A Celebration of Leadership, Service & the Future of Women in Our Community
Stockton came together in a powerful way on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce hosted its highly anticipated 2025 ATHENA Awards Luncheon at the historic Stockton Golf & Country Club. The room was filled with applause, inspiration, and more than a few happy tears as three extraordinary women were honored for their leadership, service, and commitment to empowering others.
This year’s honorees represent three different generations of leaders — each proving that courage, compassion, and community spirit know no age limits.
ATHENA Leadership Award: Kay G. Ruhstaller
CEO, Family Resource Center
A champion for children and families for more than 30 years, Kay Ruhstaller received the prestigious 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award, honoring a career defined by service, innovation, and unwavering dedication to equity.
Under her leadership, the Family Resource Center has grown into San Joaquin County’s largest nonprofit, serving thousands of children each year and shaping policy at the local, regional, and state levels. From co-founding the San Joaquin Children’s Alliance to playing a pivotal role in creating 211 San Joaquin, to advocating fiercely for childcare, early education, and youth development, Kay has transformed systems and touched countless lives.
Her colleagues describe her as “a leader of leaders,” “the voice of reason,” and “a mentor who changes people’s lives.” Kay’s acceptance speech left the audience inspired, reminding everyone that leadership rooted in values can move mountains.
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award: Stephanie Braithwaite
Lily Pad Living / Lotus Rising Recovery Services
Stephanie Braithwaite, this year’s ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, is redefining what modern leadership looks like.
A force of compassion and courage, Stephanie leads a network of recovery residences and outpatient programs that support individuals and families facing some of life’s toughest challenges — addiction, violence, trafficking, housing insecurity, and more. Her work spans education, street outreach, youth mentorship, and survivor advocacy.
Her journey began at just 15 years old, when she founded an organization supporting survivors of sexual assault. Today, she is a respected leader whose initiatives — from fentanyl awareness campaigns to sober-living wellness sports teams — are saving lives and building hope across the county.
Stephanie embodies the ATHENA spirit through her bold vision, her deep faith, and her commitment to lifting up the next generation of young women.
ATHENA Youth Leadership Award: Abigail Coussons
Linden High School
The room erupted in cheers when Abigail Coussons, a standout student from Linden High School, received the 2025 ATHENA Youth Leadership Award — and an even bigger surprise: a brand-new $2,600 scholarship created by past ATHENA honorees.
Abigail is the kind of young leader who gives you hope for the future. With a 4.1 GPA, four consecutive years as Class President, and service as Student Trustee for Linden Unified, she has already built an impressive legacy of advocacy, mentorship, and academic excellence.
Whether she’s mentoring younger FFA members, captaining the girls’ golf team, winning state championships, or visiting every campus in her school district to make sure all students are heard, Abigail leads with integrity and heart.
Her superintendent said it best: “She doesn’t just talk about leadership — she lives it, every single day.”
A Program Rooted in History — and Shaping the Future
The Greater Stockton Chamber’s ATHENA program is one of the longest-running in the nation, dating back to 1986. Over the years, it has celebrated women whose leadership strengthens Stockton, uplifts families, advances equity, and expands opportunities for future generations.
This year’s luncheon continued that powerful tradition, leaving attendees motivated to serve, lead, and make a positive impact in the community they call home.
As guests left the Country Club, the feeling was unmistakable: Stockton’s future is bright — and in very good hands.