-
Athena Awards Banquet 2014
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Thursday Oct 23, 2014
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDTThursday, October 23, 2014
Location
Lake of Isles
1 Clubhouse DriveNorth Stonington, CT 06359Contact Information
Lisa Konicki 401-596-7761
Send EmailAthena Awards Banquet 2014Description
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.
Event to take place October 23 at Lake of Isles.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND GERALDINE CUNNINGHAM ASSOCIATES ANNOUNCE 12th ANNUAL ATHENA AWARD NOMINEES
The Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce and Geraldine Cunningham Associates are co-sponsoring the 12th Annual ATHENA Award and have announced the 7 nominees. They are:
Sarah Baker, Coordinator of Bash at the Beach girls softball tournament for Westerly Girls Softball and substitute teacher in Westerly Schools.
Sarah is the volunteer organizer of the annual Bash on the Beach softball tournament for the past 6 years, and former vice president of the Westerly Girls Softball League. She is selfless in her devotion to the League and dedicated to insuring that girls softball continues to grow in Westerly. In 2014 the Bash for the Beach had 66 teams from six states playing 138 games and using 15 fields. This league is now designated as the largest American Softball Association tourney played in Rhode Island She started as a coach, then expanded her role by directing the annual Bash on the Beach tournament. The economic impact of this league is significant as 700 families spend a weekend in July in our community, supporting the local businesses. Additionally, The tournament raised about $10,000 this year with proceeds benefiting various fields, athletic programs, the purchase of needed equipment and scholarships to players who otherwise could not play. Sarah is selfless in her devotion to the League. She believes that helping young women to be competitive, and supporting her kids activities is very important. Her other community service includes volunteering at Christ Church as a Sunday school teacher for 14 years, and served as a Volunteer Aid and recess aid at State Street School. She volunteered for 4 all night drug free graduation parties in Westerly, and was the Chair of one of them. She volunteered for a mentoring program, assisting a boy for 7 years. She was a volunteer coach for a co-ed soccer team for 2 years. Sarah is a parent of 4 daughters and a son. She resides in Westerly.
Anabel Collado-Montalbano, Wellness Coordinator, Westerly Fitness. Anabel had a successful career for years in the casino – Executive Host, Sr. Executive Host and then worked in event planning, all while being passionate about fitness. She is a licenced Zumba instructor and loves teaching. She joined Westerly Fitness is the only female trainer and the lead instructor. She helps other women achieve their goals every day. Weight loss is a very personal challenge and Anabel helps women gain confidence, and become more comfortable with their bodies. She teaches them how to live differently , through diet and exercise, so they will have a better quality of life. Anabel immerses herself in the community by volunteering. She coordinates groups of zumba instructors to donate their time and coordinate fundraisers that benefit worthy causes. She raised several thousands of dollars to help “Bring Back the Beach” in 2013. She is organized a series of celebrity bartending events that raised over $30,000 for 18 organizations. She is coordinating a Zumba-thon for the American Heart Association in September 2014 and is very active promoting all of their programs. Anabel donates her time each week to host a radio show on WBLQ. She talks about fitness, healthy living, upcoming health related activities in town, etc. She Studied Metaphysical Theology with a minor in Grief Counseling at International College of Metaphysical Theology. She has an Associates Degree in Hospitality from Johnson & Wales University She is also a Minister. She is a resident of Westerly.
Alison Patton, Director of the Westerly Band and classroom teacher/music teacher at Westerly Preschool since 1987.
From a young age, many local children have witnessed and benefited from Alison’s knowledge, kindness, creativity, and energy. Alison is a ground-breaker for women’s leadership. Since taking over the Band, she has increased the concert schedule to at least 20 gigs per year, and has expanded the repertoire to appeal to ever-growing variety of musical tastes. Alison is committed to making music enjoyable and accessible to children as well as adults, and the concerts include the now-famous “teddy bear” concert and other family-themed band shows. She continually works to increase the musical development of the largely non-professional band members, as well as assistant conductors. By providing real-life opportunities for young people, Alison helps to ensure the future of arts in the community and beyond. Simply by leading the band, Alison demonstrates and is a role model for anyone, including women, in leadership. Seeing a woman flourishing in such leadership paves the way for others to consider non-typical arenas. She is a Choir member and Sunday School teacher at Christ Church in Westerly for many years. At the Chorus of Westerly Children’s Summer Camp each year in August, Alison continues a tradition of service and teaching both at the swimming area and the boating area. Alison was recently made an Honorary Member of the Westerly Armory in recognition of her involvement there. Alison is a resident of Westerly.
