The Athena Awards tonight were a collaboration between the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League of Greater Lakeland to recognize women leaders who have made significant accomplishments and enhanced the community.
Inaugural Athena Awards included Ana Wood (leadership award) Wood is the waste & recycling director, Polk County Board of County Commissioners
Laura Lear (young professional) is a financial advisor at Edward Jones
and Top Buttons (organization).
The ATHENA Leadership Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment – qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model. The Award is unique in both scope—local, national and international—and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a woman —or man— who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.