ATHENA Awards finalists named

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Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce and its Women’s Council affiliate have announced the finalists for the ATHENA Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Award, and the ATHENA Organizational Award.

The 33^rd annual awards are schedule to be presented at a dinner on Jan. 24.

The ATHENA Award is given annually to a professional female leader who has demonstrated significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women.

The 2019 ATHENA Award finalists are:

• Jill Cicero, owner and founder of the Cicero Law Firm LLP
• Amy DelCorvo, CEO and executive director, New York State Association for Computers and Technology in Education
• Andrea DeMeo, president and CEO, Trillium Health
• Cheryl Dinolfo, Monroe County Executive
• Mary Jo Gugino-Colligan, president and founder, Angels of Mercy
• Mary Alice Liotta, senior vice president, director, operations, ESL Federal Credit Union
• Bridget Martin, vice president, Monroe Capital
• Angela Panzarella, interim CEO and consultant, YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County
• Hilda Rosario-Escher, CEO, Ibero-American Action League
• Pamela Schickler, founder, CEO, and director, 25 North Dance, Sea Her Shine, Tessa’s Treasures
• Jane Shukitis, president and CEO, UR Medicine Home Care
• Sara Taylor, vice president of employment, Rochester Rehabilitation Center and CEO and founder of Positive Steps Consulting

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging female leaders in the 30- to 45-year-old range who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and serve as a role model for young women both personally and professionally.

The 2019 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists are:

• Megan Alchowiak, director of business development, Image360 Rochester
• Shaquana Divers, executive program manager, Excellus BCBS
• Jennifer Dunivent, director of operations, Outpatient Services, United Memorial Medical Center
• Leticia Fornataro, senior associate, senior project manager, SWBR
• Lori O’Brien, deputy director, Legal Assistance of Western New York
• Sarah Rutherford, self-employed visual artist
• Michelle Schleher, senior construction project manager, Rochester Regional Health
• Karen Webber, founder and president, Webber CPA, PLLC
• Melissa Wentland, project manager, DGA Builders, LLC
• Caroline Whelan Tolbert, associate director, advancement events, University of Rochester

The ATHENA Organizational Award goes to a woman-owned or woman-led business or organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential and supports leadership development opportunities for women and girls in the community.

The 2019 ATHENA Organizational Award finalists are:

• Broadstone
• Capstone Information Technologies
• HCR Home Care