2025 ATHENA Akron Leadership Awards Program * November 5, 2025 *
2025-11-05 17:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn 3180 West Market Street Akron, OH 44333, 3180 West Market Street, Akron, OH, 44333, United States
Join us as we honor the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients and Finalists at a dinner and awards program on Wednesday, November 5, 2025!

ATHENA Akron, Inc. will honor the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipients and Finalist Honorees at a dinner and awards program on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. The event recognizes exemplary women leaders for their professional achievement, community involvement, and for actively assisting women in reaching their full leadership potential. This year’s Leadership Award recipients will join more than 80 local women leaders who have been honored as Recipients or Finalists of this important award.

Congratulations to the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient:
Elizabeth Bartz
President and CEO, State and Federal Communications, Inc.

Congratulations to the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award Finalist Honorees:
Kristen M. Scalise, CPA, CFE
Summit County Fiscal Officer
Aimee R. Wade
Executive Director, County of Summit ADM Board
Julie A. Weagraff, MNO, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio

Congratulations to the 2025 Young Professional Leadership Award Recipients:
Lauren Marsh
Assistant to the Mayor for Community Relations
Casey Shevlin
The City’s First Director of Sustainability and Resilience

Congratulations to the 2025 Young Professional Leadership Award Finalist Honorees:
Valerie Murphy Daugherty
Owner, Valerie Murphy Counseling and Consulting, LLC
Kelly Unger
Marketing Senior, CliftonLarsonAllen

Congratulations to the 2025 ATHENA Organizational Award Recipient:
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
Rochelle D. Sibbio
President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Summit County

For sponsorship availabilities or more information regarding the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Awards program, email Stephanie Walton at sntwalton@gmail.com.

2025 Menu Options:
Main Entrees
Chicken Marsala – Sauteed Breast of Chicken with Wild Mushroom Marsala Sauce, Rice Pilaf, Seasonal Vegetables, Pre-Dressed House Salad
Baked Cod with Beurre Blanc – Fresh Cod, Baked and Topped with Beurre Blanc Sauce (GF), Rice Pilaf, Vegetable Medley, Pre-Dressed House Salad
VeganGrilled Portabella Mushrooms with Roasted Potatoes and Grilled Vegetables
Children’s MealChicken Tenders, French Fries, and Children’s Fruit Cup
DessertChef’s Choice

IMPORTANT TICKET INFORMATION
1) When completing your ‘order form’ (name, email and meal preference) – just type NA if the field does not apply to you (i.e. no guest 1, 2, 3 and/or no child’s ticket)
2) Each ‘order form‘ for tickets has space for info for 3 guests. If you are purchasing more than 3 guest tickets, please re-start a new order for guests 4, 5, and 6 (so that we can capture your additional guests’ full name, menu choice, and email). Please call or email Val if you have any questions – (330) 338-3136 / vapickett59@gmail.com.

ATHENA Akron in Portage County Lunch Forum: "Taking A Risk..Stepping Beyond
2025-11-19 11:30 - 13:15 | Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center, 215 S Depeyster Street, Kent, OH, 44240, United States
Register Now! Join us on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM – Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center

Join us as we welcome members and guests to our ATHENA Akron in Portage County Leadership Forum. Our program features “Insiders” who know the answers to your questions about ‘Taking a Risk…Stepping Beyond Comforter to Discover What’s Possible’

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | ATHENA Akron in Portage County Leadership Forum
Please RSVP By: Tuesday, November 18
Leadership Topic: “Taking A Risk… Stepping Beyond Comfort To Discover What’s Possible”

Join us as we welcome members and guests to an ATHENA Akron in Portage County Leadership Forum. Our program features “Insiders” who know the answers to your questions about Taking Risks.
Insider: Fran Doll, Founder, Superior Staffing and Grandparents Against Sex Predators (GASP)
Insider: Rev. Amy C. Gopp , Senior Minister, United Church of Christ of Kent
Insider: Amy Mucha, Owner of Daisy Pops/Makes
Moderator: Tami Bolder, CPA, ABV, ASA, MBA, DBA Director, CBIZ Valuation Group, LLC

