ATHENA Awards

31st Annual ATHENA Awards^®

April 5, 2022 from 11 AM – 1:30 PM at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center!

See the Full List of Finalists | View the Commemorative Album

Since 1989, the BNP has been honored to produce the annual ATHENA Awards® Luncheon, at which finalists for the ATHENA Leadership Award®, the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®, and the ATHENA Organizational Award® are celebrated. Recipients of each award are selected by secret ballot and announced LIVE at the event.

Our 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award® Recipient is Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, President & CEO, BestSelf Behavioral Health.

Liz cites the implementation of the Certified Community Behavioral Health clinic model at BestSelf as one of her career highlights. The CCBHC is the gold standard of comprehensive, accessible, high quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment services that help people to heal and improve their lives in a holistic manner. Learn more about Liz in her Q&A blog profile here.

Our 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award® Recipient is Vilona Trachtenberg, Distribution Coordinator, New Era Cap.

Vilona has found a passion for community service and has collaborated with many nonprofits to further their missions. She is dedicated to helping her hometown flourish and loves working with arts and cultural organizations, children, people with special needs, and Holocaust survivors. Learn more about Vilona in her blog profile here.

Our 2022 ATHENA Organizational Award® Recipients are:

Founded in 1817, Hodgson Russ is the largest and oldest law firm based in Buffalo, New York. Hodgson Russ has long been a leader in supporting, developing, honoring, and encouraging women. Learn more about their commitment to empowering women and girls through education, economic advancement, and mentoring.

The Summit Center is one of the leading not-for-profit agencies serving individuals with developmental, social, and behavioral challenges. Summit has approximately 450 employees, 85% of whom are women! Women steer the organization in virtually every leadership role. Learn more about their commitment to helping women and girls reach their full potential.

Learn more about all of our Finalists in the videos below:

Our 2022 ATHENA Award® Finalists:

Say Yes Student Leader Award

Presented by The Buffalo News & Buffalo Magazine, honoring a Say Yes to Education Buffalo college scholarship student who has achieved the highest levels of academic, community and personal success.

This award was presented LIVE at the event to Jannatul Noshin!

ATHENA Leadership Award®

The ATHENA Leadership Award® honors an exceptional individual who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assisted others—particularly women—in realizing their full leadership potential.

Felicia Beard
Senior Director, Racial Equity Initiatives – Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Melinda Buckley
CFO – OLV Charities
Christine Dougherty
Senior VP, Managing Director – Mower
Lorna Fitzpatrick
VP Senior Medical Director – Univera Healthcare
Dawne Hoeg
Executive Director – Stitch Buffalo
Jennifer Johengen-Vogel
VP of Health Management – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
Lisa LaTrovato
Donor Relations Manager – Hauptman Woodward
Heidi Romer
Director of Community Advancement – Jericho Road Community Health Center
Patti Stephen
Executive Director – Buffalo Prep
Elizabeth Woike-Ganga
President & CEO – BestSelf Behavioral Health

ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award®

The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® honors an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession, and serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally.

Chantal Benton
Program Manager, Diversity Equity & Inclusion – Moog
Rachel Dorgan
General Manager – Hyatt Place/Hamister Group
Tracy Garner
Senior Provider Account Manager – Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
Joanne Israel
V.P./Assistant General Manager – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Christine Kemp
Director of Population Health – Evergreen Health
Darra Kubera
Director of Communications – FOS of CannonDesign
Meghan Lutz
Commissioner of Social Services – Niagara County Social Services
Molly Sievenpiper
Business Operations Specialist – American Red Cross
Sonya Tareke
Program Manager – Entrepreneurship for All
Vilona Trachtenberg
Distribution Coordinator – New Era Cap

ATHENA Organizational Award® - For-Profit

The ATHENA Organizational Award® recognizes a for-profit organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential and creating balance in leadership throughout Buffalo Niagara.

ATHENA Organizational Award® - Non-Profit

The ATHENA Organizational Award® recognizes a non-profit organization that supports, develops, and honors women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full potential and creating balance in leadership throughout Buffalo Niagara.

View the 2022 ATHENA Awards® Commemorative Album

About the ATHENA Awards®

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is the area representative for ATHENA International, a nonprofit that seeks to support, develop, and honor women leaders. The ATHENA Awards® are celebrated around the world in more than 500 communities and 8 countries.

The Annual Luncheon brings the individual and organizational finalists together with the community for networking and a celebratory Awards presentation!

Thank You to our 2022 Annual ATHENA Award® Sponsors

Title Sponsor

Northwest Bank is a proud sponsor of the 2022 ATHENA Awards. Learn more about Title Sponsor Northwest’s commitment to supporting women in leadership and furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in this short video interview.