31st Annual ATHENA Awards Commemorative Album produced by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership

1. Produced by Presented by
Commemorative Album
31st
Annual

2. 1989 1990 1991 1992
Karen Makowski,
KeyBank, N.A.
Mary Martino,
Canisius College
Mary Ann Lauricella,
Lauricella Public Relations Co.
Christeen Kanowski (deceased),
Merchants Mutual Insurance
Thank you to our amazing executive committee members
who have been an invaluable part of the ATHENA process.
Honorary Co-Chair
Crystal Peoples-Stokes | Majority Leader | New York State Assembly
Members
Trina Burruss | Chief Operating Officer | United Way
Lorrie Clemo | President | D’Youville College
Juweria Dahir | Executive Director | Entrepreneurship For All (eforall)
Rhonda Frederick | President and CEO | People, Inc.
Melissa Free | SVP & Chief Marketing Officer | Seneca Resorts & Casinos
Kelli Griffin | SVP, Head of Experience | Northwest Bank
Rachael Herrmann | Social Impact & Community Engagement Specialist | Rich Products Corporation
Katie Krawczyk | CEO and Founding Partner | 19 Ideas
Danielle Ossher | Creative Director | Buffalo Magazine
Mary Owusu | CEO & Head of Digital | GuruBound.com
Teresa Sprague | Creative Services Manager | Independent Health
Sujata Yalamanchili | Partner | Hodgson Russ LLP
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership has been honored to produce the ATHENA Awards®
since
1989. The award is celebrated around the world in more than 500 communities and 8 countries
and recognizes contributions made by individuals and organizations to advance the status of
women. The ATHENA Awards®
Luncheon is the region’s most prestigious event recognizing the
professional accomplishments of exceptional individuals and organizations dedicated to the
advancement of women in Buffalo Niagara.
2

3. 1993 1994 1995 1996
Elizabeth Cappella,
Buffalo State College
Cindy Vastola,
Vastola Heating & Air Conditioning
Nancy Nielsen M.D., Ph.D.,
Buffalo General Hospital
Linda Duch,
KeyBank, N.A.
FINALISTS FOR THE
2022 ATHENA
LEADERSHIP AWARD®
The ATHENA Leadership Award®
honors an exceptional individual who has achieved
the highest level of professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve
the quality of life for others in the community, and actively assisted others—particularly
women—in realizing their full leadership potential.
Felicia Beard
Senior Director, Racial Equity Initiatives |
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Felicia Beard is Senior Director of Racial Equity
Initiatives at Community Foundation for Greater
Buffalo where she is responsible for developing,
supporting, and advancing the Community
Foundation’s commitment to racial / ethnic equity.
She also manages the work of the Greater Buffalo
Racial Equity Roundtable, a group of more than 35
community leaders from public, private, non-profit
and faith organizations committed to tackling racial equity in Western New York.
Felicia received her B.A. in Legal Studies and M.S. in Applied Public Affairs from the
State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a member of the Board of Directors
of the Elim Community Corporation and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie
County. Felicia is also a member of Leadership Buffalo and 2nd Vice President of
the Erie County Chapter of Links, Inc. Links is a not-for-profit organization of more
than 16,000 women of African descent dedicated to purposeful service
in the community.
3

4. 1997 1998 2000 2001
Virginia Purcell Oehler,
United Cerebral Palsy of Western New York
Linda Heary Joseph,
Buchanan Ingersoll P.C.
Marsha Henderson,
Keybank, N.A.
Elizabeth Pierce Olmsted M.D.
(deceased), Private Practice
Melinda Buckley
Chief Financial Officer | OLV Charities
Melinda Buckley is Chief Financial Officer at OLV
Charities, an organization that provides philanthropic and
support services to its OLV mission partners in the spirit of
Father Baker.
As CFO, she oversees, directs, and maintains all financial
accounts, related policies and department staff to ensure
successful financial operations within OLV Charities. She
has more than 20 years of financial oversight experience
within the social services field and has also worked in
health care finance.
Originally from California, Melinda has held high-level financial positions over the years and
is most proud to serve as CFO of OLV Charities for just over 10 years. Outside of work, she
participates in numerous volunteer activities including serving as the volunteer (unofficial)
master gardener of the OLV National Shrine gardens. Over the past three years, she has
redesigned and replanted the front and side gardens of the Basilica, with the help of many
youth and adult volunteers.
Christine Dougherty
Senior Vice President, Managing Director |
Mower
As Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Mower
in Buffalo, NY, Christine leads overall business operations
and strategic insight for not only Mower’s Buffalo
office, but across the Agency’s ten locations in New York
City, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cincinnati,
Rochester, Albany and Syracuse. With over 20 years of
integrated marketing experience, Christine has worked with
teams to deliver strategic counsel, solutions, and smart creativity, leading to award-winning
results in a wide range of industries and service sectors.
Today, she is committed to fostering talent, community advocacy and diversity initiatives.
Active in her community, Christine serves on the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs
of Buffalo. Among her many volunteer roles, Christine also serves as an active American
Advertising Federation (AAF) of Buffalo member, as well as an active mentor through the
Western New York Women’s Foundation’s Women Who Lead mentorship program.
4