Wednesday, November 19, 202511:30 AM – 1:15 PM
Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center215 S Depeyster St,
Kent, OH 44240
ATHENA Akron Member: $40 | ATHENA Akron Member’s Guest: $35 | Non-Member: $45

Q&A w/a Notable Leader: Jane Bond, Board President of the Makeshift Theater
2025-12-17 12:00 - 13:00 | ATHENA Akron, Inc., 2106 Braewick Cir Ste 202, Akron, OH, 44313, United States
ATHENA Akron

Join ATHENA Akron virtually via Zoom as we welcome Jane Bond, Board President of the Makeshift Theater. Jane will tell us her story and answer questions from our moderator. Becky Guzy. Chat will be open for questions from our attendees and the host is Susan Kosco.
Cost: There is no charge for this program; however, donations are welcome. A portion of your donation goes to non-profits that positively impact the lives of women in our community.
An email containing a private Zoom link and a copy of Jane’s full bio will be sent to all registrants on Tuesday evening, December 16th.

Joyful Leadership!
2026-01-09 11:30 - 13:15 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
Fri. January 9. 2026 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM — ‘Joyful Leadership!’

Join us at the January 2026 Akron Leadership Lunch Forum featuring “Insiders” who know the answers to your questions about: Joyful Leadership!

MODERATOR:
Judge Joy Malek Oldfield — Judge, Summit County Common Pleas Court; Presiding Judge, Turning Point Program
INSIDERS:
Jessica W. Bader, LSW — Director of Business Development, Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities
Darlene A. Shuler, M.A., M.Ed. — Akron Community Foundation with Akron Public Schools Middle School CCAA Partner Liaison, College & Career Academies
Jasmina D. Waters— Senior Director, The University of Akron

TICKETS: Event Patron $75 | ATHENA Akron Member: $40 | ATHENA Akron Member’s Guest: $35 | Non-Member: $45
Registration is open now.

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.

ATHENA Akron PM - Akron Children’s Museum - hosted by Traci Buckner
2026-01-21 16:30 - 19:00 | Akron Children’s Museum, 216 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an after-hours event hosted by Traci Buckner, Executive Director, Akron Children’s Museum

Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an after-hours event hosted by Traci Buckner, Executive Director, Akron Children’s Museum.
Go to https://akronkids.org/contact-us/staff to view a full listing of the Akron Children’s Museum staff.

January 21, 2025 – 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
216 S. Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
Parking Info
Parking is available in the O’Neil’s/State Street Parking Deck at 51 W. State Street (behind Barley House). Please take a ticket on your way in, and we will provide you with a pass to scan on your exit for free parking. After you park, take the elevator in the parking deck to level (B). When you exit the elevator, follow the posted signs directing you into the museum

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Optional Tour
5 PM – 5:30 PM
Meet and Greet
5:30PM – 6:15 PM
Welcome
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Connections & Relationship Building with ATHENA Akron members & guests

Members may bring a guest for only a $5 additional fee.

TICKETS: ATHENA Akron Member: $10 | Non-Member: $15 | ATHENA Akron Member and Guest: $15

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.

Connect With Women Leaders at ATHENA Akron's 11th Annual Meeting
2026-01-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Mustard Seed Market – Highland Square Event Room, 867 West Market Street, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
Meet and connect with Greater Akron’s Established Women Leaders at
ATHENA Akron’s 11th Annual Meeting!

Please join us on January 29th, for our Annual Meeting. Enjoy connecting with fellow members and guests, as we gather together to kick off the brand new year of ATHENA Akron 2026!

During the annual meeting portion of our evening, ATHENA Akron members will vote on the proposed slate of officers for 2026.

Cost: $20 per ticket. All members and guests are invited to attend.

Stronger Together: Collaboration for Impact!
2026-02-06 11:30 - 13:15 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
Fri. February 6. 2026 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM — ‘Stronger Together: Collaboration for Impact!’

