33rd ANNUAL
Award
LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM
®
FOR NEARLY Thank you 100 to theYEARS Wausau Region ChamberDOING of Commerce WE’VE BEEN doing the same OURforBEST TO HELP THE AREA GROW. Thank you to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce for doing the same
Thank you to the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce for doing the same wausau | eau claire | green bay ruderware.com visit our blogs at blueinklaw.com
EST. 1920
ATHENA Leadership Award® Program agenda Welcome Profiles of this year’s finalists Recognition of past recipients Awards presentation
Melissa Langbehn WAOW Newsline 9
Closing Today’s Masters of Ceremonies are Melissa Langbehn and Ally Wallenta of WAOW Newsline 9. Melissa grew up in the Wausau area and graduated from D.C. Everest High School. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, she began her broadcasting career. Melissa has been with WAOW since 1991. Ally is a graduate of the University of Missouri and enjoys travel, time on the lake and with family, and playing cribbage. Ally joined the WAOW news team in May.
Ally Wallenta WAOW Newsline 9
The ATHENA Selection Process:
n A call for nominations is sent to Chamber members and announced to the general public n Applications are sent to nominees n Nominees who choose to do so, complete the application n Applications are reviewed and scored by judges* using the criteria provided by ATHENA International n The scorecards are tallied to determine the recipients n Recipients are announced at the ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Program *The ATHENA judges are individuals including past ATHENA recipients and representatives from a variety of industry segments.
TODAY’S SPONSORS:
ATHENA Leadership Award® recipients: 1986: Jane Sternberg 1987: Betty Peters 1988: Taffy Williams 1989: Cheryl Davis 1990: Justice Ann Walsh Bradley 1991: Barbara Hunger 1992: Jean Kruncos 1993: Evelyn Rosen 1994: Waltraud Karkar 1995: Julie Kryshak 1996: LaVon Jensen 1997: Judge Dorothy Bain 1998: Susan Lang 1999: Ann Lucas 2000: Mary Jo Johnson 2001: Patrice Pergolski
2002: Rosemary Barnes 2003: Mary Weller 2004: Joanne Leonard 2005: Mary Radke 2006: Mary Krueger 2007: Dr. Sally Mattingly 2008: Diane Postler-Slattery 2009: Josie Paleologue-Pierce 2010: Linda Larson Schlitz 2011: Dr. Lori Weyers 2012: Jeny Nieuwenhuis Hardel 2013: Karen Katz 2014: Tee Daly 2015: Dean Dietrich 2016: Kari Solomonson 2017: Bridget Wenman
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Pam Anderson Pam encourages and assists individuals to increase their confidence in volunteering and awareness of their community’s needs. During her professional career, Pam was often tasked with mentoring under-performing employees. In this role, she encouraged these employees to set goals, with many going on to enjoy long-term careers. In her retirement, Pam has co-mentored a student who struggled with self-confidence. Pam Anderson
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Ann Dahlke Ann has been active in the International Association of Administrative Professionals, using the organization to practice and strengthen her leadership skills. She has coordinated the networking and education activity for members in the Western Great Lakes Branch, made up of Wisconsin and Illinois. Ann also serves as a mentor to members in the organization. Ann is the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO at UMR. A lifelong learner, Ann has earned multiple certifications, designations and specialties.
Ann Dahlke
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Linda Hackbarth Linda uses her 25 years of human resources experience and knowledge to mentor staff and members of CWSHRM. She has implemented numerous creative solutions, team building and training programs while working in this field. Linda is the Human Resources Officer at Bone & Joint Clinic, SC. She also is a certified Les Mills fitness instructor at Greenheck Fieldhouse. Linda Hackbarth
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Tanya Nueske Tanya works to build confidence in women, helping them to view themselves as both leaders and changemanagement ambassadors, while also reminding them that they serve as role models for other women. She aims to foster openness and inquisitiveness, as well as encouraging leaders to belong to a group of peers outside of the workplace. Tanya is the CEO of Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats. Tanya Nueske
It’s Worth The Energy®! Wisconsin Public Service is proud to support the ATHENA Leadership Awards.