5. 2002 2003 2004 2005
Maureen Hurley,
Rich Products Corporation
Kathleen Balus,
Pioneer Credit Recovery Inc.
Pamela Davis Heilman,
Hodgson Russ LLP
Mary Kate O’Connell,
O’Connell & Company
Lorna Fitzpatrick
Vice President, Senior Medical Director |
Univera Health Care
Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick is the Vice President Medical Affairs,
Safety Net and Senior Medical Director at Univera
Healthcare. She joined the Excellus Health Plan in 2019
after practicing academic medicine in Buffalo for over
20 years. She is Board Certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric
Hematology-Oncology.
She obtained her medical degree at Jacobs School of
Medicine and continued to Residency in Pediatrics
at St. Louis Children’s Hospital/Washington University St. Louis. She then completed
a Fellowship in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. Lorna
spent 20 years focusing on caring for pediatric patients with brain tumors. As Medical
Director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Program, she developed a comprehensive
multi-disciplinary team approach to care for these patients and their families.
Lorna has a special interest in global health and has been instrumental in developing a Pediatric
Oncology program in Kenya. Locally, she serves on the Ronald McDonald House Board, and
supports therapeutic riding lessons for young patients with brain tumors at the Buffalo
Therapeutic Riding Center.
Elizabeth Woike-Ganga
President and Chief Executive Officer |
BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc.
Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, LCSWR is President and
Chief Executive Officer at BestSelf Behavioral Health,
Inc. in Buffalo. BestSelf is the largest not-for-profit
community-based behavioral health agency in
Western New York and provides a full continuum
of person-centered, trauma-informed behavioral
health treatment and recovery services.
After graduating with a BA from Yale University, Liz spent a year in Costa Rica on a Fulbright
Scholarship followed by two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon, Central Africa.
Returning to Buffalo, Liz worked at Vive, Inc., an organization for world refugees, as Assistant
Director while pursuing a Master of Social Work at SUNY Buffalo.
Liz started at Lake Shore Behavioral Health as an intern in 2002, was hired as a counselor
in 2004 and was offered various promotions until joining the BestSelf in 2012 as Director of
Chemical Dependency. She was promoted in 2014 to Vice President of Clinical Operations and
then to Chief Operating Officer in November 2015. She became CEO in 2020.
5

