Stockton is set to shine once again as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosts its 38th Annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM at the Stockton Golf & Country Club. This prestigious event has long been one of the Chamber’s most anticipated celebrations, honoring women leaders who embody courage, vision, and service to our community.
Celebrating Leaders Who Inspire
This year’s honorees represent the very best of Stockton—women (and a remarkable young leader) who not only achieve excellence in their fields but also uplift others along the way.
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ATHENA Leadership Award: Kay G. Ruhstaller – CEO, Family Resource Center
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ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award: Stephanie Braithwaite – Lily Pad Living / Lotus Rising Recovery Services
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ATHENA Youth Leadership Award: Abigail Coussons – Linden High School
These inspiring women join an impressive legacy of ATHENA recipients stretching back to 1986, a testament to Stockton’s enduring tradition of producing powerful, compassionate leaders.
Spotlight on the Honorees
Kay Ruhstaller has transformed the Family Resource Center into the largest nonprofit in San Joaquin County, impacting more than 8,000 children annually. Her fearless advocacy and collaborative leadership have shaped policy, secured millions in funding for families, and inspired countless women to rise into leadership roles.
Stephanie Braithwaite, a dynamic young leader, is breaking barriers with innovative recovery programs that serve survivors of trauma, youth in crisis, and families in need. From founding advocacy organizations as a teen to leading county-wide initiatives today, she exemplifies resilience, service, and mentorship for the next generation.
Abigail Coussons, the 2025 ATHENA Youth Leadership Award recipient, has demonstrated an extraordinary blend of intellect, compassion, and courage that has made her a standout role model among peers and educators. A senior at Linden High School with a 4.1 GPA and a class ranking in the top ten, Abigail serves as Class President for the fourth consecutive year and as Student Trustee for the Linden Unified School District—where she ensures every student’s voice is heard.
A leader of integrity and empathy, Abigail is known for visiting every campus in her district to connect with students of all ages. Her leadership extends into the community through FFA, where she has served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Reporter, mentoring younger members and leading her team to first place in the 2025 FFA State Ag Sales Competition, advancing to represent California nationally.
As Spirit Commissioner and Girls’ Golf Team Captain, she fosters teamwork, school pride, and inclusion. Beyond school, she contributes through the California Scholarship Federation and represents her hometown as a Linden Cherry Queen Princess. Her peers describe her as an empowering mentor who lifts others through encouragement and example—proof that leadership has no age limit.
“Abigail represents the very best of young leadership—authentic, courageous, and committed to others,” said Scott McGregor, Superintendent of Linden Unified School District. “She doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it, every single day.”
The Spirit of ATHENA
At the heart of the ATHENA Awards lies the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™, a model that guides leaders to create impact not only through their achievements but through authenticity, courage, and collaboration.
These principles remind us that leadership is not about titles—it’s about living with purpose and empowering others:
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Live Authentically
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Learn Constantly
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Build Relationships
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Foster Collaboration
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Act Courageously
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Advocate Fiercely
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Give Back
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Celebrate
These guiding principles are lived every day by the honorees who have turned vision into action—building stronger families, communities, and futures across San Joaquin County.
Event Details
Where: Stockton Golf & Country Club, 3800 W. Country Club Blvd.
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Tickets: $65 each (prepaid reservations only)
Sponsorships available
For more information or to reserve your seat, visit stocktonchamber.org/athena-awards.
Why It Matters
The ATHENA Awards are more than an annual luncheon—they are a celebration of Stockton’s spirit, a reminder that leadership is about serving others, and a call to action for all of us to live, lead, and give with purpose.
Join us in honoring Kay Ruhstaller, Stephanie Braithwaite, and Abigail Coussons, the women and young leader who carry forward the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ and inspire Stockton’s future with courage, compassion, and conviction.