Greater Rochester Chamber reveals an expanded list of distinguished finalists for the 2026 ATHENA International Award, Young Professional Award and Organizational Award

Rochester, New York – Greater Rochester’s long-running celebration of women’s leadership is entering a milestone year, and organizers say the energy surrounding the 2026 ATHENA International Awards is already building. The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has announced the full list of finalists for the ATHENA International Award®, the ATHENA International Young Professional Award®, and the ATHENA International Organizational Award®, marking another year of honoring excellence, community commitment, and the advancement of women in leadership roles. The announcement highlights 34 finalists who represent a wide spectrum of industries, missions, and professional backgrounds, all contributing to the region’s economic and social strength.

The awards will be presented during a special ceremony on Thursday, February 5th at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. This will not be an ordinary gathering. The District notes that the event doubles as a major anniversary — 40 years of celebrating standout female leaders through the local ATHENA awards, which first began in 1987 as part of the Chamber’s Women’s Council initiative. From the start, the ATHENA International Award has recognized a professional female leader who demonstrates outstanding achievement in business, service to the community, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing women professionally. The 2026 awards continue that legacy.

The list of finalists for the ATHENA International Award® includes prominent executives, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and advocates who have helped shape the region’s civic and economic landscape. Finalists include: Wendy A. Bello of Nexstar Media Inc.; Courtney Cotrupe of Partners + Napier; Maria E. Cristalli of Hillside; Meaghan de Chateauvieux of Willow Domestic Violence Center; Marisa Geitner of Heritage Christian Services; Andrea Holland of Andrea Holland Coaching; Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo of UR Medicine’s Golisano Children’s Hospital; Colleen Matteson of Bank of America; Kim McCluski of Golisano Children’s Hospital; Cory Raggi of 1RDG the financial center; Jessica M. Savage of Dixon Schwabl + Company; Naomi Silver of Rochester Community Baseball; Amy Storey of Keuka College; Tashanda Thomas of Foodlink; and Elizabeth Williamson of Geva Theatre.

These finalists reflect the broad reach of the award program. From higher education to corporate strategy, nonprofit advocacy to health care leadership, the range of industries represented shows how deeply women influence decision-making across the region. Many of the candidates have spent years shaping organizational culture, expanding community programs, or leading major economic development efforts.

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The ATHENA International Young Professional Award®, meanwhile, highlights women early in their careers who are already emerging as leaders. These finalists are recognized for creativity, initiative, excellence in their professions, and for serving as role models for young women. The 2026 finalists include: Kelly A. Zimber Beach of CooperVision; Sydney Bell of CCSI, Inc.; Lindsay Connelly of Linden Digital Marketing; Karla George of FLX AI, Inc.; Kimberly A. Harvey of Nazareth University; Terra Keller of Foodlink; Sarah Ptach of Canyon Labs; Allison Shannon of SWBR; Josie Sheppard Wilson of McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter LLP; Marietta Smithrand of First American Equipment Finance; Kate M. Torok of St. John Fisher University; and Jennifer “Jazzy” T Williams of JazzCast Pros LLC.

For many years, the Young Professional Award has given visibility to early-career women who are shaping their industries from technology to public service. Their growth paths often inspire the next round of future finalists, creating an ongoing cycle of mentorship and leadership modeling throughout the region.

The ATHENA International Organizational Award® focuses on the institutions behind the leaders. This honor recognizes woman-owned or woman-led organizations that intentionally create environments where women employees can grow, thrive, and reach leadership roles. The finalists for 2026 include The Arc of Monroe, Everyday Hands, Inc., Helen + Gertrude, Info Advantage, Nearpass & Koegel PLLC, Rochester Hope, Inc., and Travel Alliance Partnership. Each finalist demonstrates commitment not just to supporting women within their organization, but also to promoting leadership opportunities for women and girls throughout the community.

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Bob Duffy, President & CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, said the Chamber is proud of the legacy these awards have built. “This year’s 34 ATHENA finalists join the prestigious ranks of over 700 honorees over the past 40 years. Since its inception, we have been proud to honor women and women-led organizations in our community who embody the ATHENA leadership model and build a better region for us all – and this year’s finalists continue to raise the bar for what that looks like. Greater Rochester Chamber looks forward to hosting this year’s celebration to honor all of our finalists and commemorate this anniversary. We hope you will join us on February 5th to celebrate!”

Beyond the ceremony, the ATHENA program has also become a highly regarded platform for networking, mentorship, and storytelling. Many award recipients go on to serve as speakers, advisors, and advocates for other women in business, continuing the cycle of leadership development. The awards also highlight the critical role that community organizations and educational institutions play in shaping the next generation of innovators.

Event organizers are encouraging community members, business leaders, and supporters of women’s leadership to attend the February event. Additional details are available for those who want to sponsor the celebration, with opportunities for brands seeking visibility among influential women in business. Registration is now open, with tickets available for purchase online.

Questions regarding the awards can be directed to Events Director Susan George at [email protected].

With the finalists now announced, anticipation is building as the community prepares to honor the achievements, dedication, and leadership of women who continue to move Greater Rochester forward. The ATHENA Awards have long served as one of the region’s most celebrated traditions, and with the 40th anniversary approaching, organizers expect this year’s ceremony to be one of the most memorable yet.