Athena Leadership Award® Dinner
Hosted & Sponsored by Wayne Bank and Indiana University East since 2014
Recognizing leaders who motivate, inspire and create positive change in the community.
This event honors leaders who motivate, inspire and create positive change in the community. This year, three awards will be presented:
- ATHENA Leadership Award®
- ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award
- ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award (NEW this year!)
Proceeds benefit local organizations dedicated to serving leadership building for women of all ages.
Wayne Bank and IU East believe in the values underlying Athena International’s philosophy of incorporating the talent and expertise of women into the leadership of our businesses, our communities and our government. Reflective of a quote attributed to Plato, "What is honored in a country will be cultivated there," the ATHENA Leadership Award® honors and illuminates the leaders and leadership styles of individuals others would emulate.
Past Recipients
We're proud to share with you the past recipients of the ATHENA Leadership Award®.

2022 Nominees
Do you know someone who should be nominated?
The ATHENA Leadership Award® is presented to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential.

Melissa Vance
2019 Recipient
Vance, of Richmond, IN, is the president and CEO of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce. She whole-heartedly dedicates herself to the betterment of Eastern Indiana and has served on numerous community boards and advisory committees.

Janis Buhl-Macy
2018 Recipient
Buhl-Macy, of Cambridge City, Indiana, is the founder and owner of the Western Wayne News and Nettle Creek Gazette. She serves on several boards and committees helping to serve and shape the Wayne County community.

Angie Dickman
2017 Recipient
Angie Dickman of Richmond, Indiana, is vice president at Reid Health. She oversees many areas at Reid Health. In the community, Dickman serves as chair of the IU East Board of Advisors and as a board member and resource development chair for Community in Schools.

Kim Poinsett
2016 Recipient
Vice president of community relations for First Bank Richmond. In her role, Poinsett oversees community engagement and philanthropic efforts. She also serves on several boards and committees helping to serve and shape the Richmond community.

Jackie Carberry
2015 Recipient
Owner of Warm Glow Candle Company, Carberry serves on the Wayne County Tourism Board and generously provides in-kind and monetary donations to local schools and non-profit organizations. She also serves on many local boards and committees.

Mary Jo Clark
2014 Recipient
Long-time community builder and leader in Wayne County. Brought together the team of 27 upbeat young people from divergent backgrounds and giving them the reins to steer Richmond toward the All-America City Award in 2009.
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award

Ashley Sieb
2019 Recipient
Ashley is the founder of Ashley Sieb Marketing and she is the marketing strategist and storytelling advocate for Stratavize Consulting. She is a visiting instructor and senior thesis advisor at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is also an instructor for Richmond Social Media and is a member of the board of directors for Birth to Five.

Jessie Pilewski
2018 Recipient
Pilewski of Richmond, Indiana, is a career coach for the Earlham College Center for Career and Community Engagement. Her work with first-generation and underrepresented students has led her to become a mentor and role model for many of these students.