Local businesses, community leaders gather for ATHENA Awards
Lauren Duffel
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Local businesses and community leaders gathered in Yuma Thursday for the ATHENA Awards. Five local women were nominated for this prestigious award.
Wendy Lobeck McKay was the recipient of the ATEHNA award. She shared how it feels to have won, “I am surprised. I am humble. I am grateful. I am in the company of some amazing women in this community and to be nominated let alone be named Athena 2025 I’m just speechless.”
The ATHENA Award celebrates outstanding leadership in the community. Being nominated for this prestigious award means a lot to those who were selected.
This year’s nominees were Nancy Turner Blitz, Emilia Cortez-Sharkey, Wendy Lobeck McKay, Dr. Danielle Muñoz, and Wendy Steward.
“It doesn’t feel real; I will tell you that right now it doesn’t feel real. It just feels like you’re doing the thing that you want to do and love to do, so to have people see that it means a lot,” said Wendy Steward, nominee and presenter.
The ATHENA Award is presented by the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce to women who excel in business and helping the community.
The winner of the ATHENA Award serves on the board of directors at the Yuma Humane Society and has worked in the agriculture business for over 40 years. She shared how impactful it is to volunteer in the community.
“There are many opportunities for service organizations. There is something that speaks to your heart. For instance, I volunteer as a board member for Yuma Humane Society. If animals are your love, reach out to the Humane Society and find out how to volunteer. The food bank always has volunteer opportunities, and to see the impact on those who you help is just amazing,” McKay said.
All five ATHENA Award nominees are trailblazers in the community. It’s important to recognize the stellar leadership they exhibit.