Powerful Voices Presents the ATHENA Award
ATHENA Leadership Awards Reception
Thursday, December 3, 2026 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Round out the year with the presentation of the ATHENA Leadership Award and the CWCC Ally Award
- Hear an inspiring keynote address
- Crown the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award winner
- Recognize the 2026 CWCC Ally Awardee
- Network with your CWCC community
- Enjoy the spectacular views of downtown Denver during the holidays!
The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a Colorado woman or man who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence while actively assisting women and historically marginalized people in realizing their full leadership potential. This is a lifetime achievement award to honor the most influential individuals in our community. See the list of past ATHENA winners below.
Reception Information
Join us to honor the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient!
ATHENA Leadership Awards Reception
Thursday, December 3, 2026
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join your CWCC Community to honor the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award winner, the 2026 CWCC Ally Awardee, and network.
Event Highlights…
- Special Keynote Address
- 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award presentation
- 2026 CWCC Ally Award presentation
- Mimosas and a delicious light lunch
- Community and Conversation
Past ATHENA Winners
2025 Hon. Christine M. Arguello, U.S. Federal Judge and Founder of Law School... Yes, We Can!
2024 Hon. Wilma J. Webb, pioneering politician
2023 Anna Jo Garcia Haynes, Mile High Early Learning
2022 Lauren Casteel, Women’s Foundation of Colorado
2021 Kelly Brough, MSU Denver
2020 Michelle Lucero, Children’s Hospital Colorado
2019 Christine Benero, Mile High United Way
2018 Donna Lynne, Former Lt. Governor, Colorado
2017 Jean Galloway, Prosono
2016 Dr. Dorothy Horrell, University of Colorado
2015 Pat Cortez, Wells Fargo
2014 Sheila Gutterman, Gutterman Family Law
2013 Elbra Wedgeworth, Denver Health Foundation
2012 Carita Watson, IBM
2011 Mimi Roberson, HealthONE – Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
2010 Paula Herzmark, Denver Health Foundation
2009 Caz Matthews, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield
2008 Sister Alicia Cuaron
2007 Patricia Barela-Rivera, Small Business Administration
2006 Olga Garcia, Coors
2004 Taryn Edwards, Hensel Phelps
2003 Patty Fontneau, TIAA-CREF
2002 Kim Coupounas, GoLite
2001 Judy Taylor, Zenith Woman Magazine
2000 Joy Burns, DC Burns Realty & Trust
1999 Gwinavere Johnston, JohnstonWells Public Relations
1998 Kathryn Paul, Delta Dental
1997 Elaine Demery