Sondra Shaw Hardy has been recognized with the 2016 ATHENA Leadership Award at the 22nd Annual ATHENA Grand Traverse Award Celebration. Shaw Hardy began "cracking glass ceilings" in her mid-30s when she campaigned for public office and was elected in 1970 as the first female member of the Grand Traverse County Commission. During that time she founded a public relations firm which specialized in running political campaigns for women. Her first client was the late Connie Binsfield.

Later on, philanthropy became Shaw Hardy's professional focus and it continues today. Locally, she co-counded the Three Generations of Women Givers at the Women's Resource Center. She was also instrumental in creating a giving circle for the Munson Healthcare Foundation and an innovative circle-like local giving initiative, MAIDens of Michigan, which uses women's donations during semi-annual potluck dinners to grant funds to women in need.