The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC), a nonprofit volunteer organization that serves as a resource leader for businesses and the Monmouth County community, will honor outstanding local women at the 2020 Athena International Leadership Awards event on Nov. 6 at noon.
This year, the annual celebration will be held virtually on YouTube Live, with complimentary access for guests who will have the opportunity to view from throughout the state, the country, and the globe.
Attendees will be able to interact with one another via a chat room and with award nominees who will simultaneously be appearing live on Zoom, according to a press release.
The ATHENA International Leadership Award Program celebrates women as valued members and leaders of the community who serve as role models and encourage all women to achieve their full potential, according to the press release.
Each year, the Athena Awards honor individuals who are nominated in recognition of their business or professional accomplishments, community service and mentoring of others.
This will be the 35th consecutive year the Athena Leadership Award will be presented by the MRCC, which is the only organization in New Jersey that is licensed to do so, according to the press release.
It will also be the sixth year the MRCC will present the Athena Young Professional Leadership Award, which recognizes emerging leaders in the community. Serving as event chair once again is Ivy Jacot of Veitengruber Law in Wall Township.
To be considered for an Athena Leadership Award, nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector and must demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential, according to the press release.
The 2020 Athena Award nominees include Judy Cruz of LADACIN Network, Maureen Fasano of Farmers Insurance, Frances Keane of CentraState Healthcare System, and Dr. Denise Wunderler of Team Vienna 4 SUDC Awareness Inc.
The 2020 Athena Young Professional nominees include Sarah Neibert of Mendham Township, Vanessa Oriolo of Lombardi Plastic Surgery, and Danielle Woolley of Danielle Woolley Consulting, LLC.
Attendance at the Nov. 6 event is complimentary, but registration is required and optional donations are welcome.
This year, the MRCC has partnered with two important area nonprofits, Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide and Preferred Behavioral Health Group, and a virtual gift auction will be held to benefit both organizations.
A door prize will also be raffled off to one preregistered attendee. The gift auction will be open online at www.bidpal.net/Athena beginning at noon Nov. 2 and continuing through noon Nov. 9, according to the press release.
Sponsorships for the 2020 Athena Awards are available until Oct. 30.
For event registration and sponsorships, visit bit.ly/MRCC2020ATHENA
For information about the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce, visit www.monmouthregionalchamber.com