2019 Recipient ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award: Top Buttons, Inc. Susan Powers 
2019 Recipient ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award: Laura Lear 
2019 Recipient ATHENA Leadership Award: Ana Wood
The inaugural ATHENA Leadership Awards presented by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and hosted by the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
The award named for Athena, the Greek goddess of intelligence and wisdom, arts and sciences, was created by the Lansing, Michigan, Chamber of Commerce in 1982. The ATHENA Leadership Awards are presented to women for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Over 100 nominations were received and nearly 60 women applied for these prestigious awards in the categories of Organizational, Young Professional and Leadership. The Chamber is proud to announce the recipients of the first-ever Lakeland ATHENA Awards.
Finalists & Recipients:
2019 Recipient ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award: Top Buttons, Inc. Finalists:
Curious Jane
Polk Association for Women Lawyers
2019 Recipient ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award: Laura Lear
Finalists:
Aliana Payret
Katie Wiatt
Callie Miller
Christina Criser Jackson
2019 Recipient ATHENA Leadership Award: Ana Wood
Finalists:
Nancy Cattarius
Janice Jones Tedder
Aliana Payret
Donna McWilliams
Presenting Sponsor:
Junior League of Greater Lakeland
Diamond Level Sponsor:
Southeastern University
Platinum Sponsors: GEICO, Givewell Community Foundation, Citizen’s Bank & Trust, American Business Women’s Association Downtown Lakeland, Keiser University, United Way of Central FL, Sykes Enterprises, MADE, WONN/WPCV/WLKF and WWRZ and Prime Meridian Bank
Gold Level Sponsors: Keller Williams Realty of Polk, Lakeland Electric, Lakeland Surgical and Diagnostic Center, Emily Rogers Consulting, Vecchio Carrier Feldman & Johannessen PA, Edward Jones, Polk County BOCC, CliftonLarsenAllen, Law Office Percaro Robinson & Mier, CPS Investment Advisors
Silver Level Sponsors: Saint Leo University, A Woman’s Choice, Polk State College, Phillip’s Photographers, Lakeland Mazda
ABOUT THE LAKELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce represents 1,400-member businesses in the Lakeland area and provides opportunities for networking, professional development and advocacy for companies of all sizes. Five-star accredited by the US Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber upholds the following vision and mission statements: Vision Statement – The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce will be the premier catalyst for the advancement of Lakeland’s economic growth and enhancement of quality of life– creating Florida’s community of choice. Mission Statement – The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is the leading organization dedicated to creating a climate where business can prosper.