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At reception nominators tout Athena nominees

This year’s Athena Award nominees are, front row, from left, Anna Conner, nominated by Lauren Wilkie; Elizabeth Willson Moss, nominated by Sharon Tirrell; Gale Hoots, nominated by Marcia Cunningham; Sonya Jones, nominated by Leslie Carey; and Corrine Illes, nominated by Jen McDonald; back row, Jennifer Balkcom, nominated by Melanie Fridal; Gloria Jackson “Glo” Nock, nominated by Julie Huneycutt and Morgan Grindstaff; Brett Hulsey, nominated by an anonymous community member; Peggy Allen, nominated by Harriett Hilton and Julie Huneycutt; and Michelle Cervantez, nominated by Amy Cervantez. [AMY MUNIZ/Chamber of Commerce]

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 28, 2024

The 10 nominees for the 2024 Athena Award were honored during a reception last week during which their nominators described their achievements in business and professional roles, their service to the community and, most importantly, their mentorship and support of women to achieve their full leadership potential.

After a welcome by Teresa Edwards, the McDonald’s franchise owner and the event’s sponsor, Andrea Little Gray described “Vanessa’s Vision” — how her late mother, Vanessa Y. Mintz,  brought the program to Henderson County in 2008.

Julie Huneycutt, the Hope Coalition founder and 2023 Athena winner, reflected on her year representing the women’s leadership program. Caroline Long Tindall, the St. Gerard House founder and 2014 Athena winner, made closing remarks. Presentation of this year’s winner will take place at the Business & Professional Women’s Luncheon at Blue Ridge Community College on Tuesday, April 23. Keynote speaker is Molly Grantham, a news anchor, author, speaker and mom.