Greater Rochester Chamber presented its 39th annual ATHENA International Awards as part of its Women’s Council initiative at a ceremony on Thursday, February 13. Cheryl Stein (Nelan), President and CEO, CMIT Solutions of Rochester, accepted the 39th annual ATHENA Award, Tricia Marsherall, Founder & President, Marsherall Partners, LLC, received the 11th ATHENA Young Professional Award, and USC Builds was awarded the eighth ATHENA Organizational Award.
The ATHENA Award is presented annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women.
Cheryl Stein (Nelan) leveraged 20 years of experience in global companies to launch CMIT Solutions of Rochester in 2011, focusing on helping small businesses achieve success through technology. Today, she and her husband, Evan Stein, own multiple franchises, making their combined business one of the largest CMIT groups in the country. Cheryl’s mission has been to give back to her community and her passion for mentorship shines. She is dedicated to sharing her experiences with women in IT, mentoring individuals, and helping women launch their own businesses. Her greatest reward is witnessing the success of those she mentors, whether in corporate environments or their own ventures.
The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders aged 30-to-45 years old who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and contribute time and energy to improve the lives of others.
Tricia Marsherall is the Founder and CEO of Marsherall Partners, LLC, a company that specializes in donor database management and data services for nonprofit organizations. Marsherall Partners was founded in 2016 to help non-profit organizations leverage their data to make a bigger impact on the communities they serve. She currently serves on the board of Entrepreneurs’ Organization of WNY and has previously served on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Genesee Valley Chapter, Christopher’s Challenge, and Medical Motors Service.
The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led business or 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.
Rooted in the principles of Unity, Social impact, and Craftsmanship, USC Builds is a pioneering force in the construction industry – breaking systemic barriers, transforming communities, and delivering excellence for more than 23 years. Under the leadership of President Melissa Suchodolski, USC Builds has exhibited excellence, creativity, and initiative in various impactful ways. Melissa Suchodolski’s own journey as a trailblazer in a male-dominated industry underscores USC Builds’ focus on breaking barriers and fostering change. USC Builds is committed to the Greater Rochester region, building hundreds of affordable housing units, creating new jobs for underrepresented groups, and donating to many charitable organizations each year.
Bob Duffy, President & CEO, Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congratulations to Cheryl, Tricia, Melissa and her USC Builds team, and to all of our remarkable finalists. The collective impact of these individuals and organizations is immeasurable, and their efforts make Greater Rochester a better place for us all and a brighter future for thousands of women and girls. On behalf of Greater Rochester Chamber and its 1,300 members, thank you for your work, mentorship, and community service.”
A selection committee consisting of a diverse group of professional leaders from the Greater Rochester business community determined the recipients based on submitted nominations. For more information on each of our finalists, please see the 2025 ATHENA International Awards event publication at https://tinyurl.com/3ztms4p2.
Provided information and photos
