ATHENA LANSING
ATHENA Lansing is a community dedicated to supporting, promoting and celebrating women's leadership and professional growth and development. The mission of ATHENA Lansing is to create a supportive and empowering environment where women can develop their leadership skills, expand their networks, and achieve their full potential. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, we strive to break down barriers and promote gender equality in the workplace and beyond. We provide resources and support for women, in all roles and responsibilities, to navigate the unique challenges they face as leaders and to help them make a positive impact on their communities. Our goal is to inspire and empower women to lead with confidence, to create a more equitable workplace and society, and to leave a lasting legacy of leadership for future generations.
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with and support the following ATHENA Lansing programs:
ATHENA Women’s Interest Network (WIN)
ATHENA WIN is a dynamic group of professional women determined to equip other women in mid-Michigan with the tools, information, and connections they need to succeed in their careers.
ATHENA PowerLink
ATHENA PowerLink is a national mentoring program that connects selected women business owners with a skilled advisory panel to provide free business consultation services for one year (value of over $25,000).
ATHENA Leadership Award
The ATHENA Leadership Award honors individuals who strive towards the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community, and pave paths for other women to follow.
More than 40 years ago, the ATHENA brand was born from a single idea by Martha Mertz while serving on the board of directors for the Lansing Regional Chamber Commerce (LRCC). Today, we could not be prouder of our connection to ATHENA, representing decades of leadership, innovation, and support of women leaders across the globe. Today, ATHENA International is a non-profit organization that aims to support, develop, and honor women leaders in communities around the world through scholarships, leadership forums, professional development, and recognizing women of excellence.
ATHENA WIN
ATHENA WIN is a powerful group of mid-Michigan's most influential women who work together to help other women propel their career forward by connecting them with new ideas and experiences.
The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner and supporter of ATHENA WIN.
ATHENA Leadership Award
The ATHENA Leadership Award was created in 1982 by Martha Mertz, former president of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. It has spread worldwide with more than 6,000 awards presented in over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. The ATHENA Award honors individuals who strive towards the highest levels of professional accomplishment, excel in their chosen field, have devoted time and energy to their community, and pave paths for other women to follow. It also celebrates the potential of all women as leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them.
ATHENAPowerLink
Established in 1999, ATHENAPowerLink is a national mentoring program that connects selected women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The local advisory panel, comprised of mentors best suited to the recipients' needs, will provide free business consultation services for one year, which is a value of over $25,000. The panel will consult to help the business owner achieve networking, capital, operational and strategic goals. The program will also help enhance the business owner's leadership and management skills for future business endeavors.
Women business owners seeking mentoring support through this program must meet the following criteria:
- 51% of business is owned and actively managed by a woman or women.
- At least two years in operation.
- At least two full-time employees, including applicant.
- At least $250,000 in annual gross revenues for a manufacturing or retail business; or at least $100,000 in annual gross revenues for a service business.
- Clearly defined business objectives and specific reasons for seeking an advisory panel.
- She must be willing to openly discuss with the advisory panel her goals for the business and the issues impacting her ability to reach those goals.
- Provide a meeting agenda and appropriate materials for review, such as financial statements, business plan, etc.
- Identify specific company difficulties requiring advice of the advisory panel.
- Accept or reject panel members' advice.
According to the ATHENA Foundation, on average, women business owners participating in the ATHENAPowerLink program see the following outcomes:
- 88% increase in sales.
- 37% increase in business net income.
- 56% increase in personal income.
- 36% increase in the number of full-time employees.
- 75% increase in the number of part-time employees.
*Statistics provided by the ATHENA International
Since 2006, over a dozen individuals have received the ATHENAPowerLink Award from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. The ATHENAPowerLink recipients are honored at the annual ATHENA Award luncheon.
Important Dates
- March 8th, 2024: Nominations Due
- April 12, 2024: Applications Due
- June 2024: Interviews and site visits
- July 2024: 2025 ATHENA PowerLink recipient selected by APL Governing Body
- October 2024: 2025 APL recipient announced
- December 2024: ATHENA Leadership Awards luncheon