Organizational Leadership & Young Professional Recipients Also Honored
FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Sue Ehinger, chief experience officer at Parkview Health, was recognized as the ATHENA Leadership Award recipient at the 2017 ATHENA Awards Program & Luncheon, hosted by Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. Asher Agency, an advertising and marketing firm, was honored with the Organizational Leadership Award. Holly Barnett, resident program director at Harbour Assisted Living of Fort Wayne, was honored with the ATHENA Young Professional Award. GFW Inc., also announced a partnership with Ambassador Enterprises to create ATHENA Fort Wayne, an affiliate with ATHENA International focused on women’s leadership development, an effort inspired by one of the LFW Class of 2017 Community Action Teams. Keynote speaker Ann Playter, board member and communications chair of ATHENA International, spoke about authentic leadership.
The ATHENA Leadership Awards recognize individuals and organizations that support and advance women’s leadership and provide valuable service to their communities. Twenty-six individuals and organizations were nominated this year.
The ATHENA Leadership Award recipient was Sue Ehinger, chief experience officer at Parkview Health. Ehinger is known for seeking out women who aspire to be leaders and those who may not see they have leadership potential. Despite her busy schedule, Ehinger believes in the value of personal communication and the power of encouragement.
The Organizational Leadership Award was presented to Asher Agency. Despite its male-dominated industry, women make up more than half the staff at Asher Agency, including newly-appointed female president, Kara Kelley. Asher has been a longtime supporter of nonprofits that benefit women and girls, the Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation and Wellspring Interfaith Social Services.
Holly Barnett received the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award. She is resident program director at Harbour Assisted Living of Fort Wayne. Barnett loves making a difference in the lives of elders and their families, and serves as a role model for young women by setting a positive example of hard work, determination and serving others.
Cheri Becker, vice president of GFW Inc., announced the formation of ATHENA Fort Wayne, an affiliate organization of ATHENA International, Ambassador Enterprises and GFW Inc. This affiliate will bring new opportunities for women’s leadership development. Through this collaboration, ATHENA International’s national programs and conferences will be available to affiliate members, along with the benefits of investment and engagement through GFW Inc. ATHENA Fort Wayne has a first-year goal of hosting quarterly events for women’s leadership development. Christophe Dessaigne announced Ambassador Enterprises’ support of ATHENA Fort Wayne’s launch with a $5000 grant.
For more information about ATHENA Fort Wayne or to join, please visit http://athenafw.gfwinc.com. For photos from the event, please visit www.facebook.com/greaterfortwayneinc.
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About ATHENA International
Founded in 1982, ATHENA International’s mission is honoring, developing and supporting women leaders, inspiring women to reach their full leadership potential to create a balance of power worldwide. The Global ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to individuals who have achieved a high degree of professional excellence, have assisted women to develop their full potential by opening up leadership opportunities, and whose body of work has made a national or international impact. To learn more about ATHENA International, visit www.athenainternational.org.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc., focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit www.greaterfortwayneinc.com.
