The local chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW) has announced the nominees for the 2025 Grand Traverse Region ATHENA Award.

According to a press release, that award honors women who “demonstrate excellence in their business or profession, provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential.” Recent winners of the local ATHENA award include Judy Harrison (2024), Jean Derenzy (2022), and Noelle Moeggenberg (2019).

This year’s six nominees are as follows:

>Deb Allen, currently the assistant city manager for the City of Traverse City, and formerly the county administrator for Leelanau County.

>Dana Frost of the Forced Joy Project, “a community of people who are willing to share and connect in both life's brightest and darkest moments.”

>Deb Jackson, executive director at the Old Town Playhouse.

>Eva Petoskey of Mindimooyenh Healing Circle, and also a previous vice-chair of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians tribal council.

>Marjie Rich, executive director of Generations Ahead.

>Karen Schmidt, a retired TCAPS educator and a founding board member of both the Botanical Society of Northwest Michigan and the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Traverse.

Additionally, the ATHENA selection panel at AAUW of Traverse City has announced that, in light of the unexpected passing of local activist Holly T. Bird, the organization will honor her this year with a special posthumous ATHENA Award.

The ATHENA awards ceremony is scheduled for 5pm Thursday, May 8 at Kirkbride Hall, and tickets are now available.