Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has issued a call for nominations for its 2026 ATHENA International Awards in three categories: the ATHENA International Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Award, and the ATHENA Organizational Award. Nominations for these awards are open through Friday, November 7, 2025. Anyone interested may also apply on their own without prior nomination. Once the online nomination form is completed, an email will be sent to the individual notifying them of the nomination. In order for the nominee to continue with the process, they must fill out the application form by the deadline.
Applications will close on Friday, November 14, 2025. Greater Rochester Chamber will announce the recipients at the 40th annual awards celebration on Thursday, February 5, 2026 as part of its Women’s Council initiative.
The ATHENA International Award is given annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women.
The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders in the 25 to 45-year-old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession.
The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community.
The internationally-recognized ATHENA Award® Program was founded in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan by ATHENA International Founder Martha Mertz. The award was originally established to honor the achievements of exceptional women leaders. And more importantly, it was established to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and business lives. It has been given out in Rochester annually since 1987.
For more information about the ATHENA Awards program, to nominate a worthy candidate, or to apply, go to: https://www.greaterrochesterchamber.com/programs-events/signature-events/athena-international-awards/.
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