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Join us at the historic Egyptian Theatre for the annual ATHENA Award Reception where we recognize amazing women being honored for multiple awards such as the ATHENA Award and Rising Leader Award. The evening kicks off with a cocktail hour at 6:30pm, followed by the awards program at 7:15pm. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are available at dekalb.org/athena-award.This is a celebratory event, so dress to impress—with a red carpet to match!
What is the ATHENA Award?
The ATHENA Award is part of an international program honoring women who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to mentoring and empowering other women.
Congratulations 2026 ATHENA Award Finalists!
Donna Larson, Principal of DeKalb High School
Amy Oster, President of OC Creative
Jenna Spychal, Owner of Jonamac Orchard
To ensure a fair and impartial selection process, all ATHENA finalist nominations are reviewed and scored by other Chambers of Commerce across Illinois that have long-standing ATHENA programs of their own.
What is the Rising Leader Award?
The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce’s Rising Leader Award recognizes a woman who is making a significant impact early in her career through professional achievement, creative leadership, and community engagement. The award celebrates women who are excelling today while demonstrating the potential to become influential leaders in their organizations and the DeKalb County community.
Rising Leader Award recipients will be announced soon!
Unlike the competitive scoring process for the ATHENA Award, the Rising Leader Award is non-competitive and designed to celebrate the unique impact of each nominee.
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Event venue
Egyptian Theatre, 135 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115-3203, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.