Dedication. Determination. Leadership. BMO Harris Bank congratulates the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award winners.
BMO Harris Bank® and BMO Harris® are trade names used by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC bmoharris.com
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Lee Shipway Lee co-created a group therapy treatment program for domestic violence abusers more than 30 years ago. She also co-founded Peaceful Solutions Counseling, a non-profit agency specializing in the treatment of childhood trauma, domestic violence and abusers, and substance abuse issues. Lee also initiated and co-chairs a school-based Counseling Consortium for students in Marathon County. Lee has nurtured, trained and encouraged two dozen female therapists, teaching them self-care strategies, communication skills and home/life work balance.
Lee Shipway
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Shereen Siewert Shereen is the Founder and Publisher of Wausau Pilot and Review, an independent online newspaper. Since its launch in 2017, the non-profit news outlet has published more than 4,000 stories, mostly local, and has become a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News. Shereen is a member of the Journalism and Women Symposium which offers her opportunities to mentor startup organizations and journalists, specifically women. Her personal mission is to help other women succeed and believes in empowerment through lifelong learning.
Shereen Siewert
ATHENA Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Jennifer Smith Jennifer enjoys fostering an environment in her workplace that allows new ideas and opportunities to emerge. She accomplishes this through listening, asking questions and regularly connecting her leadership team with staff, community partners and other clinics. Jennifer mentors students from the Medical College of Wisconsin on the value of community collaboration. Jennifer has worked in health care for more than 20 years and is currently the Executive Director of Bridge Community Health Clinic.
Jennifer Smith
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ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® Finalist
Lora Bladow Lora has served as a mentor for other realtors and is active in a variety of community organizations. Lora serves as a weekly ‘big’ for Big Brothers Big Sisters, enjoying conversations with her ‘little’ on topics like authenticism, education, goals, empowerment and helping her to overcome a fear of public speaking. As a Realtor for RE/MAX Excel, Lora’s goal is to educate her clients and help to facilitate the best experience possible. Lora Bladow
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Samantha Diedrich Samantha strives to inspire women to become passionate and confident leaders in their community. Understanding that leaders are also role models, she hopes to empower other young professional women to reach their full potential. Samantha believes that humble leaders inspire a culture of trust and collaboration, both essential characteristics of successful women leaders. Samantha is a Wellness Specialist with Aspirus Business Health.
Samantha Diedrich
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Kelsie Haase Kelsie has used leadership roles in various community organizations to encourage other women to become involved and take become leaders themselves. She is a member of CWSHRM and several Chambers of Commerce and young professionals groups. Kelsie has spearheaded training efforts at her employer, Remedy Intelligent Staffing.
Kelsie Haase
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Tressa Klopatek Tressa has a passion for helping women find their fit in her workplace and assisting them to improve their skills and job knowledge. Tressa is the General Manager at the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. She has implemented daily meetings in her workplace which assemble all departments and feature a rotation of leaders. This small, creative approach to a work function has helped the employees at her location operate better as a team. Tressa Klopatek
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® Finalist
Tammy Kosbab Tammy founded the group EDS Wisconsin, Inc in 2017 to provide support and resources for patients and medical professionals effected by Ehlers Danlos syndromes and related conditions. The organization has founded four support groups around the state and has held a Meagan’s HOPE Memorial Walk for EDS Awareness and Suicide Prevention. Tammy is the Clinic Manager for The Caring Tree Children’s Counseling Center. Tammy Kosbab
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Allison Liddle Allison’s favorite aspect of owning a pair of businesses, Prosper Wealth Management and Allison Liddle Consulting, is serving clients and positively impacting the lives of others. As a speaker, Allison reached more than 2,600 individuals last year through 25 events, as well as teaching leadership skills to 550 students in central Wisconsin. She has also authored a pair of books on leadership and personal development. Allison Liddle
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Melissa Meschke Melissa is the Director of the Small Business Development Center at UW-Stevens Point. She has worked closely with dozens of businesses, many owned and operated by women, counseling them on everything from business start-up, to growth, sales and networking. Melissa enjoys each opportunity for female business owners to experience self-discovery, while also growing their businesses. Melissa Meschke
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® Finalist
MaiGer Moua MaiGer supports the community’s efforts to increase the number of affordable housing options and raise the awareness of homelessness in the county through her work at the United Way of Marathon County. As the Program Director for United Way’s 2-1-1 service, MaiGer manages a team which fielded more than 86,000 calls and provided those callers with referrals to a variety of programs. MaiGer helped raise her nieces when they lost their mother, her sister, at a young age. Both are in college and thriving, making her a very proud aunt.
