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Athena Awards Banquet 2013
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Thursday Oct 24, 2013
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDTContact Information
Lisa Konicki 401-596-7761
Send EmailAthena Awards Banquet 2013Description
The Athena Award was invented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan, to recognize outstanding business and professional women in the community and to create leadership opportunities for women. Twenty years later, the program continues to honor those who help foster the potential of all women as valued members of and leaders of the community. Nominees are recognized for their community service, excelling in their career/vocation, and demonstrated efforts to help women and achieve leadership roles.
Read about the nominees coming soon.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND GERALDINE CUNNINGHAM ASSOCIATES ANNOUNCE 11th ANNUAL ATHENA AWARD NOMINEES
The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and Geraldine Cunningham Associates are co-sponsoring the 11th Annual ATHENA Award and have announced the 7 nominees. They are:
Alexis Ann- Publisher of The ResidentAlexis earned a double major in Elementary/Special Education and Psychology from Central Connecticut State University in 1973 and her Master of Arts Degree in Interpersonal/Organizational Communication from the University of Montana in 1977. Alexis served in the Army National Guard from 1976 to 1984 and Army Reserves until 1992. In 1976 she was honored with being the first woman to receive a Direct Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the State of Montana. She created her own popular TV show, “On Your Guard.” Alexis received both the Army Commendation Medal and Meritorious Service Medal while serving in the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment. In 1984 she retired as Public Affairs Officer from the 43d Military Police Brigade, Rhode Island Army National Guard with the rank of Captain.
For the past 23 years, Alexis Ann has directed attention to Good News in our community, through her publication The Resident. She features an annual “Women in Business” special issue that focuses on dozens of women luminaries, and many issues include stories on the histories and plans of woman-owned businesses. She chaired the Women’s Symposium for the Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Connecticut for the years 1995 and 1996. She has served on the boards of the Mystic Chamber of Commerce, Big Brothers/Big Sisters (VP of Programs), Family Services and the Mystic Community Center. In 2000, she chaired a successful “Taste of Connecticut” for the Mystic Community Center. She is also a member of the Women’s Network of Southeastern Connecticut. In 2004, Alexis was an Athena nominee for The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, Alexis chaired the Citizen of the Year Gala, raising over $85,000 for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. She is also a L.A.M.B. for L&M Hospital, a Corporator for Chelsea Groton Bank, and a past Corporator for United Community Foundation. In addition, she served as a member of the Athena Award Committee for the Mystic Chamber of Commerce and the Keynote speaker in 2012 for the Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber ATHENA award. She served as a committee member for L&M Hospital’s Fishers Island Golf Tournament and the Well Healed Woman Conference, as well as honorary chair of the Children of the World Mission. Alexis served as a member of the Timber Spears Memorial Fund Committee and served a three-year term on the board of directors for the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. Currently, she serves on the board for Natchaug Hospital. In 2008, Alexis was the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership Award by the Boy Scouts of America; the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award 2011, a finalist for the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year Award for Lions District 23C, and recipient of the Good Neighbor Award 2012 presented by the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.Margaret Austin- Vice President of Clinical Services/Chief Nursing Officer at The Westerly Hospital (retired)
Margaret has 36 years of progressive leadership and administrative experience in the hospital setting. She has a Master of Science in Nursing from University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UCONN. Despite the constant and rapid changes at Westerly Hospital in the last 18 months, and despite the scrutiny, the anxiety, shifts in authority, etc., Margaret’s focus remained on patient care and on the people who manage and provide that care. In her case “CNO” stood not only for Chief Nursing Officer, but also for Chief Nurturing Officer. Margaret led the efforts that resulted in Westerly Hospital’s achievement of ISO9001 certification this Spring, making the hospital the first in New England to reach this certification. She’s a member of the American organization of Nurses Executives, the RI Hospital Association and is affiliated with the American Heart Association. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ocean Community YMCA, is a Past President of the International Lions Club and a Board member of the N. Stonington Lions, she is a committee member and past leader of the Boy Scouts of America.
Karin Barth- Leader of The Cartells, a local band for 27 years
Karin excels at Vocals, Percussion, and Alto Sax. She was a featured vocalist with the renowned “8 to the Bar,” for four years. She recorded 2 albums with the video “Swingin’ School” before leaving to form The Cartells. She donates her band and time to many charities. Prior to her life as an entrepreneur and professional artist, Karin was as CT State Trooper for 2 years. She worked very hard in a predominantly male industry to dispel stereotypes, serve with courage and inspire other women to pursue a career in law enforcement. Karin has testified in CT for legislation that supports the advancement of women, protection of animals and other topics she feels strongly about. She has been an advisor on victim's rights. She serves on the Board of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce for the past 3 years and on their Taste of Mystic Committee and their Annual Dinner Committee. She has produced ceremonies for veterans on flag day. She is a true animal lover and a Founding Member of the Groton Animal Foundation She volunteers at Phoenix Rising doing rescue work for horses and she takes care of the barn cats and places rescues.
Rita Casady- Circulation Marketing Mgr, South County, Providence Journal, retired
She managed the largest internal non union department and had the highest diversity rate. She sought fairness and equity for her staff, securing things like maternity leave for her part-time employees. While involved in Little League, she was one of two women who had their own teams. Rita has 12 years of service to the Rotary Club of Chariho where served on numerous committees and chaired events. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Ocean Community YMCA-Arcadia from 2010-present and was been Vice Chair in 2012, Reach Out to Youth Division Chair 2009-2013 and has served on the Fund Development Committee, Board Development Committee, Membership And Program Committee. Other groups she has supported include the Exeter-West Greenwich Girls Softball, Exeter-West Greenwich Little League, and RI Blood Center. She’s a past Board member of the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce, and was a Democracy Compact Fellow 2000. She was the YWCA Outstanding Woman 1986 and 2004, and received numerous Rotary awards including being named a Paul Harris Fellow, the Rotary’s highest award.