6. 2006 2007 2008 2009
Muriel Howard Ph.D.,
Buffalo State College
Cheryl Howe,
BlueCross BlueShield of WNY
Ann Evanko
Hurwitz & Fine P.C.
Sharon Lochocki, Keybank, N.A.
Amy Martoche, Esq., Connors & Vilardo, LLP
Dawne Hoeg
Founder and Executive Director | Stitch
Buffalo
Dawne Hoeg is the founder of Stitch Buffalo, an inclusive
space for refugee and immigrant women to create
handcrafted goods and find economic empowerment,
located on Niagara Street in Buffalo. Established in 2014,
the non-profit includes a refugee women’s workshop
in which refugee women sew handcrafted goods in the
community; community education in the textile arts; and a
sustainability program for reuse of donated items.
Dawne is a former associate professor in the Textile and Fiber Arts Design Department at
Buffalo State College. She also served as the handwork teacher at the Aurora Waldorf School.
She founded Stitch Buffalo in the basement of a school while working two jobs, building the
non-profit to provide cross-cultural interaction and a supportive network for women refugees.
Dawne was recently selected by the Community Foundation for
Greater Buffalo as a finalist in the Up and Comer category for their
Centennial Awards, honoring change makers in our community.
Jennifer Johengen-Vogel
Vice President, Health Management | Highmark
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York
Jennifer Johengen-Vogel, MS, RN, CCM joined Highmark
Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2009 and is currently the
company’s Vice President, Health Management. She
is responsible for developing and supporting the
company’s health management strategy to improve
health outcomes. Additionally, Jennifer oversees clinical
program development and innovation, and key clinical
partnerships.
Previously she served as senior director, health management for the health plan and in
leading positions at Horizon Health Services and Independent Health. A registered nurse and
certified case manager, Jennifer earned a master’s degree in psychiatric mental health nursing,
and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University at Buffalo.
She serves on the executive board of the Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network, Inc., and is
co‑chair of its Sustainability Committee. Jennifer also serves on the boards of directors for
Horizon Health Services and the American Diabetes Association of Western New York.
6

7. 2010 2011
Sister Denise Roche, GNSH, Ph.D., D’Youville College
Amy Schmit, University at Buffalo’s NYS CBLS
Connie Vari, Kaleida Health
Christine Bonaguide, Hodgson Russ LLP
Lisa LaTrovato
Donor Relations Manager | Hauptman-
Woodward Medical Research Institute
Lisa LaTrovato is donor relations manager for Hauptman-
Woodward Medical Research Institute in Buffalo. She
began her career serving as a Congressional Liaison
for the late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter. She
moved to the campaign and fundraising side when the
Congresswoman faced redistricting into Buffalo. After a
successful campaign, Lisa became the point person in the
Congresswoman’s Buffalo Office for two years.
The next chapter of her career brought her to Women and Children’s Hospital. During her
15-year career at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation Lisa oversaw major events, worked
on major gift solicitations, grants, annual fund, public relations, and marketing. She played an
integral role in helping to raise the $52 million fundraising goal to help build the new John R.
Oishei Children’s Hospital.
Lisa then accepted the position at Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute as the
Donor Relations Manager. Her role at HWI consists of annual fundraising, events, major gifts,
and supporting the current Cryo-EM Campaign.
Heidi Romer
Director of Community Advancement |
Jericho Road Community Health Center
Heidi Romer is the Director of Community Advancement
at Jericho Road Community Health Center, a global
healthcare organization headquartered in Buffalo, New
York. In her role as director, Heidi is responsible for
developing and leading the community impact strategy
for the organization. These community wide efforts
have helped improve social determinants of health,
community engagement, and health equity issues facing
diverse and historically under-resourced populations.
Heidi has led numerous public and private sector initiatives focused on transformational
and systemic change. She is an active volunteer and serves on several boards and coalitions
serving the Western New York community, including Buffalo Prenatal-Perinatal Network,
Inc., Venture Jobs Foundation, Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, and Healthy
Corner Store Initiative Buffalo.
She is also an appointee to The John R. Oishei Foundation Leaders Program,
and a mentor for Say Yes to Education Buffalo.
7

8. 2022
SAY YES
STUDENT
LEADER
AWARD
Congratulations
Jannatul Noshin!
Say Yes Buffalo Scholar & Ambassador
Senior, Liberal Arts, Houghton College of Buffalo
This award recognizes a Say Yes college scholarship
student who has achieved the highest levels of
academic, community and personal success.
“
She believes that higher education is a
journey to understanding our society and
that once graduated, it’s her responsibility
to make every effort to contribute to
making this world a better place.
”
— Say Yes nominator
Patti Stephen
Executive Director | Buffalo Prep
Patti Stephen is the Robert G. Wilmers Endowed
Executive Director of Buffalo Prep. Located on the
University at Buffalo’s South Campus, Buffalo Prep is
an academic enrichment program providing academic
programming for underrepresented students. In her role
as executive director, Patti promotes an agenda of anti-
racist work, educational equity, and racial justice across
Buffalo Prep’s community-wide partnerships.
With over 20 years of experience in the Buffalo non-profit
world, both as an employee and a volunteer, Patti has served on several boards including her
current service with the National Partnership for Educational Access, Buffalo Olmsted Parks
Conservancy, and the Education Collaborative of WNY.
Patti is a recipient of the Buffalo Business First ‘40 under 40’ award and was recognized
by the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education with the Dean’s Service Award.
In 2021, she was awarded the Outstanding Executive Award, which honors a Western
New York business executive who supports the role of public relations in their
organization and the community.
8

