Chamber relaunches ATHENA Awards to ‘celebrate and inspire’ women’s leadership – Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD — Forty years after the inaugural event, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber is relaunching an ATHENA Awards luncheon at 11 a.m. May 4, at Madden’s Resort.

The event will spotlight women’s leadership in the Brainerd lakes area and recognize those helping create meaningful opportunities for women and girls.

The community event will also mark the start of a broader effort to strengthen women’s leadership, connections and support across the region.

The lakes area has a history with the ATHENA Awards. From 1986 to 1989, local honorees included Jane Gunsbury, Bonnie Cumberland, Roz Haapajoki and Cheryl Gelbmann. The 2026 event continues that tradition while connecting to ATHENA International and its leadership model.

According to Sarah Kinkeade, chamber board member and 2026 ATHENA committee chair, the goal is not only to celebrate achievements but to create stronger relationships, learning and opportunities that help women thrive at work and in the community.

Kinkeade is the market president of Frandsen Bank & Trust and was also an ATHENA Leadership Award honoree in 2015, when she worked in Eden Prairie.

“Winning the ATHENA award is one of the highlights of my career,” she said. “To be a part of bringing this award to the Brainerd Lakes Area with the chamber is an incredible honor. This is an exciting first page in a new chapter for the area, celebrating, empowering and inspiring women in business.”

Two awards will be presented at the luncheon.

The award celebrates an individual who lifts women and/or girls higher through professional excellence, community service and active support of women’s leadership. This honor recognizes an individual who expands opportunities, ignites courage and confidence, and helps others grow by modeling strength, integrity and compassion.

ATHENA Organizational Leadership Award

The award celebrates an organization, group or program that lifts women and/or girls higher. This honor recognizes those who expand opportunities, ignite courage and confidence, and create a true sense of belonging.

Sponsors for the ATHENA Awards luncheon include CTC as presenting sponsor, Conductor Power as the Organizational Leadership Award sponsor, Madden’s Resort as the venue sponsor and Red Ribbon Consulting as the keynote speaker sponsor.

The keynote speaker will be Traci Costa, president of ATHENA International. Costa will discuss the “8 Principles of Enlightened Leadership” and why they matter in workplaces and communities. The principles are: live authentically, learn constantly, build relationships, foster collaboration, act courageously, advocate fiercely, give back, and celebrate.

Costa will also speak to the importance of supporting women leaders. When women have access to leadership opportunities, strong networks, and people who champion their growth, their organizations benefit from broader perspectives, stronger decision-making and healthier cultures.

People can learn more about the awards and nomination process at a Business After Hours event at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5 Rocks Distilling Company in Brainerd.

Nominations are open and due by Feb. 8. Luncheon tickets and tables are available at

www.brainerdlakeschamber.com/athena

“This effort is about making sure women leaders are seen and valued, not just applauded for a moment,” said Matt Kilian, chamber president. “Strong women leaders make businesses stronger, and that benefits our entire community. After the luncheon, we’ll bring people together to help shape what comes next.”

The event committee includes Kinkeade; Jessica Richau, Curated Closet; Sarah Smith, Smiles for Jake; Pam Finch, Red Ribbon Consulting; Alison Medeck, BLAEDC; and Lori Scharenbroich, West Shore Marketing and Spaces.

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