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            • Women in Business Breakfast

              The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business Breakfast is an annual event that celebrates and recognizes the contributions of women in business and the community.
              It often coincides with International Women's Day and features a panel discussion with local business and professional women who share their experiences, success stories, and advice. 
              The event also includes the presentations of:
              • the ATHENA Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual for professional excellence, community service, and assisting other women in leadership development.
              • and the ATHENA Young Professional Award, which recognizes emerging leaders, typically under age 40, who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their professions while acting as role models for women and contributing to their communities.
              WATCH this past Women in Business Breakfast from March 6th, 2026 by clicking the image link below!

               

            • The ATHENA Leadership Award
               
              This award, introduced in 2000, celebrates the potential of women as valued members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA Leadership Award honours individuals who strive toward the highest levels of professional accomplishment….women and men who excel in their chosen field have devoted time and energy to their community in meaningful ways and who also open paths so that others may follow. ATHENA recipients must meet each of these three specific criteria. They must a) Assist women in reaching their full potential, b) Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession and c) provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
               
              Recipients:
               
              2000 - Diane Marshall
              2001 - Rosemary O'Connor
              2002 - Carmela Novello
              2003 - Candy Mitchell
              2004 - Ella-Jean Richter
              2005 - Antoinette Blunt
              2006 - Mary Ellen Szadkowski
              2007 - Jody Rebek-DiCerbo
              2008 - Katherine G. MacRae
              2009 - Marnie Stone
              2010 - Mary E. Pascuzzi
              2011 - Dawna Kinnunen
              2012 - Donna Hilsinger
              2013 - Mayor Debbie Amaroso
              2014 - Doris Anne Ray
              2015 - Susan Milne
              2016 - Linda Ryan
              2017 - Monica Dale
              2018 - Karen Bird
              2019 - La-Na Fragomeni
              2020 - Asima Vezina
              2021 - Marilyn King
              2022 - Jane Omollo
              2023 - Jasmyn Rowley
              2024 - Sherry Berlinghoff
              2025 - Karen Bell
              The ATHENA Young Professional Award
               
              The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes emerging leaders, typically under age 40, who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their professions while acting as role models for women and contributing to their communities. The award was introduced by the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce in 2024.
               
              Recipients:
               
              2024 - Meaghan Kent
              2025 - Brianne Pringle