on the Lakeshore

Athena on the LakeshoreAward Luncheon

Tuesday, October 1, 201911:30am - 1:30pm

Spring Lake Country Club

Platinum Sponsor:

Sponsors

GoodTemps, Manpower, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network,Fifth Third Bank, City of Muskegon, ADAC Automotive

Service 1 Federal Credit Union, Arconic, Consumers Energy, Community Shores Bank,Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce, Worksighted, Hooker DeJong Inc., Mercy Health,

Shoreline Vision, Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc.

WelcomeCarolyn TaylorFifth Third BankChairperson, ATHENA on theLakeshore Committee

Shelley IrwinWGVU Public Radio & Television

Nicky CiavattonePNC Bank

LunchHouse SaladRoasted Chicken PiccataSundried Tomato RisottoSautéed Green Beans

Pumpkin Mousse with Ginger Snap CrumbleCaramel Apple Bread Pudding

Coffee and Tea

Guest SpeakerKathleen RieglerThe Cheese Lady

Young Professional Award PresentationKris ColleeAgeWell Services of West Michigan2014 Recipient

ATHENA Award PresentationNancy Crandall2005 Recipient

ConclusionCindy AchterhoffPNC BankVice Chairperson, ATHENA on the Lakeshore Committee

Noon 12:45pm

1:00pm

1:10pm

1:30pm

Agenda

ATHENA International is a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop and honor women leaders. The program inspires women to reach their full potential and strives to create balance in leadership worldwide. It was founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, who named the award for the strong, enlightened goddess. The award would go to individuals who excelled in their professions, gave back to their communities and helped raise up other leaders, especially women. Since the program’s inception, more than 7,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in 8 countries.

Speaker

About Athena

Kathleen RieglerThe Cheese Lady A dream, a vision, a reality... Kathleen’s small business has grown to become a woman-owned franchise across the state of Michigan.

The ATHENA on the Lakeshore Award Program is in its 15th year of promoting leadership and honoring outstanding individuals. The program is a partnership between the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg.

About Athena on the Lakeshore

The marble base represents the recipient’s solid foundation. The unique textures of the bronze differ on each sculpture, just as the life experiences of the recipients differ. The cut crystal symbolizes the many facets of human character and the light emanating from the recipient. Artist Linda Ackley creates each bronze sculpture in her foundry located in Cedar, Michigan.

Athena Award

Athena Award

Past ATHENA Award RecipientsMary Boyd (2018), Kelly Springer (2017), Tracy L.N. Wilson (2016), Renae Hesselink (2015), Helen Zeerip (2014), Leslie Brown (2013), Patricia VerDuin (2012), Candace Dugan (2011), Elizabeth Rolinski (2010), Blanche Smith (2009), Judith Hayner (2008), Nancy Miller (2007), Nancy McCarthy (2006), Nancy Crandall (2005)

Finalists for the prestigious ATHENA Award must meet demanding criteria: • Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession • Assist women in reaching their full potential • Devote time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community • Exhibit the spirit of regional collaboration • Live or work in North Ottawa or Muskegon County

Athena FinalistsMichelle Anthes is a Member and Managing Partner at McShane & Bowie, PLC and is the first woman to lead the firm in its 60+ year history. She specializes in estate and corporate law, with a focus on farming. Michelle has chaired McShane & Bowie’s Charitable Committee, supporting community efforts in the region. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa County Chapter of the Children’s Advocacy Center and has served on the Board of Directors with Out Side In, Inc., a non-profit that employs equine-assisted psychotherapy treatments. In 2018, Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Michelle to its list of “Women in Law,” an elite group of female attorneys impacting the legal profession in Michigan. Nominated by Todd Anthes.