9. 2012 2013
Mary Harley Gresham, Ph.D., University at Buffalo
Katie McKenna, Tops Markets
Lynne Marie Finn, Superior Group
Bridget O’Connell, Child & Family Services
FINALISTS FOR THE 2022
ATHENA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL
LEADERSHIP AWARD®
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® honors an emerging leader
who demonstrates excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession,
contributes time and energy to improving the quality of life for others, and serves as a
role model for young women personally and professionally.
Chantal Benton
Program Manager – Diversity Equity and
Inclusion | Moog Inc
Chantal Benton is the program manager for Diversity
Equity and Inclusion at Moog Inc. In East Aurora, NY. She
is known as a top-performing business professional with a
demonstrated track-record of managing transformative,
high-impact programs that advance business objectives.
High-energy and passionate about people-focused
initiatives that enable change, Chantal works to inspire
employees to bring their full authentic selves to their workplace each day.
As the Program Manager, she is responsible for creating, implementing, and monitoring key
programs to help Moog achieve its goals in the two important strategic priorities of Diversity,
Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) and Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility (CSER).
Chantal holds a bachelor’s degree in international business management from Niagara
University and a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Roberts Wesleyan College.
Outside of work, Chantal is involved in the Buffalo PMI Chapter and the Buffalo Awareness
for Minorities Board.
9

10. 2015 2016
Mary Ann Coulson, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Amy Habib Rittling, Lippes Mathias Wexler Friedmann, LLP
Bridget Niland, Daemen College
Tracy Garner
Senior Provider Account Manager | Highmark
Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY
Tracy Garner is Senior Account Manager for Highmark
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York, where she
oversees and manages the client relationship between
primary care doctors, hospital systems and Accountable
Care Organizations (ACOs). She has also served as an
instructor for 14 years at Bryant & Stratton College,
including six years as lead faculty instructor in the school’s
Medical Administrative Assistant program.
At Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tracy is a board member of the Blue Fund that awards
grant money to non-profits that align with Highmark’s vision form a healthy community.
She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Committee, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Council, and is a graduate of Highmark’s Diverse Emerging, Aspiring, Leader (DEAL) leadership
development program.
Tracy earned a bachelor’s degree in medical administration from Tennessee State
University and an MBA as well as a second master’s degree in public administration
from the University of Phoenix.
Rachel Dorgan
General Manager |The Hamister Group/
Hyatt Place Niagara Falls
Rachel Dorgan is the General Manager of the Hyatt Place
Niagara Falls, owned and managed by Hamister Group
LLC. Rachel has been with Hamister Group since 2017 and
has held several positions with the company including
Director of Sales, Assistant General Manager and Front
Office Manager.
A graduate of Niagara University – where she studied
abroad in South America and volunteered with an
orphanage in Peru – Rachel is also involved in revitalization efforts in Niagara Falls. She
works as a partner in a portfolio of residential real estate designed to provide students and
residents with safe and affordable housing options. Recently, Rachel partnered with other
local entrepreneurs to acquire and open two Third Street bars within the downtown Arts &
Entertainment District.
Rachel participates in community service projects such as spring clean-ups around the city and
regularly donates to charitable auctions via Hyatt Place Niagara Falls to show their support
within the local community
10

