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Chamber honors Athena Award winner

Rebecca McCall is pictured above with Andrea Little Gray and Jessica Freeman, Vanessa Mintz’s daughters and Vanessa’s Vision cofounders. The Athena Award in Henderson County is presented each year in memory of Vanessa Mintz. [PHOTO BY ROBIN REED]

By Bill Moss, Published: April 24, 2025

Rebecca McCall, who has helped to create programs to mentor high school students, expand daycare availability and teach every child to swim, and who organized the county's emergency supplies warehouse after Helene, was honored as the winner of the 2025 Athena Leadership Award during the Business & Professional Women’s Luncheon on Wednesday.

For the past 18 years, the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce has presented the ATHENA award to a leader in our community who has dedicated themselves to professional excellence, community service and the empowerment of women into leadership roles. This year’s presenting sponsors were UNC Health Pardee, Hunter Automotive and Stuller Power Solutions

“It is amazing to recognize our recipients each year,” said Sherri Holbert, chair of the EmpowerHer Committee. “Our community is blessed to include many women who give back and make a positive difference in so many ways.”

McCall’s leadership is defined by her fierce advocacy for her community and unwavering commitment to making a difference. Her career, spanning disaster recovery, workforce development and education, showcases her ability to act with purpose and vision. She passionately led the grassroots initiative to get a 150,000-square-foot central distribution warehouse up and running following Hurricane Helene, ensuring those in need received food, water and critical supplies.

In 2024, McCall fiercely advocated for local youth by launching the Pathfinders Mentor Program, providing them with the guidance and opportunities they deserve. Her dedication to child welfare is also evident in the Safety Around Water Program, which has taught thousands of second graders in Henderson County vital water safety skills. 

A county commissioner since 2018, McCall served as chair of the board in 2023-24. She has fought for sustainable growth and community development and was the board's leader during both Helene and the Edneyville wildfire in 2023. A staunch advocate for education, local agriculture and policy change, she inspires others with her commitment to empowering women and mentoring future leaders.