Dr. Tabatha Barber-Duell is an OB/GYN with North Ottawa Women’s Health. She has been a role model and teacher to medical, physician-assistant and nurse practitioner students as Chief of the Obstetrics Department and Vice-Chief of Staff for North Ottawa Community Health Systems. Dr. Tabatha helped the development of the Post-Partum Adjustment Group. She is currently completing certification in root-cause, holistic medicine through the Cleveland Clinic. She is the author of “White Trash to White Coat,” a fictionalized autobiography. Dr. Tabatha was named “Best Doctor” during the Grand Haven Tribune’s People’s Choice awards. She has served on the board for the Tri-Cities Family YMCA, has mentored at Central High School, and was a speaker at The Be Event. Nominated by Meghan Heritage.

Athena FinalistsKathryn Drake has been the Principal of Peach Plains Elementary for the past ten years and has been part of the Grand Haven Area Public School district for nineteen years. She supports area youth wellness activities by coaching Girls on the Run and participating in Fuel Up to Play 60. Kathryn collaborates with the Ottawa County Area Intermediate School District, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, Chamber of Commerce, and Grand Valley State University. She served as a Chamber Ambassador, is a Leadership Connect graduate, and served on the Tri-Cities Family YMCA Board. Kate is a past National Blue Ribbon Terrell Bell Leadership Award nominee and has been recognized as a Chamber & Grand Haven Tribune ‘Top 20 Under 40’. Nominated by Todd Anthes.

Karen Fredricks is the Chief Executive Officer of Multistate Insurance Agency in Grand Haven. She began her career as an independent agent. She became the Director of Marketing, then President and is now the Sole Owner and CEO. She has received multiple awards including Top Producer and Outstanding Achievements in Sales. Karen recently became a Platform Partner with Integrity Marketing Group and is one of only two female partners. Presently, Karen is attending Muskegon Community College to accomplish one of her life goals – a college degree. Karen loves to give back to the community where she has served on the board for Habitat for Humanity, and while on the board for Tri-Cities Family YMCA, she was awarded “Campaigner of the Year.” Nominated by Tiffany Fredricks and Barbara Kelch.

Athena FinalistsCara L. Galbavi is the President/Attorney of Cara Galbavi Law. As the Owner and Operator since 2010, she’s experienced continuous growth through building relationships. Cara gives back by helping other female attorneys and professionals who are seeking to go into business for themselves. She is a member of the Ottawa County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan, with expertise in Probate and Estate Planning, Business Law, Real Estate Law, and Law Practice Management. Cara serves our region by being on several boards, including the Lake Michigan Estate Planning Council, The Rotary of Spring Lake, Winterfest, Inc., Folds of Honor Michigan Inc., Soup for All, and Grand Haven Main Street DDA. Nominated by Molly Rand.

Poppy Sias Hernandez is the Regional Director of Community Affairs for Governor Whitmer, where she strives to strengthen community connections with the Executive Office. Poppy’s work has been at the intersection of public health, education, and community development for many years. Poppy ran for the Michigan State Senate. Although she did not win the major election, the experience taught her to lead and follow. Currently, she serves as Trustee for the Harbor Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Vice-President of Muskegon Oceana Community Action Partnership Board, Advisor for Friends of Planned Parenthood, and Advisor for the City of Muskegon Community Development Block Grant Funds. Nominated by Patricia VerDuin.

Athena FinalistsJudith Kell is the HUB Manager for Pathways to Better Health of the Lakeshore, Mercy Health Muskegon. She has improved the lives of thousands of West Michigan residents. Judith has secured millions of dollars in funding to improve housing, mental health services and employment opportunities. Pathways has been acclaimed nationally for its innovative approach to community building. She serves as a mentor to young professionals, was a founding member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, serves on the Senior Activities Committee and Muskegon Montessori Academy Board of Directors. Her dedication to the common good has been recognized by the Greater Muskegon Woman’s Club, Muskegon Rotary with the Paul Harris Award, and Trinity Health. Nominated by Jennifer Haworth and Mary Rosser.