Susan Rizzo Vincent, Founder and President of the Board of Directors, Andrea Rizzo Foundation, and retired teacher.
Susan has had a long and rewarding career as an elementary school teacher. She began her first book, Dréa’s Dream: An Unfinished Dance, upon her only child’s request. Susan and her daughter had decided to share their journey as a close-knit mother-daughter team. Together they conquered the challenges of Andréa’s bout with childhood cancer and learning disabilities. When Andréa became a Special Education teacher for second grade students in Narragansett, Rhode Island and had begun her graduate studies in dance therapy (a lifelong dancer), it seemed like the perfect time to start their project. With identical writing journals in hand they began to outline what they hoped would be an inspiration for many young people who had faced the same challenges. On May 19, 2002, Andréa was killed by a drunk driver at age 24. Susan Founded The Andréa Rizzo Foundation a non-profit, organization that funds Dréa’s Dream pediatric dance therapy program for children with cancer and special needs in schools, hospitals and medical settings nationwide. Programming funded through this Foundation presently takes place in schools and hospitals in 10 states
Susan is a 2013 International Book Awards Finalist – Non Fiction Narrative, and a 2013 USA Best Book Awards Finalist – Non Fiction Narrative. She has received many Awards in recognition of her efforts, including the Women of Vision and Courage Award from Salve Regina University where she earned an Expressive Arts Institute certificate , a “Women Who Inspire Us” Award – from Woman’s Day magazine, an Outstanding Achievement Award from The American Dance Therapy Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Rhee Gold’s Dance Life Annual Conference an Open Hearts Award presented at the Inaugural Gala of Jane Seymour’s Open Hearts Foundation in Malibu, California and other recognitions.She is a resident of Charlestown.
Lori Harrison, Vice President and Wealth Management Officer, Washington Trust Company
Lori has over 32 years experience in the area of trust management and her responsibilities include managing a large number of wealth management relationships with a focus on the elderly and special needs. She is a trusted professional who works with clients to manage their finances, estate and financial plans. She takes a personal interest in her clients, and many consider her a friend or an extended part of the family. Lori received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Providence College, graduating magna cum laude. She also attended the New England School of Banking Trust Program at Williams College. She has provided for her family, gone back to school to continue her education, maintained excellent client relations, and yet still made time for extensive community service. She has served as the Treasurer of the Estate & Tax Planning Council of Eastern CT, elected by her peers. Her dedication to Stand Up For Animals has been incredible, having served on the Board for years and moved through the ranks to President, and is presently the Treasurer. She is credited for her extensive efforts to support the capitol campaign to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter in Westerly. She is Vice President of the Chariho Westerly Animal Rescue League and a member of the Board of Managers of the Arcadia YMCA. She is a loving mom of 4 special children and has 1 grandchild. She is a resident of Ashaway.