Rosemary Kingsbury-Rosemarie S. Kingsbury, CAP-OM- Senior Administrative Professional, Hoyt, Filippeti & Malaghan, LLC
Rosemarie service in the United States Army from 1977 to 1980. She was one of the first women to train with the men at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. While in Advanced Individual Training she was retired from the Corps and enlisted into the Regular Army as one of the first women to be called Soldier. From 1986 to 2012, Rosemarie was employed by Sansiveri, Kimball & Co, LLP as an administrative professional. During this time she honed her skills and knowledge and became active in the International Association of Administrative Professionals. She obtained the IAAP Member of Excellence status for the years 2008- 2013. Since 2005 she has been active in the advancement of women in 15 states through mentoring in this organization. Her volunteer roles include Charter Member, Secretary, Treasurer and then serving as President of the SE CT Shoreline Chapter. She presently serves as Treasurer, Vice President. Other community service activities include: Secretary, BSA Troop 21, 2008-Present, Treasurer, BSA Pack 1 Ashaway, 2003-2006, Captain, Relay for Life team, and Captain, American Heart Walk for Sansiveri, Kimball & Co, LLP team
Diana Serra-Diana L Serra- Westerly Town Council President, former Owner/Director./Head Teacher of Westerly Preschool
Diana taught and nurtured Westerly children for over 30 years. She received the Napatree Business & Professional Women of Achievement Award in 1999. She’s served 3 consecutive terms on the Westerly Town Council, and was the second female in Westerly history to be voted as Council President. She has encouraged other women to get involved in local politics by her friendly, no-nonsense, open minded approach to government. In her capacity as Town Council President, she has been at the helm to deal with a historic 500 year flood and Superstorm Sandy. She has served on numerous boards and committees and as council liaison to a myriad of associations and agencies including the Westerly Senior Center, the Westerly Airport Corporation, Westerly Hospital Community Committee and Chamber of Commerce and the North End Crime Watch reading program. She has been an active supporter of the Adult Day Services of Westerly, and Westerly Public Library. Diana served 10 years on the Westerly School Committee. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology/education and a Master of Arts in early childhood education.
Lydia Teixeira-Vice President, Hi-Tech Profiles, Inc.
Lydia is the co-owner of the Hopkinton Industrial park, a 250,000 square foot building that houses seven tenants, technology and science-based companies. She is the co-owner of 3 other businesses that are housed in the Park, as well as The Pavilion restaurant in Hopkinton. Together, these businesses employ 160 people. Lydia has been a driving force for creating jobs and she helped mentor and coach the women of Hi-Tech Profiles. Lydia’s community service includes volunteering as a presenter at Career Day at the Stonington High School, providing guidance and exploration in career development. She served on the Board of The Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce for 6 years where she was active with several committees. She was active with the Pawcatuck Neighborhood center for years and provided Thanksgiving turkeys for families in need. In January 2011 she was a major contributor to a 14 passenger wheelchair accessible bus for seniors at the PNC. Lydia was the recipient of the 2010 Good Neighbor Award by the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center.
All nominees have been certified by the committee as having met the following criteria to be considered for the Award:
1. Nominee assists women in realizing their full leadership potential. This can be done in the form of mentoring, providing employment opportunities, or any other demonstration of investment in the welfare, professional or otherwise, of women.
2. Nominee demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession.
3. Nominee provides valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
4. Nominee must live and/or work in the Greater Westerly/Pawcatuck-Stonington/Richmond/Hopkinton/Wood River Junction/Wyoming/Charlestown community.
“The committee was truly impressed with the caliber of the nominees. All seven nominees are quite exceptional, and deserve to be recognized for their incredible contributions,” stated Gerry Cunningham of Geraldine Cunningham Associates. “We salute the accomplishments of these extraordinary women and are proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of this prestigious award” she added. Each of the 7 nominees were recently visited and informed with the news that they had been nominated for this prestigious award. Bouquets of flowers were presented to each.
All nominees are to be revered for their fine contributions, and one will be honored in a special way at the ATHENA Award Dinner on October 24, 2013, 6:00pm at the Lake of Isles Golf Course. The honoree will receive a 14 inch sculpture and the opportunity to join the hundreds of ATHENA winners worldwide at the next ATHENA International conference.
Keynote Speaker for the event is Faye Parenteau. As Custom Publications Editor for The Day Publishing Company, Faye Parenteau serves as the editor for Mystic Country, Sound & Country, Grace Magazine, and Go Westerly. She considers it a privilege to have worked in community newspapers in Rhode Island and Connecticut for more than a decade. Her writing and design work have been recognized by the Rhode Island Press Association, the New England Press Association, the New England Associated Press News Executives Association and the Connecticut Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. She serves on the board of directors of the Garde Arts Center in New London and has a 6-year-old son. She believes everyone has a story to tell.
Three $500 Scholarships will also be awarded as part of the evening’s celebration:
ATHENA Scholarship presented to a local youth with exemplary scholastic achievements and demonstrates the ATHENA principles of helping other women achieve leadership roles.
Falguni B. Hauser Memorial Scholarship to a local youth with exemplary scholastic achievements and meets the requirements of being actively involved in the arts.
Joan A Stanley Memorial Scholarship presented to a local youth with exemplary scholastic achievements and meet the requirements of community service.
Tickets are $45 and are available on a first-come, first serve basis. The event is open to the public. For more information, contact Lisa Konicki at 401-596-7761.Tell a Friend
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