Congratulations to Sandi Kemmish, ATHENA Award Recipient

Congratulations to Sandi Kemmish, the 2008 ATHENA Award® Program Recipient. Sandi was honored at the ATHENA Award program and luncheon this afternoon at the Landmark Conference and Reception Centre.

The ATHENA Award Program recognizes individuals for professional excellence, for providing valuable service to their community and for assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. This is the Chamber's fourth year of presenting the program.

Sandi is the head of Lincoln Financial Foundation, and manages various activities across the country. She has a BS in English/French and an MS in English Education, and she taught high school and middle school for more than ten years. She has been an active board member and volunteer leader for nonprofits everywhere she has lived, including Ireland. Since moving to Fort Wayne in 1991, she has served in leadership capacities for the YWCA, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Junior League, Arts United, Super Shot, and Community Partnerships Inc. Sandi has been a board member for Junior Leagues International since 1997 and currently serves as President. She and her husband Kirk have a son, daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters.

“Being nominated for the Athena Award is such a humbling experience and a reminder of the importance that every person plays as a catalyst for community improvement and a mentor to other women,” said Kemmish.

Congratulations to Sandi and all the exceptional 2008 nominees for their outstanding leadership:
Beth Murphy Beams, The Center for Nonviolence, Inc.
Cheri Becker, Invent Tomorrow
Crystal Thomas, Levan Scott Academy
Kathleen Ann Schrock, Ivy Tech College
Kathy Friend, Fort Wayne Community Schools
Karen Goldner, Fourth Wave, LLC
Marjorie Stephens, Better Business Bureau
Rachel Tobin-Smith, SCAN, Inc.
Sandi Kemmish, Lincoln Financial Foundation
Stacy Novotny, Salin Bank & Trust Company
Stacey Smith, Prairie Quest Consulting

A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, BKD, LLP for their fourth year of generous support.