Support, develop and celebrate women leaders. That’s the spirit of the ATHENA Awards®—arguably the region’s highest honor to professional women.
On April 5, 2022, this annual Buffalo Niagara Partnership celebration returns to the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center for its inspiring luncheon celebrating these impressive women and announcing this year’s recipients. (Get your tickets here!)
Each of the 20 finalists, whether established or young leaders, embody the highest standards of professional success, community service and role modeling for women. And they all had words of wisdom to share with fellow women just starting their careers—though we found their advice poignant for all. Here’s what they had to say.
Leadership Award finalists
“Be mindful of how often you apologize. Use an apology only when it is needed. It’s ok to be not ok, and it’s ok not to know. Own that and ask. Ask for help, ask for guidance but don’t apologize.”
– Christine Dougherty, Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Mower
“Find your balance between work and life and always know that ‘Yes, you can!!’”
– Dawne Hoeg, Founder and Executive Director, Stitch Buffalo
“Be ready for opportunities when they arise.”
– Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, President and Chief Financial Officer, BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc.
“Be courageous and don’t compromise. Be willing to admit when you are wrong, give credit where credit is due, and be confident in what you bring to the table. Know your added value is just that...valuable!”
– Felicia Beard, Senior Director, Racial Equity Initiatives, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
“You are unique, with a unique set of talents. No one else brings to the table what you do. Find your strengths, be confident in them, and use this knowledge to speak up, advocate for yourself and others, and help chart your own course.”
– Lorna Fitzpatrick, Vice President, Senior Medical Director, Univera Health Care
“Apply yourself with passion and dedication – regardless if you find yourself in your “perfect” job or a temporary situation.”
– Melinda Buckley, Chief Financial Officer, OLV Charities
“Know your worth, be your biggest advocate, ask the right questions and seek to understand.”
– Heidi Romer, Director of Community Advancement, Jericho Road Community Health Center
“Be kind to yourself first and foremost. Especially if you are a working mother and trying to balance your career and responsibilities at home. It is easy to lose yourself and to punish yourself out of care for others.”
– Patti Stephen, Executive Director, Buffalo Prep
Young Professional Leadership Award finalists
“Don’t minimize who you are as you navigate your career. Dive into learning about your personal values and apply that to a leadership style that feels natural.”
– Chantal Benton, Program Manager, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Moog Inc.
“Be protective of your energy and be mindful of where you apply it. Ask all of the questions you need. Lift up the voices of people who aren’t heard and take the opportunity to celebrate others’ success. Solidarity is not a spectator sport!”
– Christine Kemp, Director of Population Health, Evergreen Health
“Network and be yourself! It sounds so simple but making connections is vital to success, especially in a “small town” city like Buffalo.”
– Darra Kubera, Director of Communications, FOS of CannonDesign
“Do what you say and say what you mean. There is power in consistency, follow-through, and directness.”
– Rachel Dorgan, General Manager, The Hamister Group/Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
“No one will advocate for you better than you. So don’t let yourself down.”
– Tracy Garner, Senior Provider Account Manager, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
“YOU are your own best advocate. It is extremely hard for women to always have a voice in the workplace. Ensure that you are heard, and you pick your battles when necessary.”
– Joanne Israel, V.P./Assistant General Manager, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls
“Take every opportunity to learn new things, attend meetings with your boss’s boss, and show others your knowledge and leadership abilities. Never let an opportunity pass you by because someone is always looking at your potential.”
– Meghan Lutz, Commissioner of Social Services, Niagara County Department of Social Services
“Say thank you, recognize your win, and uplift those around you. Also, answer questions you perceive as ‘duh!’ with utmost seriousness, because if someone has come to you for advice, they trust your character.”
– Molly Sievenpiper, Business Operations Specialist, American Red Cross
“Self-advocacy is key as a woman in the workplace, so practice your negotiation skills daily.”
– Sonya Tareke, Program Manager, Entrepreneurship for All
“Make sure you take every opportunity in front of you to network, learn, and meet everyone you can. Be sure to attend workshops, attend professional development meetings, and make connections with those in the line of work you’re trying to pursue. Every effort takes you closer to your goal and closer to finding where your true passions lie.”
– Vilona Trachtenberg, Distribution Coordinator, New Era Cap
Come celebrate all the 2022 finalists at the ATHENA Awards® on April 5, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. Get your tickets »
