FAQs

Athena is commonly identified as the Greek goddess of wisdom, but she is also known as the goddess of strength, strategy, female arts, justice, skill, crafts, and the “goddess of heroic endeavors”. The female individual, the ATHENA, recognized annually by the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce involves criteria very similar to these qualities. The nominee should be an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in her business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way and has assisted women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. Now for some history on the ATHENA Award, an idea developed by Martha Mertz in partnership with her local chamber of commerce, was first presented in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan. The award has grown to include presentations to more than 5,000 individuals in hundreds of cities in the United States as well as internationally. Vera Calvin, a Burleson community activist, introduced the award idea to the Burleson Chamber of Commerce. She has learned of the award while attending a national conference in Michigan. She felt it was timely and appropriate to honor strong female leaders in Burleson. The award was adopted by the chamber and underwritten by Forrest Auto Group for several years. The first ATHENA was selected in 1992. Several years later the Forrest Auto Group closed their auto dealership. Since the award was so highly regarded in Burleson, Texas Health Huguley Hospital agreed to sponsor the ATHENA award for the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce.

To become a member of The ATHENA Society of Burleson, an individual must have been nominated and selected as the annual ATHENA Award Winner for Burleson by a committee of community leaders. The award winner must be voted and accepted by the ATHENA Society of Burleson Board of Directors and be willing to support and follow the society’s mission statement, pay the required annual dues and participate in all fund-raising efforts and activities of the society.

The ATHENA Society of Burleson is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. We recommend checking with a tax advisor to verify the specific situation for your business and you personally.