Sandy Maniscalco, Vice President and Co-Founder, Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. Sandy was a trainer, drill sergeant and administrative personnel sergeant in the Connecticut National Guard. She retired from a long career at Pfizer where she was employed as the Regulatory Affairs Coordinator and later promoted to the Director of Clinical Systems. She Co-Founded the TBBCF in 2006 with Norma Logan with the promise of 100% of donation dollars being directly allocated to cutting edge research. Since its inception, over 2.7 million dollars has been awarded to researchers via a grant process. Sandy is the nucleus of TBBCF volunteerism and her drive and energy is contagious. Her passion is a job well done. She has been a walker, walk pit stop Team Captain, registration team captain, monthly newsletter producer and more. She serves on the web site committee, Board of Governance committee, handles sponsorship outreach and has led community outreach. She coordinated fundraising walks and runs for various outreach groups including the Maddy Fund 5Kwhere she is a lifetime member of Team Sam in honor of her nephew who has battled epilepsy most of his young life. She has volunteered her time providing support to women going through cancer, and to their families. She is a profoundly loyal woman who is committed to serving her family, friends and the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. For 1 year, she volunteered as a small group facilitator at the Consortium for Women’s Career Development and Training. For a year, she was a mentor to woman with a challenging family situation as part of Stephen Ministries, Church of the Immaculate Conecption. She is the author of a children’s book, “A Gift for Marsandale Forest,” and she co-wrote a cookbook, “Culinary Treasures from the Calabrian Aunts.” Sandy has an MA in Educational Leadership with a minor of Educational Psychology from UCONN. She resides in Westerly.
Alisa Morrison, PhD, Environmental Engineer and Consultant
Alisa is a Graduate of Tufts University, BSCE, Civil Engineering and has her PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Rhode Island. She was a very well respected and popular Professor full time at 3 Rivers College for over 10 years. Students were always in her office and she took particular care to encourage the females that were enrolled in this traditionally male oriented field. She balanced career and family, raising 2 very accomplished daughters and lead by example. She worked at Cherenzia & Associates for several years. She is a highly intelligent, passionate community member who is active in local politics and not afraid of controversial topics. Alisa instead favors airing things out in a public arena so that the entire community knows what is happening . She supports strong, intelligent women and has devoted time working on campaigns for State Rep. Diana Urban and Town Selectman Glee McAnanly. Her extensive community service includes: Elected 2 terms on the Stonington Board of Education, served on the Town of Stonington Athletic Fields Task Force, the Town of, the Town of Stonington Planning & Zoning Board for 9 years, the Inlands Wetlands Commission for 7 years where she currently serves as Vice Chair. She started the Affordable Housing Committee in Stonington. She served on Home Connecticut for 2 years, working on affordable housing issues throughout the state of CT. She is Past Chairman of Deans Mill School PTO, and she volunteered to teach a Girls in Technology program after school. She is a supporter of the Mystic YMCA and is a member of their Heritage Club. She served on the Building Committee and helped with the Reach out to Youth Campaign. She was on the Board of the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association for many years where she organized their lecture series, coordinated their annual meeting and served as Secretary for a year. She resides in Stonington.
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 23, 2014, 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 Mohegan Tribe Chief, Lynn Malerba. Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba became the 18th Chief of the Mohegan Tribe on August 15, 2010, and is the first female Chief in the tribe’s modern history. The position is a lifetime appointment made by the Tribe’s Council of Elders. Lynn follows in footsteps of many strong female role models in the Mohegan Tribe, including her mother, Loretta Roberge, who holds the position of Tribal Nonner (elder female of respect) as well as her great-grandfather Chief Matagha (Burrill Fielding). Prior to becoming Chief, she served as Chairwoman of the Tribal Council, and also worked in Tribal Government as Executive Director of Health and Human Services. Preceding her work for the for the Mohegan Tribe, Lynn had a lengthy career as a registered nurse ultimately as the Director of Cardiology and Pulmonary Services at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Connecticut, an honorary doctorate from St. Joseph College in Hartford and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Yale University.
US Attorney General Eric Holder named Chief Malerba as one of fourteen tribal leaders in the Justice Department’s Tribal Nations Leadership Council (TNLC), and she also is Chairwoman of the Tribal Self-Governance Advisory Committee of the federal Indian Health Service (IHS).
Locally she serves as a Trustee for Chelsea Groton Bank and served on the Board of Directors for Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for 11 years.
Two $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. Scholarship applications are available at The Chamber office, and September 15, noon, is the deadline to apply.
Athena Youth Scholarship Application
Falguni Hauser Memorial Youth Scholarship Application
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.
Athena Invite
Athena Reply Card
Tell a Friend
-
Gateway to Southern Rhode Island and Southeastern Connecticut