11. 2017
Norma Nowak, Ph.D. Executive Director, UB NYS CBLS | Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Empire Genomics LLC.
Melodie Baker, Director of Education, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
Christine Kemp
Director of Population Health | Evergreen
Health
Christine Kemp is the Director of Population Health in
the primary care practice of Evergreen Health, a federally
qualified health center in downtown Buffalo. Evergreen
Health is a not-for-profit organization that fosters
healthy communities by providing medical, supportive,
and behavioral services throughout Western New York.
Christine guides multidisciplinary teams in their pursuit of
clinical care quality improvement and helps the organization achieve success in the healthcare
reform landscape.
Her responsibilities include establishing quality improvement and assurance programs to achieve
health center goals in improving care quality, access, experience, and cost. She also represents
Evergreen Health among community partners such as managed care organizations and regional
provider collaborations.
Prior to this role, Christine worked as the Director of Innovations at Neighborhood Health
Center and was the director of a regional group of safety-net primary care practices in the
Buffalo Niagara region. Christine has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Geneseo and a Master’s
in public health (MPH) from the University at Buffalo.
Joanne Israel
V.P./Assistant General Manager | Seneca
Niagara Resort & Casino, Niagara Falls, NY
Joanne Israel is V.P./Assistant General Manager at Seneca
Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls, NY. She has held
various positions with the company including Corporate
Director of Finance Operations and General Manager
of Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. She helps to oversee all
departments of the Seneca Niagara Casino including hotel
resorts, spa & salon, table games, promotions, human
resources, and environmental services among other areas.
Joanne grew up on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation and graduated from Niagara University
in 2006 with a Bachelor of Business Administration- Accounting. She also earned her Master’s
degree in Business Administration-Strategic Management from Niagara University. Joanna
worked in public accounting for 5 years before starting her tenure with Seneca Gaming
Corporation in 2011.
Joanne serves as a board member for Native American Community Services, and is a former
board member for Inter-Community Services. She has also served as a basketball coach for
St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Sanborn, NY.
11

12. 2018 2019
Kathy Hochul, Lieutenant Governor, New York State
Mary Owusu, Vice President of Analytics and SEO, Mower
JoAnn Falletta, Music Director, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Katie Krawczyk, Partner & CEO, 19 IDEAS
Meghan Lutz
Commissioner of Social Services | Niagara
County Department of Social Services
Meghan Lutz is Commissioner of Social Services at the
Niagara County Department of Social Services, a position
she has held since 2020. A native of Lockport, NY,
Meghan had served as interim commissioner before being
appointed to a permanent role by the Niagara County
Legislature. Prior to that, she was deputy commissioner
of social services in the county.
Upon graduating from State University of New York at Brockport, Meghan began her career
with Niagara County, working her way up to head the Niagara County Youth Bureau. Today,
as commissioner of social services, she leads a staff of more than 400 professionals dedicated
to helping families in need in Niagara County.
While serving the Niagara County community as commissioner, Meghan also gives back in
several volunteer efforts. She is a member of the zoning board of appeals in Lockport and
co-director of the Groff’s Thanksgiving Race in the city which raises money for local charities.
Meghan is also a member of the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish Catholic
women’s organization.
Darra Kubera
Director of Communications | FOS of
CannonDesign
Darra Kubera is Director of Communications at FOS
(Facility Optimization Solutions) of CannonDesign. She
has a wide range of experience with digital marketing,
public relations, brand development, internal and
external communications, and social media. In 2021, Darra
was nominated for an American Marketing Association
Foundation “4 Under 40 Emerging Leaders Award” for her
leadership and contribution to the marketing field.
Darra earned a master’s degree focused in public relations from State University of New York
College at Buffalo, a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Canisius College, and an associate’s
degree in fashion merchandising management from the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Outside of work, Darra is busy giving back to her community through many volunteer efforts
including Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and local charities serving people
experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. She is also on the PRSA (Public Relations
Society of America) planning committee.
12

13. 2021
Sujata Yalamanchili, Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP
Juweria Dahir, City Planner & External Affairs Manager, City of Buffalo
Sonya Tareke
Program Manager | Entrepreneurship for All
Sonya Tareke is the Program Manager for
Entrepreneurship for All Buffalo where she co-leads
the organization’s development efforts in fostering
an entrepreneurial ecosystem that engages the local
community in a true grassroots fashion. She is also an
entrepreneur herself as she is the co-founder of Real Talk,
an e-Learning platform that promotes diversity, equity,
and inclusion by empowering educators and students
through guided social discussion.
Inspired by the Buffalo ecosystem, her goal is to one day head a University Innovation Center.
Sonya is from Mount Vernon, NY and moved to Buffalo in 2013 to pursue her dual bachelor’s
and Master’s in Business Administration at the University at Buffalo.
Sonya is passionate about health, wellness, and mentorship. She is a mentor for Say Yes
Buffalo and is a Tapestry Charter School Club Leader. Outside of work, Sonya enjoys attending
food festivals, stand-up comedy shows, and poetry slams here in Western New York.
Molly Sievenpiper
Business Operations Specialist | American
Red Cross
Molly Sievenpiper is a Business Operations Specialist
at the American Red Cross. In this role, she serves as a
business analyst specializing in Power Business Intelligence
software, compliance, and overseeing information
technology and capacity building projects for 19 direct
facilities across the Western New York region.
As part of the operations team, Molly plays an integral
role in ensuring that lifesaving blood can be collected and
transferred where it’s needed most, and the Red Cross can respond
to local or national disasters within a moment’s notice.
Since 90% of the workforce of the Red Cross is made up of volunteers, Molly serves as
workforce partner to over 60 people who manage the vehicle fleet, facilities, IT, and
administration. In addition, Molly serves as co-chair of the Red Cross Pride Resource Group
and acts as a representative on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
13