Welcome to Stronger Together: Collaboration for Impact!
Join us at Portage Country Club on February 6, 2026 at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an event focused on the power of collaboration.
Let’s come together to share ideas, network, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is for you!
Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

MODERATOR
Sandra (Sandy) Haskell, MAOL, CAVS, CVA – Manager of Volunteer Services and Community Relations, University Hospitals Portage Medical Center
INSIDERS
Julie Carneal—Chief Executive Officer, OPEN M
Cindy DiLauro, CPTD, PHR—Training Strategist I Leadership Architect I Owner,Flying Starship, LLC
Charmaine Rice, M.A.— SVP Learning, Development and Diversity, AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.
Torey S. Tolson—Community Involvement Consultant (OH/MD/WV), FirstEnergy

TICKETS: Event Patron $75 | ATHENA Akron Member: $40 | ATHENA Akron Member’s Guest: $35 | Non-Member: $45
Registration open now….

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.

ATHENA Akron Honors Established Women Leaders New to Their Positions
2026-02-17 17:30 - 19:30 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
ATHENA Akron Honors Established Women Leaders New to Their Positions – February 17, 2026 – 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

The Courage To Be You - Vulnerability as a Path to Connection
2026-03-06 11:30 - 13:15 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States

ATHENA Akron PM - State & Federal Communications Hosted by Elizabeth Bartz
2026-03-24 16:30 - 19:00 | State and Federal Communications, 222 South Main Street, #Suite 300, Akron, OH, 44308, United States
Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an after-hours event hosted by Elizabeth Bartz, President & CEO of State & Federal Communication

March 24, 2026 – 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
222 S. Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
Parking Details
“Parking for 222 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308, includes the O’Neils (State St.) Parking Deck (200 S High St), Main/Buchtel Surface Lot (285 S Main St), with metered street parking free after 6 PM.”

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Meet and Greet
5:30PM – 6:15 PM
Welcome
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Connections & Relationship Building with ATHENA Akron members & guests

Members may bring a guest for only a $5 additional fee.

TICKETS: ATHENA Akron Member: $10 | Non-Member: $15 | ATHENA Akron Member and Guest: $15

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.

ATHENA Akron in Portage County Lunch Forum: Purpose-Driven Leadership
2026-04-15 11:30 - 13:15 | Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center, 215 S Depeyster Street, Kent, OH, 44240, United States
Register Now! Join us on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM – Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center

Join us as we welcome members and guests to our ATHENA Akron in Portage County Leadership Forum. Our program features “Insiders” who know the answers to your questions about “Purpose-Driven Leadershp: Changing Society for the Greater Good”

Women in Leadership - Becoming an Agent of Change
2026-05-01 11:30 - 13:15 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
Fri. May 1. 2026 — 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM — ‘Women in Leadership – Becoming an Agent of Change’

Welcome to Women in Leadership – Becoming an Agent of Change
Join us at Portage Country Club on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an event focused on Becoming an Agent of Change!
Let’s come together to share ideas, network, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is for you!
Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

ATHENA Akron PM - BOUNCE Innovation Hub - hosted by Jessica Sublett
2026-05-20 16:30 - 19:00 | Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 South Main Street, Akron, OH, 44311, United States
Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an after-hours event hosted by Jessica Sublett, CEO, BOUNCE Innovation Hub

Wednesday, May 20, 2026
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
526 S. Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44311

Venue Information:
· South on Main Street
· Under the skybridge to GOJO HQ on left
· Turn right on W. Falor St. into Canal Place – see sign for 526 S. Main
· One long brick building
· See BOUNCE building on left – sign on corner
· See steps to entry door – and also long ramp to entrance
· Open surface parking across from entrance

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Meet and Greet
5:30PM – 6:15 PM
Welcome
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Connections & Relationship Building with ATHENA Akron members & guests

Members may bring a guest for only a $5 additional fee.