Brianna Scott is the Owner of Brianna T. Scott & Associates, PLLC. She began her career as the first full-time African American attorney at the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s office. In 2005, she became an entrepreneur starting her own law practice, to include civil, family, and criminal law cases, throughout a five-county area. She serves on the board for Access Health, the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, and the Muskegon Heights Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has served as the first African American President for the Muskegon Rotary Club, and currently serves as the Co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee and on United Way’s Community Impact Committee. In 2018, she was the top vote getter in the state for the Trustee position on the Michigan State University Board. Nominated by Jocelyn Hines.

Athena FinalistsBarbara Lee VanHorssen is the Experi-Mentor of Extended Grace advocating with and for marginalized people. Barbara founded her grassroots nonprofit social lab to build community while solving problems. Her accomplishments include MiBiz Award for Best Managed Small Nonprofit 2018 and Greater Ottawa County United Way Volunteer Star 2018. She is Founder and Chair of Tri-Cities Mental Illness Task Force, a member of Spring Lake Rotary, and a member of numerous boards and task forces. Barbara focuses on inclusion, helping others appreciate the world from another person’s perspective, and advocating for social justice and human rights. She is working to take her cultural immersion program into other West Michigan communities. Nominated by Sandy Parker, Leijhi Koval and Jenna Vipond.

ATHENA Young Professional Award SculptureThe ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient receives a lovely recognition piece reflective of the cut crystal prism on the ATHENA Award sculpture, symbolizing the multifaceted qualities of great leadership.

Finalists for the ATHENA Young Professional Award must meet the following criteria: • An emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession • Serve as a role model for young women personally and professionally • Forty years old or younger, and has a minimum of five years professional experience • Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the community • Live or work in North Ottawa or Muskegon County

Past ATHENA Young Professional RecipientsMeghan Heritage (2018), Stefanie Herder (2017), Sara Julius (2016), Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga (2015), Kris Collee (2014)

Athena Young Professional Award

Young Professional FinalistsSara Barco is the Owner of True Self Consulting LLC. She is passionate about helping shift the mentality from sales growth to relationship growth. Sara identifies ways to build together without competition and fear of rejection, and instead celebrates unique abilities and qualities while we S.O.A.R. (Serve Others, and Achieve Results). She is a member of Kiwanis, led a Community Clean-up in Spring Lake, volunteers in her community through the chamber, her church and schools, while involving her family in “giving back.” Nominated by Jenna Vipond and Greg Todd.

Samantha M. Ferguson, MPA is the Development Officer for the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. In a previous role at the City of Muskegon, she partnered with DTE Energy to start the Test and Tune program which replaced hundreds of inefficient or inoperable furnace units for low income residents. She has been recognized by the Progressive Democratic Women’s Caucus as an “African American Woman who has Worked to Make a Difference in the Community.” She is a member of the Muskegon Social Justice Commission, Youth Recreation/Summer Youth Activity Task Force Lead, Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network, and the Muskegon Young Black Professionals. Nominated by Jocelyn Hines.

Young Professional FinalistsLauren Grevel is the Education & Youth Initiatives Officer for the Grand Haven Community Foundation. She is passionate about youth development, educational equity, and helping individuals achieve personal and postsecondary success. Lauren is responsible for developing youth philanthropists and the Foundation’s scholarship program. She serves her community on many committees and serves as President of the Grand Haven Area Young Professionals, is a 20 Under 40 Nominee, Mentoring Program Graduate, Joyce Hecht Philanthropy Scholarship Recipient, and the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, both nationally and in Michigan. Nominated by Holly Cole.

Courtney Jackson is the Curator of Education for the Muskegon Museum of Art. Prior to this position, she worked for a concept gallery, PiazzadiSpagna9, in Italy, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art in Grand Rapids where, as a DisArt Festival board member, she created an accessible art focused iPhone application. She is known for creating collaborative experiences to engage all parts of the community with the Museum. She completed work on the exhibition SONS: Seeing the Modern African American Male, the Aesthetic Education program for school children, and NUFF: New Urbanism Film Festival. Nominated by Dave Alexander.

