Girls Inc. of Wayne County has begun coordinating Wayne County’s Athena Leadership Awards.
Wayne Bank and Indiana University East began jointly hosting the recognition program since 2014.
In a news release, bank and university officials say they’ll remain strong advocates for the awards’ continued success and will serve as 2025 title sponsors.
The Athena program recognizes outstanding women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, community involvement and commitment to empowering others.
This year’s banquet will take place Aug. 22. It will combine the Athena awards and Girls Inc.’s traditional fall Signature Event. Proceeds benefit Girls Inc.
In a news release, Wayne Bank President and CEO Mike Gaddis said bank staff are glad the awards will continue under Girls Inc.’s capable leadership and they’re confident the spirit of this important event will carry forward.
“This partnership has been a wonderful opportunity for IU East to celebrate and support the outstanding women leaders in our community,” said IU East Chancellor Dennis Rome. “We look forward to seeing how Girls Inc. will build on this legacy and continue to elevate the voices of women leaders in Wayne County.”
Tai Muldoon, Girls Inc. executive director, expressed gratitude for the founding organizations’ continued support.
“Girls Inc. has long been dedicated to empowering young women in our community, and we are honored to take on this new responsibility,” Muldoon said.
For more information about the program or sponsorship opportunities, visit girlsincwayne.org/events/athena2025 or call 765-962-2362.
A version of this article appeared in the April 30 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.