14. Vilona Trachtenberg
Distribution Coordinator | New Era Cap
Vilona Trachtenberg is Distribution Coordinator at New
Era Cap in Buffalo. In her role, she helps manage multiple
production, receiving, and shipping operations for New
Era’s North America business, which includes shipping
throughout the U.S., Canada, and to individual consumers.
Vilona earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Political
Science, and Journalism from University at Buffalo, and an
MBA from Canisius College.
While at UB, Vilona wrote for UB’s student-run publication, The Spectrum, and continues to
also work as a freelance journalist for local and national publications including Buffalo Rising,
The Jewish Journal, Hope Rises, The Blast, and The Sound Beat.
Over the past six years, Vilona has found a passion for community service and has collaborated
with many non-profits to further their missions. She is dedicated to helping her hometown
flourish and loves working with arts and cultural organizations, children, people with special
needs, and Holocaust survivors.
Find out the best piece of advice given to nominees at go.buffalo.com/athena
31st
Annual
Presented b
Produced b
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 | 11:00
Buffalo Niagara Conventio
Buffalo Magazine is proud to support
the Athena Awards, and celebrate these
incredible women leading by example.
M A G A Z I N E
to this year’s Athena Award recipients
and to all the nominees.
Your commitment, leadership and
belief in seeing women succeed inspires.
14

15. 2021 2021
Non-Profit
Girls Scouts of Western New York
For-Profit
Ernst & Young LLP
Dynabrade
Dynabrade, Inc., is a global leader in the innovative design and manufacture
of industrial, abrasive power tools and related accessories in the pneumatic
power tool market. With headquarters and manufacturing facilities in
Clarence, NY, Dynabrade serves customers in a wide range of industries, from
aerospace and automotive to medical and industrial, through a worldwide
network of professional distributors. Founded in 1969, Dynabrade products
are sold around the globe in over 90 different countries.
FOR-PROFIT
2022 ATHENA
ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD®
FINALISTS
The ATHENA Organizational Award®
recognizes 2 organizations:
One for-profit organization and one non-profit organization that supports,
develops, and honors women leaders, inspiring women to achieve their full
potential and creating balance in leadership throughout Buffalo Niagara.
15

16. Hodgson Russ
Founded in 1817, Hodgson Russ is the largest and oldest law firm based in Buffalo,
New York. Hodgson Russ attorneys facilitate the U.S. legal aspects of transactions
around the world, with attorneys practicing in every significant area of law. Clients
include public and privately held businesses, governmental entities, nonprofit
institutions, and individuals. Hodgson Russ has offices in Albany, Buffalo, Hackensack,
New York City, Palm Beach, Rochester, Saratoga Springs and Toronto.
M&T Bank
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, M&T Bank Corporation operates 780 branches in
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia,
Washington, D.C., and Connecticut. Founded in 1856 as Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company, today M&T is ranked 462nd on the Fortune 500 and is one of the
top 20 full-service, U.S.-based commercial banks, with 18,000 employees.
FOR-PROFIT
16

17. The Arc Erie County New York
The Arc Erie County New York supports children and adults with disabilities, and
their families, in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities
through comprehensive quality services. A leading agency in Western New York for
more than 70 years, The Arc Erie County provides life-long educational, employment,
vocational, residential, and support programs and resources.
Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
Children’s Museum
Explore & More is world-class children’s museum in Buffalo that celebrates the
power of child led play. With four floors to explore, the 43,000 sq. ft. museum sits
at the crossroads between replica canals and bridges that have become year-round
community destinations on the city’s waterfront. The museum reflects that sense of
place with thoughtfully crafted exhibits that help children develop a deeper sense of
our world, our community, and their place in it in a fun and engaging way.
NON-PROFIT
17

