ATHENA INTERNATIONAL
is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
FOUNDED IN 1982
by Martha Mayhood Hertz
ATHENA'S MISSION
Supporting, developing and honoring women leaders
AWARDS
The Athena Award & The Young Professional Leadership Award
2020 Nominations
THE NOMINATION PERIOD HAS CLOSED
The ATHENA Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of Plato’s “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.” Over 6,000 recipients have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982. Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship of women distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
Martha Mertz developed her vision for ATHENA International 36 years ago while serving on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce. As the only woman on the Board, she quickly recognized that the Chamber’s boardroom did not reflect the reality of the business community.
Hear from our 2019 finalists and their views on leadership and giving back