MaiGer Moua
Cornerstone Advisors is proud to sponsor the ATHENA Leadership Award®. Cornerstone Advisors A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 715.849.3697 2711 Stewart Avenue Wausau, WI 54401 Mona Fox Operations/ Marketing Director ramona.fox@ampf.com
Rhonda Klement CRPC® Financial Advisor rhonda.klement@ampf.com
Sandy Hagemeister CRPC® Associate Financial Advisor sandra.a.hagemeister@ampf.com
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with flame design) in the U.S. The Compass is a trademark of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.
Rhonda Abel Client Relationship Manager rhonda.abel@ampf.com
715.623.3036 730 5th Avenue Antigo, WI 54409 cornerstoneadvisors-wisconsin.com
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ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Christine Reynebeau Christine leads a team of more than 150 volunteers for the Samoset Council of the Boy Scouts of America. She connects families involved in Scouting with a variety of service projects and volunteer opportunities in the community. Christine has worked to create a welcoming atmosphere for girls in Scouting as the organization has transitioned to allow female participants. Christine also writes and publishes children’s books which feature strong life lessons. The books teach important skills like perserverence, intuition, kindness and teamwork.
Christine Reynebeau
COMING IN FALL 2019: A new nine-month professional development program
APPLIED LEADERSHIP Led by Bridget Wenman, program facilitator
More details available soon on WausauChamber.com
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
Katie Rosenberg Katie serves as a Supervisor on the Marathon County Board. As one of only ten women on the Board, she finds service on this and other community boards to be both rewarding and intense. Katie wanted to focus on both transparency and accountability in her elected role and has partnered with her counterpart on the Wausau City Council to host a series of informational meetings for the public. Katie leads the integrated marketing team at Eastbay. She enjoys onboarding new team members and introducing them to the Wausau area.
Katie Rosenberg
The Women’s Leadership Conference returns in January 2019 More details coming soon to WausauChamber.com
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership AwardÂŽ Finalist
PaHnia Thao PaHnia has led many sessions on Hmong culture to raise the awareness of her co-workers on the differences between Southeast Asian cultures. PaHnia has mentored four staff members and has enjoyed witnessing them grow into their professions. She was one of four individuals selected to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Development Institute. PaHnia also served on the Diversity Steering Committee and the Professionals of Color Committee at Northcentral Technical College.
PaHnia Thao
ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipients: 2008: Rebecca Pilgrim Tylinski 2009: Heather Summers 2010: Bao Vang 2011: Sheila Rovang 2012: Megan Lawrence 2013: Norah Brown 2014: Sara Valiska 2015: Elizabeth Brodek 2016: Shanna Yonke 2017: Erika Van De Yacht
News 9 is proud to join you in...
Celebrating professional excellence! Today’s Master of Ceremonies
News 9’s Melissa Langbehn and Ally Wallenta
O ’ M A L L E Y A U T O M O T I V E P R O U D F O U N D I N G S P O N S O R O F T H E AT H E N A AWA R D
3405 Stewart Avenue | Wausau WI (715) 842-2131 | www.omalleyautos.com
3405 Stewart Avenue | Wausau WI | (715) 842-2131 | www.omalleyautos.com