TICKETS: ATHENA Akron Member: $10 | Non-Member: $15 | ATHENA Akron Member and Guest: $15

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.

18th Annual ATHENA Akron's 2026 Women's Leadership Day Luncheon
2026-06-17 11:30 - 13:00 | Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Join Us on June 17, 2026 at the 18th Annual ATHENA Akron's 2026 Women's Leadership Day Luncheon

Invite an emerging woman leader to join you to mentor and celebrate as we participate in roundtable discussions about each person’s leadership journey and what they want to achieve. Many established women leaders at each table will help the emerging women leaders make connections, find resources and get clarity about their next steps.

Rebecca Guzy Woodford, Community Advocate, Past President BOD ATHENA Akron, and Retired Sr. EVP, Greater Akron Chamber, will emcee the event.
Torey S. Tolson, FirstEnergy Corp, Community Involvement Consultant (OH/MD/WV Region), will present the keynote welcome.

Elevating the Voices and Influence of Women Leaders Across Generations
2026-07-10 11:30 - 13:15 | Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Fri. July 10. 2026 — 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM –Elevating the Voices and Influence of Women Leaders Across Generations

***PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE***
Welcome to Elevating the Voices and Influence of Women Leaders Across Generations!
Join us at FAIRLAWN Country Club on Friday, July 10, 2026, at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an event focused on the Influence of Women Leaders Across Generations!
Let’s come together to share ideas, network, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is for you!
Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

Women's Wellness -- Promoting a Healthier Version of You
2026-08-07 11:30 - 13:15 | Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Akron, OH, 44313, United States
Fri. August 7. 2026 — 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM –Women's Wellness — Techniques for Promoting a Healthier Version of You

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
Welcome to Women’s Wellness — Techniques for Promoting a Healthier Version of You!
Join us at FAIRLAWN Country Club on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an event focused on Women’s Wellness — Promote a Healthier You!
Let’s come together to share ideas, network, and learn from each other. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is for you!
Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

Women Shaping Tomorrow -- Leading with Vision and Courage
2026-09-04 11:30 - 13:15 | Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH, 44303, United States
Fri. September 4. 2026 — 11:30 AM to 1:15 PM –Women Shaping Tomorrow –Leading with Vision and Courage

PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE
Welcome to Women Shaping Tomorrow — Leading with Vision and Courage.
Join us at PORTAGE COUNTRY CLUB on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time) for an event focused on Leading with Vision and Courage.
Established and emerging women leaders and community women professionals are invited to meet and share thoughts and experiences. You’ll be inspired, energized, and open to new ideas and opportunities as we connect at this special event.
Get ready to be inspired, connect with like-minded individuals, and make a difference. Together, we can achieve great things!

ATHENA Akron PM - Davey Tree -The SEED Training Center
2026-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Davey Tree – The SEED Training Session, 6700 State Route 43 - Kent, Ohio, Akron, OH, 44444, United States
Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an
After Hours event hosted by Sandra Reid, Executive Vice President, Davey Tree

Join members and guests of ATHENA Akron for an after-hours event hosted by Sandra Reid, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning, Davey Tree.
Thursday, September 24, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
6700 State Route 43
Kent, Ohio 44240
Attire
Attendees encouraged to dress comfortably and wear
walking shoes
Parking Info
Park in the Visitor Designated Spots at the SEED
Training Center

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Meet and Greet/Refreshments
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
Welcome and Introduction of Host for Remarks
5:45 PM – 6:30 PM
Short Intro Program followed by Tour
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Follow-up Meet and Greet/Refreshments
7:00 PM
Close by Thanking Attendees

Members may bring a guest for only a $5 additional fee.

TICKETS: ATHENA Akron Member: $10 | Non-Member: $15 | ATHENA Akron Member and Guest: $15

ATHENA Akron, Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect established women leaders, provide emerging women leaders with access to established women leaders, and to offer programs for leadership development.
Registrants and their guests agree to allow ATHENA Akron to use their likeness in photographs taken at the event unless they have otherwise notified ATHENA Akron in writing.
