ATHENA Leadership Award

March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize and reflect on the contributions of women in society. Greater Green Bay is filled with strong women making positive change in their communities and inspiring those around them as they make their mark. This month, the Greater Green Bay Chamber will publish a blog miniseries dedicated to shining a light on local women in business.

The ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by Wipfli, has been given by the Greater Green Bay Chamber since 1985. The award not only recognizes the accom­plishments of the recipients, but it celebrates the wisdom, strength, and enlightenment of the honoree. Nominees for the award are put forward by members of the community, and the recipient is selected by past winners of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented internationally by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities to an individual who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to their profession, the advancement of women, and to serving their community.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The Greater Green Bay Chamber has presented the ATHENA Leadership Award to 39 remarkable women. Read more about some of the recent recipients below.

2023 - Ann Franz

Ann Franz is a visionary leader whose dedication has transformed northeast Wisconsin's landscape. As executive director of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA), she’s transformed it into a national model of industry collaboration. She created NEWMA 17 years ago which started with 12 companies and now has over 360 companies in northeast Wisconsin. Ann’s leadership has elevated the region’s industry sector employing over half of the workforce. Her neutral approach shattered barriers, empowering competitors to unite, advancing workforce development. She also drove college enrollment growth, pioneered engineering degrees and empowered workers. Passionate about manufacturing, she's bridged industries, creating innovative programs. Ann’s impactful mentorship, advocacy and engagement across various boards and committees demonstrate her profound belief in the power of sharing stories, shaping young minds and igniting passions for nontraditional STEM careers. Her legacy, marked by humility, persistence and a commitment to building bridges continues to shape communities, and inspire change. 

2022 - Bridget O'Connor

During the past 10 years, Bridget O’Connor has grown her business from a one-woman operation to one that employs eight and serves a variety of mission-focused organizations and businesses. Bridget, who has more than 20 years of experience as a marketing communications strategist, and her team of consultants help nonprofit organizations, schools and businesses tell their unique stories across several platforms. 

Bridget’s advocacy for small businesses is reflected in how she has developed a culture of rapport and support among women business owners in Greater Green Bay and beyond. In 2019, she launched The Connective: A Community for Women in Business, which became a part of the new Institute for Women’s Leadership at UW-Green Bay. Bridget not only serves on the Institute’s Steering and Advisory Committees, she also serves as executive in residence.

2021 - Bobbi Webster

Bobbi Webster has spent her career as a communications professional and is currently the PR director for the Oneida Nation. In her work, she has helped set the standards for communication within Indian Country and for tribal communications with the surrounding communities, their leaders and residents. Bobbi has been an integral part of the growth and progress of not only the Oneida Nation but also Brown County and its residents.

She has mentored many young women who have gone on to do incredible things within the Oneida Nation and other tribes. Madison365 named Bobbi as one of the most influential Native Americans in Wisconsin. She is an emeritus member of the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors and was the first Chairwoman of the Oneida Golf Enterprise, playing an instrumental role in bringing the LPGA to the Thornberry Creek at Oneida Golf Course. Bobbi has been employed by the Oneida Nation for more than 40-years, established Oneida Communications and served as former editor of the Oneida Tribal newspaper, the Kalihwisaks.

2020 - Jenene Calloway

Jenene Calloway joined the Schreiber Foods team in 2006. After holding a variety of key roles throughout Schreiber’s global footprint, she was promoted to partner development team leader in September 2013 and relocated to Green Bay. In September 2019, she became Schreiber’s first African-American woman to hold the position of director of talent, overseeing both talent acquisition and partner/leader development teams. In 2020, her role was expanded to include leading Schreiber’s diversity and inclusion efforts at both company and community levels, and she has contributed to the development of Schreiber’s D&I Council, Business Resources Group Guidelines and the establishment of Schreiber’s second Business Resource Group-African American Dairy Professionals (AADP). Since 2021, she has worked as vice president of talent development and chief diversity officer. 

Throughout her career, Jenene has mentored, supported and encouraged women. In 2018, she became founder and president of Impaqtful Life Coaching, which provides professional consulting services, vision board workshops and personal coaching, including often providing counsel and encouragement to women in the community and across the country free of charge.

Read a full list of past recipients here.

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

Do you know a woman who lives authentically and learns constantly? Builds relationships and fosters collaboration? Act courageously and advocates fiercely? Gives back and celebrates others? Nominate her for the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award, presented by Wipfli. The recipient will be announced at the Annual Celebration on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Oneida Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nominations close on Sunday, June 30.