Frequently asked questions

BACKGROUND

What is the ATHENA Award?

It is an award presented to an individual, man or woman, who has demonstrated:

How did this program start?

This program was launched by Martha Mayhood Mertz in 1981 when she found herself to be the only woman serving on the board of her local chamber of commerce, and that in 75 years, only one woman had ever received an award in her community. She knew that this did not represent reality and that women were assuming many different leadership roles. The award is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage and was first presented in 1982.

Who runs the program?

Now based in Chicago, ATHENA International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating leadership opportunities for women. The foundation partners with local chambers of commerce, women's organizations, educational institutions to host an ATHENA Award in communities across North America.

In Oakville, the award was sponsored for six years by the Oakville Chamber of Commerce and four years ago ATHENA Oakville was formed to present the annual ATHENA Award.

How many awards have been presented?

Since 1982, over 6,000 awards have been presented in North America and in 2002, the first award was given in China. Around 300 cities in the US are involved in the program, but it is relatively new to Canada.

Currently there are ten cities in Canada offering the award - White Rock BC, Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Windsor, Sault Ste Marie, Oakville, Hamilton, Halton Hills and more recently Toronto, signing on with the program.

In Windsor Ontario, a scholarship program is offered through which a student receives a scholarship towards her further education as well as attendance at the International ATHENA Conference.

In 2005 ATHENA Oakville launched its Scholarship program through which a mature student at Sheridan College receives a scholarship of $1,000. Funds for tool kits are also provided to women studying to be carpenters at the Centre for Skills Development and Training.

A special endowment fund has since been established with the Community Foundation of Oakville.

How do I get more information about ATHENA International?

The ATHENA International website is www.athenafoundation.org and staff can be reached at 1-800-548-8247



NOMINATIONS

Has a man ever received the award?

The award is open to both men and women, and several men have received the award.

Does a nominee have to live and work in Oakville?

A nominee is eligible if he/she lives OR works in Oakville. It doesn't have to be both. They are required to work more than 20 hours in Oakville.

Does a nominee have to be a Canadian citizen?

No.

Can family members nominate each other?

They could, but the nomination would have more credibility if it came from someone outside the family.

Does the person being nominated need to know about the nomination?

Yes. We ask that you do first check with the person that they wish to be nominated. You want to be sure that they do, and you will need their help in getting their resume, securing names of people who will give a letter of reference.

Can a person who has been nominated before, be nominated again?

Yes, but there has to be a year gap in between nominations. No one can be nominated two consecutive years in a row. The documentation will have to be resubmitted.

Once someone has been nominated, what happens next?

They will be asked to participate in a short taped interview with Cogeco which will be aired prior to the ATHENA Award Gala Celebration and on the night of the presentation.

A short profile will also be developed by the Nominations Committee from the material submitted which will appear in the ATHENA supplement produced by The Oakville Beaver and distributed in October. A photo will also be taken by The Oakville Beaver for inclusion in the supplement.



SELECTION

Who determines who receives the Award?

A Selection Committee of prominent community leaders will review all the nominations and select the 2006 ATHENA Award Recipient. There is a criteria form which they will use to make this selection.

Who are past recipients of the ATHENA Award in Oakville?

Mayor Ann Mulvale, Laura Kupferschmidt, Anne Day, Patricia Dillon, Kathryn Parke, Judy Henderson, Norma Gamble, Mary Jane Howie and Sheila Kuyper, Linda Rotheny, Brenda Zimmerman, Linda Rothney. You can download their profiles for more information.

Will the recipient know ahead of the award night if he/she has been chosen?

No and so we encourage all nominees to attend the award dinner.

What does the award recipient receive?

Each recipient receives an ATHENA sculpture which is individually cast by artist Linda Ackley. Each is signed, and numbered. The sculpture is made out of bronze and stands on a marble base, with a crystal at the top of one of the arms.

The Oakville ATHENA recipient also is sent, all expenses paid, to the annual International ATHENA Conference which is held in Chicago.



GALA AWARD CELEBRATION

When is the ATHENA Award presented?

There is a special celebration event held in October. All nominees are invited to a special reception prior to the dinner, and are encouraged to bring family and friends to the event.

What happens at the Gala Award Celebration?

There is usually a key note speaker who makes a short presentation. Past speakers have included:

It is a night of celebration and each nominee receives recognition as well as the recipient.

Who attends the event?

The Gala Award Celebration is open to everyone. We also encourage family and friends of the nominee to attend and join in the celebration.

How do I get a ticket?

Tickets will be on sale after Labour Day. Tables of eight and ten are available.



GETTING INVOLVED

How can I get involved in ATHENA Oakville - as a volunteer or sponsor?

There are several opportunities available, call 905-467-7919 or athenaoakville@live.ca