18. OLV Charities proudly
congratulates
MELINDA
BUCKLEY, CFO
and all of the 2022
ATHENA Award Finalists.
Because of your outstanding
efforts, you have contributed
time and energy to improve
the quality of life for OLV and
others in the community.
The Summit Center
Located Amherst, NY, The Summit Center is one of the leading non-profit agencies
serving individuals with developmental, social, and behavioral challenges, including
autism. With a staff of 500 professionals, it is one of the largest human services
organizations in Western New York. Summit provides evidence-based educational,
behavioral health, adult, and community programs to 1,350 children and adults
each year.
NON-PROFIT
18

19. A TEAM THAT PUTS
YOU AT EASE. THAT’S
BANKING MADE EASY.
That’s Northwest Bank.
Being a great banking partner isn’t just having the products and
services our customers want. Which is why behind every solution,
tool and app we offer are friendly, banking experts who are happy to
take care of you. The way we see it, a bank is the sum of its products
and people, and a great bank uses the power of both to
increase the value of you.
Only deposit products offered by Northwest Bank are Member FDIC.
www.northwest.com
Bank | Borrow | Invest | Plan
Northwest congratulates the 2022 Athena Awards®
Finalists —
thanks for all you do to step up and give back to our community!

20. Congratulations to Jennifer Johengen-Vogel for being
named an ATHENA Award®
finalist. Jen is dedicated to
the community, inspires excellence, and helps other
women reach their full potential.
Leadership that gives back
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is a trade name of Highmark Western
and Northeastern New York Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

21. CONGRATULATIONSTO
JOANNEISRAEL
Vice President-AGM
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
2022ATHENA
YOUNGPROFESSIONAL
LEADERSHIP
AWARD®
FINALIST
THE PRESENTING SPONSOR

22. Hamister Group LLC
, tm
Hamister Group, LLC is pleased to congratulate Rachel
Dorgan on being a finalist for the 2022 ATHENA Young
Professional Leadership Award®. Over the years, Rachel
has quickly demonstrated leadership, growing within the
company from Front Office Manager to Director of Sales to
General Manager at Hyatt Place, Niagara Falls. Under
Rachel’s leadership, Hyatt Place performed exceptionally
well during a difficult period in the hospitality industry.
Rachel’s leadership and devotion to her community and
work has earned her this nomination. We wish her the best
of luck in winning this award.
Rachel Dorgan
Congratulations Rachel!
Takingcareofeachother–
that’swhatWesternNewYork
isallabout.
Every day we work with our community to tackle some of the
biggest challenges - and that means helping local businesses
offer the best possible health insurance at a lower cost.
So we are here to congratulate Dr. Lorna Fitzpatrick and all of the honorees in the
Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s Athena Awards 2022. We know how hard you’ve worked
to get here and we are here to support you.
CheckusoutatUniveraHealthcare.com/Community
22

23. Congratulations,
for being selected as a
finalist for the 2022
ATHENA Leadership Award®.
We are so proud that you are
part of the Jericho Road team!
heidi
heidi
romer
romer
716-348-3000 | jrchc.org
Felicia Beard
Senior Director, Racial Equity Initiatives
Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo
Thank you Felicia for your
contributions to creating
a vibrant and inclusive
Greater Buffalo region with
opportunity for all!
Congratulations
Felicia Beard and all of the 2022
ATHENA Awards®
Finalists!
23

24. CONGRATULATIONS
ATHENA Leadership Award®
Finalist
CHRISTINE
DOUGHERTY
DOUGHERTY
SYRACUSE | BUFFALO | BOSTON | ATLANTA | NEW YORK CITY | ALBANY | ROCHESTER | CHARLOTTE | CHICAGO | CINCINNATI | CHICAGO
We could not be more pleased to see our colleague Christine Dougherty
receive this award. Her career at Mower and her care and concern for
her colleagues reflect the values inherent in the award.
— Mower Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations

25. The difference
between ordinary
and extraordinary
is that little extra.
A T T O R N E Y S
LLP
Albany + Buffalo + Hackensack + New York City + Palm Beach +
Rochester + Saratoga Springs + Toronto
www.hodgsonruss.com www.hodgsonruss.ca
Hodgson Russ is
proud to be in the
company of all
Athena Award
nominees whose
inspirational work
strengthens our
community and
elevates all women.

