Community members invited to recognize outstanding leaders, mentors and changemakers making a difference in Stockton
The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is calling on the community to help recognize Stockton’s most inspiring leaders as nominations open for the 2026 ATHENA Awards.
Residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools and community groups may nominate deserving individuals for three honors: the ATHENA Leadership Award, the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award and the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award.
The awards celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, support the advancement of women and girls, serve their communities and inspire others to achieve their full potential.
“If you know someone who embodies these qualities and deserves recognition for their contributions, now is the time to nominate them,” the Chamber announced.
A Longstanding Stockton Tradition
Stockton is home to one of the nation’s longest-running ATHENA programs. The city presented its first ATHENA Leadership Award in 1986, beginning a tradition of honoring local leaders who have made lasting contributions through their careers, volunteer service and mentorship.
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award was introduced locally in 2010 to recognize emerging leaders under the age of 40.
In 2024, Stockton also made history by presenting the first ATHENA Youth Leadership Award in ATHENA International’s history. The youth award recognizes young people who are already demonstrating leadership, compassion and a commitment to improving their communities.
ATHENA International works with chambers of commerce, colleges, universities, corporations, women’s organizations and community partners across 48 states and 11 countries. More than 8,000 leaders have received ATHENA Leadership awards in over 500 communities worldwide.
Three Opportunities to Recognize Local Leaders
The 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award is open to nominees of any age.
Nominees for the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award must be younger than 40 as of October 1, 2026.
Nominees for the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award must be younger than 19 as of October 1, 2026.
Candidates should demonstrate ATHENA International’s Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership while also showing excellence, creativity and initiative in their business, profession, education or community involvement.
Nominees should have a record of providing valuable service that improves the quality of life for others and actively helping women and girls reach their full leadership potential.
How to Submit a Nomination
Community members may submit nominations through the ATHENA Awards section of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce website.
Nominators are encouraged to provide detailed information about the nominee’s achievements, leadership qualities, community service and efforts to mentor or support others.
The deadline to nominate someone for the ATHENA Leadership Award or ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award is 5 p.m. Friday, August 14, 2026.
Nominations for the ATHENA Youth Leadership Award must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The Chamber said each nomination provides an opportunity to celebrate excellence, inspire future leaders and recognize the people working to make Stockton a stronger and more inclusive community.
“Your nomination has the power to inspire others and uplift the community as a whole,” the Chamber stated. “Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the remarkable leaders who go above and beyond to make our city a better place.”
Nomination forms and complete instructions are available at stocktonchamber.org/athena-awards.