The prestigious ATHENA award is given annually to women in communities around the United States to recognize leaders individuals who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, devote time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and forge paths of leadership for other women to follow.

The first six ATHENA recipients were: Nancee Scott, retired Vice President of Retail Sales, Seneca Falls Savings Bank; Dr. Jane McCaffrey, Finger Lakes Medical Associates; Lucile Mallard, Finger Lakes Misdemeanor Drug Court Resource Coordinator; Lara Chatel Turbide, vice president Community Services at Finger Lakes Health; Mary Boatfield, Chief Executive Officer of Happiness House, and Dr. Margaret P. Kennedy, Child and Adolescent Licensed Psychologist.

The 2011 Nominees: Arlene Francis, Interim Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club of Geneva; Jan Regan, Owner, Jan Regan Photography; Victoria Record, Finger Lakes Health, Director of Education and Dean of the Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing; and Lisa Ventura-Stanton, Director, Major and Annual Gifts, Finger Lakes Health Foundation

A dinner to recognize the nominees and present the 2011 award recipient is scheduled for September 8, 2011 at Club 86.  Mike Barnard Chevrolet Buick, located on Hamilton Street in Geneva, is the founding sponsor of the event.