Athena Rising: The Nashville ATHENA Awards Recognize Women in Leadership

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, military victory and heroic endeavor. So it’s only fitting that one of the most prestigious awards given to women in leadership bears her name. Cable, the organization behind Nashville’s ATHENA Awards Program, is Tennessee’s largest and most established professional network committed to connecting women in business to better opportunities. 

Co-chairs Julia Baker and Contrecia Tharpe welcomed guests as they sat down for dinner in the Music City Center. And Traci Costa, president and CEO of ATHENA International, took the stage. “Forty-one years ago, our founder was told women are not leaders,” Traci said. She then asked the crowd: Who struggles with worthiness, confidence or a sense of belonging? Many in the audience raised their hands. “This is why ATHENA International is on a mission to positively impact the leadership narrative,” she said. 

Mignon Francois, founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection, gave the evening’s keynote address. Mignon started The Cupcake Collection with $5 and to date has sold over 5 million cupcakes — turning adversity into success. 

This year’s group of Young Professional Award nominees was an impressive one, with Tamara Bates, the Tennessee Democratic Party’s director of community engagement, named the winner. As Tamara graciously accepted the accolade, she noted that the award was not only for her — “but [for] women across the nation and world.” 

The crowning moment came when the organization honored its 18 Traditional Award nominees for their commitment to excellence in their profession, contributions to their community and mentorship of other women. Cynthia Whitfield-Story, CEO of  consulting firm INSPIRE1, won this year’s award. 

“Find someone that you can help, and change their life,” Cynthia said while accepting the award. She then introduced one of her clients, who was sitting in the crowd. “She’s here tonight because I wanted her to experience, at this level, women and success and what she can be in the future.”