Leaders get nod for Athena Award
Seventeen people have been nominated for this year’s Athena Award Ceremony being presented by the Macomb Foundation at 10:30 a.m., May 3 at Andiamo in Warren.
It’s the largest group ever. “We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on the exceptional leaders in Macomb County. This year’s event is particularly special as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Foundation’s presentation of the prestigious Athena Award,” said Kelley Lovati, CEO and president of the Macomb County Chamber and its affiliate the Macomb Foundation, and whose mother was the former president who organized the first awards in 1999.
The late Grace Shore was not only a role model for Lovati and for many women pursuing careers or entreprenurial and leadership roles.
“She was definitely a pioneering woman,” Lovati said, remembering how excited her mother was to enter the workforce for the first time.
It was the late 1970s and she was a stay-at-home mom raising three children when she was hired as an administrative aide for the chamber. By 1991 she not only earned the position of president and CEO but a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Northwood University and master of science degree in administration from Central Michigan University.
During her reign as the president of the chamber, a role she filled for more than 35 years, Shore became inspired by the story of Martha Mayhood Mertz and went on to organize the first Athena Awards for Macomb County.
As explained by founding members, Mertz was the owner of Mayhood/Mertz Realtors, Inc. when she was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. Finding herself to be the only working woman serving on the board, she also discovered that in the 75 years of presenting community awards, her Chamber had only once honored
a woman prompting her to create the Athena Awards.
“I’m sure when she saw this story it resonated with her history and her desire to promote women in business and leadership roles,” Lovati said, of her mother, who wasn’t the only one inspired by Mertz.
The winner of that first year was Shirley Trewyn-Corkins of Shelby Township and owner of the Small Learning Center.
Today’s Athena Award is presented to thousands of women and men who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment; excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community in a meaningful way, and who also open paths so that others may follow in communities across the U.S., Canada, Russia, China and the United Arab Emirates.
Locally, Macomb Foundation has expanded its Athena Award program to include opportunities for networking and development through partnerships with hundreds of organizations, including chambers of commerce, universities, major corporations and small businesses.
Lovati said this year’s list of nominees is a testament to the outstanding caliber of individuals and organizations that exist in the community, and those who are providing support for those looking to succeed in business and leadership roles.
“Each year, the caliber of individuals nominated is extremely impressive,” Lovati said, noting her appreciation to the award selection committee who have the challenging task of selecting this year’s top winner.
This year’s group of nominees include:
• Franka Arcangeli, LMSW, business founder of International Therapy Solutions
• Karen Arondoski, owners of IF Metal Works
• Stacy Bahri, strategic initiatives manager, Chaldean Community Foundation
• Elizabeth Darga, Undersheriff, Macomb County Sheriff’s Department
• Crystal Dennis, director of community development, FreeStar Financial Credit Union
• Tanya Grillo, owner of Grillo Law, PLLC
• Sian Hengeveld, chief of trials with circuit court and Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
• Malea Howard, digital communications specialist, Ford House
• Oronde Kearney, chief academic officer, Academy of Warren (male)
• Saima Khalil, Esq., attorney
• Mary Lamparter, vice president, DC3S
• Christina Liebzeit, director of nursing at Ascension Macomb Oakland Hospital
• Amy Persyn, 1st vice-president marketing director, First State Bank
• Tatjana Tina Savich, CEO, Quality Care Rehab and Autism Center
• Kristy Schena, executive director, Kids on the Go
• Dr. Mary Welsh, cofounder and president, Susie Q’s Kids
• Michelle Williams-Ward, community coordinator, Covenant Missionary Temple
Only one nominee will receive the Athena Award, all of the nominees are honored during the awards ceremony, luncheon and raffle being emceed by Heather Catallo of WXYZ-TV (Channel 7).
“It’s always exciting to see the people nominated and such an honor to be able to celebrate this with them,” Lovati said.