St. Cloud, MN – The mission of the Athena Award is to recognize and honor central Minnesota women who have achieved excellence in their careers and who inspire others. Criteria for selection include: Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in her business or profession; provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the lives of others in the community; actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.
“We are hoping to receive a number of nominations again this year,” said Athena Committee Chair Lisa Maurer. “It is a great way to honor a woman who has balanced achieving through her profession and giving back to the community,” continued Maurer. Nominations are due by April 28th, 2017 to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation.
To officially nominate a candidate for the Athena Award, nominators must complete a short form and answer the question “Why do you think this woman should be selected as the 2017 Women’s Fund Athena recipient?” based on the criteria for selection. Forms are available at communitygiving.org/athenaaward or by calling Courtney Schmidt at 320-257-9723.
Past winners include Susan Mackert 1988, Colman O’Connell 1989, Peg Meyer 1990, Ann Thelen 1991, Nancy Fischer 1992, Diane Gohman 1993, Diana Murphy Podawiltz 1994, Dorothy Simpson 1995, Cheryl Lightle 1996, Connie Cross 1997, Sonja Sorensen Craig 1998, Patti Gartland 1999, Colette Carlson 2000, Marj Hawkins 2001, Sandy Neutzling 2002, Betty Schnettler 2003, Barb Carlson 2004, Joan Volkmuth 2005, Patt Adair 2008, Jan Bensen 2009, Elaine Bauerly 2010, Cindy Faye Johnson 2011, Molly Renslow 2012, Maxine Barnett 2013, Patricia Welter 2014, Ann Cofell 2015 and Lynn Grewing 2016.
The award is presented by the Women’s Fund and sponsored by Granite Equity Partners. Since 2002, the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has been dedicated to helping women and girls live their best lives. The Women’s Fund has raised over $2.5 million and granted $1 million to community based programs supporting women and girls.
The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) in affiliation with CommunityGiving, is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community. Since 1985, CMCF has grown to over $78 million in assets and awarded over $5.2 million in grants to local non-profits in 2015. CommunityGiving is a partnership of four community foundations, including Alexandria Area Community Foundation, Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, Central Minnesota Community Foundation and Willmar Area Community Foundation. CommunityGiving administers more than 650 funds totaling more than $115 million. Learn more at CommunityGiving.org.