26. The Arc Erie County
New York
www.ArcErieCounty.org
congratulates all
Athena Award Nominees!
We want to give a big round of applause
to all of the Athena Award nominees.
Keep playing into possibilities!
exploreandmore.org
congratulations!
26

27. The Summit Center celebrates the extraordinary
professionals and organizations who value the power
of women’s voices. Congratulations to all of the
ATHENA Awards® finalists!
150 Stahl Rd., Getzville NY 14068 | 716.629.3400 | www.TheSummitCenter.org
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1000, Buffalo, NY 14202
716.853.1616
hselaw.com
Buffalo
Rochester
Albany
Corning
New York City
Rochester ■ Buffalo ■ Albany ■ New York City
■ Corning
Congratulations
to the 2022 ATHENA Awards Finalists.
We salute your excellence, leadership, and
hard work to empower and support women
in the Buffalo community.
27

28. Elizabeth Woike-Ganga, LCSW-R
P R E S I D E N T / C E O | B E S T S E L F B E H A V I O R A L H E A L T H
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S L I Z O N B E I N G A F I N A L I S T F O R T H E
ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD
BESTSELF IS COMMITTED TO THE ADVANCEMENT
OF WOMEN THROUGHOUT WNY.
WE CELEBRATE ALL THE ATHENA FINALISTS!

29. You Matterat Moog

30. Please join us for the 5th Annual – Virtual
June 16, 2022
10:30am – 4:00pm
Maximize your company’s involvement. Buy your Corporate Pass today!
An unlimited number of your employees can attend and benefit.
VISIT: THEPARTNERSHIP.ORG FOR DETAILS
People Inc., a regional multispecialty non-profit health and human
services agency, is proud to serve the community. The agency provides
comprehensive services for people with intellectual and developmental
disabilities, families and older adults to lead more healthy, independent and
productive lives across Western New York and the Greater Rochester region.
people-inc.org
People Inc. is a proud
supporter of
the ATHENA Awards
Saluting women across the region,
who create more inclusive and
impactful workplaces with their
creativity, innovation and leadership.
30
DE&I AT WORK

31. The Buffalo Niagara Partnership offers unique leadership development programs for C-Suite
Executives, business owners, developing managers, sales management professionals and
diversity & inclusion leaders.
Each program is professionally facilitated by experienced consultants who will guide
discussions around your specific business challenges. Shared learning and best practice
sharing are also part of what makes these programs effective.
TWO HOUR SESSIONS, ONCE A MONTH, TEN TIMES A YEAR AT EXCELLENT PRICES.
ASK US ABOUT THEM TODAY!
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
TO LEARN MORE VISIT: THEPARTNERSHIP.ORG 31
The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is the area’s regional chamber of commerce and
privately-funded economic development organization. Since 1844, the BNP has
been working to make Buffalo Niagara a better place in which to do business.
TABLE SPONSORS
Allstate Brewer Agency LLC Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
of Western New York
American Red Cross Hodgson Russ
Bank on Buffalo M&T Bank
BestSelf Behavioral Health M. Sievenpiper Friends & Family
Buffalo Prep Moog
Cannon Design Mower
Community Foundation for
Greater Buffalo
New Era Cap Company
OLV Charities
Crowley Webb Pegula Sports & Entertainment
Dynabrade People Inc.
Freed Maxick Stitch Buffalo
Gary Pools & Leisure The Arc of Erie County
Hamister Group The Summit Center
Harter Secrest & Emery LLP Zoological Society of Buffalo, Inc.

32. Produced by:
Title Sponsor:
Presenting Sponsor:
Finalist Sponsor:
Supporting Sponsors:
Evergreen Health | Grover Cleveland Press
Heather Bellini Photography | St. Bonaventure University
Official Media Sponsor:
Official Accounting Sponsor:
Thank you to our
2022 Annual ATHENA Award®
Sponsors