The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council will present the 100th ATHENA Award at its annual ceremony on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at ArtsQuest in Bethlehem. The event will honor two exceptional women and one organization for their leadership, mentorship, and community impact.
Since 1985, the ATHENA Awards have celebrated leaders who embody the mission of ATHENA International—to support, develop, and honor women leaders while creating balance in leadership worldwide. This year marks a milestone for the Chamber’s program, which has recognized 99 honorees over four decades.
2025 ATHENA Leadership Award: Congresswoman Susan Wild
Congresswoman Susan Wild will receive the ATHENA Leadership Award for her long-standing service to the Lehigh Valley and her commitment to mentorship and advocacy. A trailblazer in local and national leadership, Wild was the first woman to represent Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her distinguished career includes roles on the House Education and Labor Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Ethics Committee.
2025 ATHENA Emerging Professional Leadership Award: Veronica Gonzalez
Veronica Gonzalez, CEO of Valley Health Partners Community Health Center, will be recognized for her leadership in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities. Under her guidance, VHP achieved national recognition as a gold-level health center quality leader. A lifelong Lehigh Valley resident, Gonzalez serves on several community boards and has been honored as both a Woman of Influence and Forty Under 40 honoree by Lehigh Valley Business.
2025 ATHENA Organizational Award: MKSD Architects
Women-owned MKSD Architects will receive the Organizational ATHENA Award for its inclusive, community-driven approach to design. Founded in the Lehigh Valley, MKSD champions equity and empowerment through its mission of “Design, for Everyone. Equally.” The firm’s people-first culture and commitment to collaboration have made it a leader in thoughtful, sustainable architecture.
“The ATHENA Awards shine a spotlight on women and organizations that create meaningful change, open doors, and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Danielle Joseph of the Women’s Business Council.
For more details about the event and the ATHENA Awards program, visit www.lehighvalleychamber.org.
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