Our History
In 1987, the internationally recognized Athena Award program was introduced in St. Charles
County by the St. Peters Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of this program is to support the development of women in leadership roles within the business community. Since 1982, over 3,000 outstanding men and women have been recognized with the Athena Award, 20 of whom are from our community.
In 1997, the past recipients of the St. Charles County Athena Leadership award formed the Athena Leadership Foundation of St. Charles County, with a vision to not only recognize the Athena leader each year, but also to create programs to support women in leadership development. To this end, the Foundation has awarded grants and scholarship totaling over $20,000, hosted the Athena Leadership Summit in 2006, co-sponsored the Women’s Economic Development Tour (Jan. 2007 & 2008) and kicked off the Athena Powerlink Program in the metro area.
The Athena philosophy brings into focus an outstanding professional in the community, while encouraging the support of leadership opportunities for women. The Athena Leadership Award identifies a leader (both men and women are eligible to receive this award) for their accomplishments, for community service, and for mentoring others. Supporting and promoting the achievements, service, and assistance to others, Athenians will continue to celebrate the leadership qualities that bring women to business.
