Thomas Kennedy
2007 – Susan Wellman
2006 – Tina Donikowski
2005 – Richard Wachter, CPA
2003 – Susan Breon
2001 – Kathleen Scheppner
ATHENA Young Professional Award
A natural extension of the ATHENA Leadership Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes outstanding young college students who have the potential to be our future leaders.
The award intends to provide a meaningful start on the leadership path for the young professional receiving it. The vision is that by recognizing their excellence, this award will cultivate distinguished opportunities for the recipient and our community.
Past Award Recipients
2023 – Gabrielle Watson, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
2021 – Kathryn Dickey, Gannon University
2019 – Silenia Guerrero-Vasquez, Edinboro University
2017 – Katlyn Walters, Gannon University
2015 – Emily Francis, Mercyhurst University
2013 – Amber Penna, Mercyhurst University
2011 – Catherine Franks, Penn State Erie, The Behrend College
2009 – Hannah Kirby, Gannon University
The ATHENA Awards
Presented in partnership with the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership, ATHENA Speaks is a guest speaker series designed to inspire, empower, and connect. In a time when women are reshaping organizations and redefining leadership, this series offers a platform for women leaders to share their stories, insights, and strategies for change.
With a shared vision to create balance in leadership voices worldwide, ATHENA International and ATHENA Erie are committed to developing, supporting, and honoring women leaders. Together, we’re building a community where both women and men can unite to champion these pivotal changes.
ATHENA Speaks is more than a speaker series—it’s a movement to amplify the voices of current and future generations of women leaders, ensuring their impact resonates far and wide.
If you’re interested in attending an ATHENA Speaks event or presenting a topic to our group, please contact us to start the conversation.
Interested in joining ATHENA and attending our events?
We can't wait to meet you!
Mailing Address
ATHENA Erie
3208 Georgian Ct
Erie, PA 16506
info@ATHENAErie.org
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Phone
(814) 504-6362