Young Professional FinalistsCatherine Mott is the Assistant Director for the Muskegon Museum of Art. She brings her most authentic self to the table and offers her time and skills to others to help them develop in the roles they serve at work and in their communities. Catherine has received the JCI Greater Muskegon Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Young Educator, and has co-authored the article, “Lulu and the Shadow Catcher,” in The Magazine Antiques. Art, leadership, family life and community are her passions. Nominated by Cathleen Dubault.

Tina Orchard is the Branch Manager/Officer at ChoiceOne Bank. Tina has worked her way up through the bank, beginning as a teller in 2004. She has been involved in several projects including one that earned the ICBA Community Bank Service Award by creating a program that assisted local farmers to pay their employees in a secure way. Tina enjoys working with women in a Jobs for Life class to prepare them for job interviews. She is involved in her community through membership in JCI Greater Muskegon and as an Ambassador for the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Nominated by Kara Zielinski.

Young Professional FinalistsMorgan Rescorla is the President/CEO of Best Financial Credit Union and County Teachers Insurance Agency. She is focused on developing employees through the Integrity Coaching curriculum by effectively and efficiently completing any project from inception to completion. She implements programs that give back to the communities she serves. Morgan is a member of the Spring Lake Rotary, and is an alternate member of the Grand Haven Township Board of Review. She constantly seeks out opportunities to learn more. Nominated by Shelley Peets.

Holly Schroeder is the Lakeshore Market Manager for Manpower. Holly is focused on making and strengthening relationships with other professionals. She is involved with over eight local chambers. She encourages women to embrace their talents and reach for the stars by using her story to show hard work, determination, and dedication. In five years, she advanced from a stay at home mom, to receptionist, to the Lakeshore Market Manager. Holly is a 2019 Future 15 award recipient and was awarded Manpower Group’s Circle of Stars. Nominated by Kelly Krispin, Caitlin Baughman and Kelcea Wilson.

Young Professional FinalistsAbby Selby is the Owner of Selby Tax and Accounting. Abby is an entrepreneur at heart with a passion for business prosperity. She employs all woman and encourages them step out and follow their dreams. Abby was a 2016 Chamber Young Professional Nominee, and Selby Tax and Accounting was awarded the Grand Haven Tribune’s “Best Tax Preparer” in 2018 and 2019. She is involved in Tri-Cities Women Who Care, Chamber, Rotary, and volunteers in areas that better the youth. Nominated by Meghan Heritage.

Kara Zielinski is the Resource Development Director at United Way of the Lakeshore. Kara is an active member of the JCI Greater Muskegon, leading the group to numerous awards such as Local Organization of the Year and Sustainable Development of the Year. She also serves on the JCI Michigan State Board of Directors and as an Ambassador at the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. Kara is a 2018 Future 15 award recipient. One of Kara’s largest life accomplishments was earning her Master’s Degree in Human Services. Nominated by Tina Orchard.

Sponsors

GoodTemps, Manpower, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network,Fifth Third Bank, City of Muskegon, ADAC Automotive

Service 1 Federal Credit Union, Arconic, Consumers Energy, Community Shores Bank,Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce, Worksighted, Hooker DeJong Inc., Mercy Health,

Shoreline Vision, Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts, Inc.

Carolyn Taylor, Chairperson, Fifth Third Bank

Cindy Achterhoff, Vice Chairperson, PNC Bank

Pamela Blake, The Chamber Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg

Kris Collee, AgeWell Services Of West Michigan

Stefanie Herder, Spring Lake Country Club

Bari Johnson, The Stanton Group

Kristin Knop, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Bre McCarthy, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Pat Shafer, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Dwana Thompson, City of Muskegon

Athena Committee

Authentic Self • Celebration & Joy • CollaborationCourageous Acts • Fierce Advocacy • Giving Back • Relationships

on the Lakeshore

Platinum Sponsor:

Thank You!