The BNP is pleased to introduce you to the finalists who have been selected for the 2021 ATHENA® honors including the ATHENA Leadership Award® and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®. NEW THIS YEAR, we will also present the ATHENA Organizational Award® to recognize one for-profit organization and one non-profit organization that inspire women in WNY to achieve their full potential.
We will bring you profiles of each finalist in the weeks ahead, leading up to the awards event. Come back often to read the profiles and you’ll learn what it means to be an Athena. And if you’d like to attend the ATHENA Awards® Luncheon, the region’s most prestigious event dedicated to the professional accomplishments of those who work to advance women, you can get tickets here.
Meet This Week’s ATHENA Leadership Award® Finalist
Rema Hanash
Director of Resource Development
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Rema Hanash is Director of Resource Development at United Way of Buffalo & Erie County where she has more than 25 years of experience with the non-profit human services organization. In her role as director, Rema is responsible for overseeing and executing organizational strategies for the United Way Annual Campaign among other management duties.
Rema has volunteered and served on numerous boards and received a number of awards throughout the Western New York Community. Her volunteer involvement includes WNY Girls in Sports, Leadership Buffalo, Muslim Public Affairs Council, and the Ladies Theatre Guild. She has been recognized with the Community Leaders Award for Community Service and Volunteerism; Eyes on America Community Service Award; Global Citizen Award for Community Service; and UB’s Outstanding Service Award.
First Job
Rema’s first job was with Wegman’s Food Markets.
Career Highlights
Among many career highlights, Rema points to securing her first million-dollar gift to the United Way as a proud accomplishment. She also points with pride to obtaining her MBA from University at Buffalo.
Best Piece of Advice Given Regarding Her Career
When you do the right thing, it will never be the wrong decision. Always be fair, open, and honest with people.
Advice to Give to a Woman Just Starting in the Workplace
Do what you love and be the very best at it. A strong work ethic, honesty, integrity and resiliency will help you to achieve success.
About being an ATHENA Award® Finalist
“It is an honor to be a finalist. Each year when I read about the incredible women who are finalists for the Athena award, I am always inspired by their successes and achievements. Being in their company is very humbling and it inspires me to want to do more to help people and our community.”
On Buffalo Niagara
“I have always loved living in Buffalo and knew that it was the best kept secret in America. I have met and continue to meet the most amazing and interesting people from all walks of life which makes my job so interesting, gratifying and the reason why I love what I do every single day.”
Favorite Spot in Buffalo
While technically not in Buffalo, it is Chestnut Ridge Park where I learned to play tennis, grew to love running, and invented snowboarding!
Lightning Round: Added Insights
- Guilty Pleasure: Binge watching a good series with a bowl of Perry’s Brownie Blitz Ice Cream with a little hot fudge topping!
- Best Describes Me: Loyal, compassionate and empathetic, driven, very funny and always sees the best in people!
- Most Likely To: Be the first to say “I’m in” and take action!
- Best At: Bringing people together for a common goal.
- Most Used Emoji: I do not use emoji’s
- Book Recommendation: Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
Attend the ATHENA Awards® Luncheon
The ATHENA Awards® Luncheon is the region’s most prestigious event recognizing the professional accomplishments of exceptional individuals who are dedicated to the advancement of women. Be there when the winners are announced.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Register to Attend Here
