The Greater Phoenix Chamber announced the 11 women chosen as finalists for its prestigious ATHENA Awards, continuing its strong tradition of recognizing outstanding Valley businesswomen.
The ATHENA Businesswoman of the Year Award recognizes a woman in the public and private sectors, in addition to highlighting an upcoming leader in the Valley as an ATHENA Young Professional. ATHENA finalists are chosen for their excellence in business and leadership, dedication to the community, and support and mentorship of other women.
Above: Monica Garnes, president of Fry’s Food Stores, earned the award for Outstanding Achievement in Leadership at Az Business magazine’s 2019 Most Influential Women in Arizona event. She is a finalist for a 2020 ATHENA Award.
The 11 finalists are:
Private Sector finalists:
• Rhonda Bannard, President & Chief Connector, Inspired Connections
• Rachel Frazier Johnson, Esq., Principal & Managing Attorney, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
• Monica Garnes, Division President, Fry’s Food Stores
• Doris Savron, Vice Provost, Academic Colleges, University of Phoenix
Public Sector finalists:
• Peggy J. Chase, President & CEO, Terros Health
• Chevy Humphrey, The Hazel A. Hare President & CEO, Arizona Science Center
• Torrie Taj, CEO, Child Crisis Arizona
• Christine K. Wilkinson, PhD, Senior Vice President & Secretary of the University; CEO & President, ASU Alumni Association, Arizona State University
Young Professional finalists:
• Veronica Aguilar, Associate Director of Alumni Career Services, Arizona State University
• Anna Carolina Ortiz, International Program Director, Esperança
• Monica Trejo, Arizona State Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action
“In a year unlike anything we’ve experienced before, we are proud to shine a light on the great work being done in Arizona by honoring an incredible group of ATHENA finalists. These women are making unbelievable contributions to enact positive change and ensure the Greater Phoenix region remains strong. They represent the best of the best our community has to offer and I look forward to seeing how they will lead us into the future,” said Todd Sanders, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “Congratulations to our 2020 ATHENA Awards finalists.”
The ATHENA Awards highlight women who have achieved the pinnacle of success within their industry, have mentored women throughout their career, and have dedicated their time to their community and making a difference in the lives of others.
Join the Greater Phoenix Chamber to celebrate outstanding businesswomen in our community and to support all nominees, finalists and recipients past and present.
WHO: Three ATHENA Award recipients will be announced during the 33rd Annual ATHENA Awards luncheon.
WHEN: Friday, Nov. 6, 2020 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual Event
REGISTER: Register here | Registration closes on Monday, Nov. 2 at 5 p.m.
QUESTIONS: Email [email protected] with any questions.
HASHTAG: #PhxATHENA2020
The Chamber congratulates all of the 2020 ATHENA Nominees: Private Sector Nominees
Barbara Gould, Point B
Bettina Nava, OH Strategic Communications
Carol May, Wisdom Natural Brands
Carrie Masters, LGE Design Build
Cheryl Naumann, University of Phoenix
Christine Gannon, Brightworks Consulting
Christine Nowaczyk, BOK Financial
Dana Lam, Surprise Date Challenge
Doris Savron, University of Phoenix
Emily Finch, Dance 101
Erica Tatum Sheade, Integrated Mental Health Association
Eunique Yazzie, euniQue LLC
Imelda G. Castro, Intel Corporation
Jennifer Dimeck, Four Leaf Financial & Accounting
Jenny Poon, Co+Hoots
Jodi Low, U & Improved
Joni M. Horn, Arizona Freelance Interpreting Services
Kathryn Uhles, University of Phoenix
Kathy A. Till, La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings
Lisa Riley, Wells Fargo
Luisa Leon, AzLotusArt
Maria T. Echeveste, Bank of America
Mary Beth Reisinger, Plexus Worldwide, LLC
Mary Rabago, Mary Rabago Productions
Melissa Boyles, Jacobs Engineering Group
Monica Garnes, Fry’s Food Stores
Nicole Johnson, Willis Towers Watson
Norma C. Izzo, Jennings, Strouss & Salmon PLC
Olivia Fierro, AZ Family Meredith Corporation
Polly Bristow, USAA
Rachel Frazier Johnson, Rachel Frazier Johnson Law
Rhonda Bannard, Inspired Connections
Sally Johnson, Lockton Companies
Shaney M. Salomon, Optima ECM Consulting
Stephanie Roldan, Rosendin
Stephanie Vasquez, The Fair Trade Cafe
Sun Jones, University of Phoenix
Susan Wissink, Fennemore Craig
Teri Twarkins Kelley, Morgan Stanley
Vikki Hale, Zovio
Public Sector Nominees
Andrea Whitsett, ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy
Anne Gill, Tempe Chamber of Commerce
Chevy Humphrey, Arizona Science Center
Christine K. Wilkinson, Arizona State University
Erica McFadden, Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
Holly Rose, Don’t be a Chump! Check for a Lump!
Jody Farley, The Singletons
Julie Peterson, Sojourner Center
Kim Covington, Arizona Community Foundation
Kimberly B. Roland, Better Business Bureau
Lorraine Tallman, Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels
Marcia Mintz, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley
Nancy Padberg, Catholic Education Arizona
Natalia Ronceria Ceballos, La NRC
Peggy Chase, Terros Health
Shereka Jackson, Future Stars, Inc.
Shivani Dubey, U.S. Small Business Administration
Sophie Etchart, Read Better Be Better
Tamika Walton, Arizona Department of Revenue
Tara S. Laurie, Youth World Education Project
Torrie A. Taj, Child Crisis Arizona
Young Professional Nominees
Anna Carolina Ortiz, Esperança
Bella Hibbs, Good Faith Casting LLC
Breanna Naegeli, Grand Canyon University
Hillary Kuenn, HiConsulting, LLC
Jessi Wright, Paradise Valley Community College
Jodi Petersen, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
Julie Euber, YNPN Phoenix
Krystal Keilholtz, Rosendin Electric
Lindsay Moellenberndt, Fennemore Craig
Monica Trejo, National Domestic Workers Alliance/Care in Action
Sonia Rivera, Mujeron Movement
Stephanie Greenfield, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Trisha Larson, Morgan Stanley
Veronica Aguilar, Arizona State University
https://azbigmedia.com/business/greater-phoenix-chamber-names-11-finalists-for-athena-awards/
