MARION, OH — The Women’s Business Council (WBC) of Marion proudly announces ten nominees for the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award. WBC presents the ATHENA Award to an individual who is recognized for professional excellence, creativity, initiative, community service, and for actively assisting women in reaching their full leadership potential. ATHENA nominations are solicited from community members each year.
The 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award will be presented at the 28th Annual ATHENA Award celebration on Tuesday, April 8th at the Twenty Three North event venue.
Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial has once again committed to matching the auction proceeds up to $2,500, which will then be presented to the 2025 ATHENA recipient’s designated charity. The public is invited to register and bid through the auction link on the WBC website. The online auction will open on March 30th.
Visit www.womensbusinesscouncil.com to learn more about Women’s Business Council, purchase ATHENA Awards Banquet tickets, or bid on the online charity auction. New members and guests are always welcome.
WBC remains dedicated to inspiring women to reach their full potential through mentoring, relationship building, education and recognition, and congratulates the 2025 ATHENA Award nominees. “These ten outstanding women contribute excellence to their fields, and to the community,” said WBC President Whittney Mahle. “On behalf of the WBC, I thank each of them for their leadership, and the way they support and empower others.”
Riley Bails
Adoption Coordinator, Marion Area Humane Society
Nominated by Lauren Watts
Designated Charity: Marion Area Humane Society
A tireless animal advocate, Riley arranges veterinary care, grooming, and basic needs at the shelter. On her days off she enjoys volunteering at local elementary schools and the Marion County Boys & Girls Club teaching young people about animal advocacy. She also started a support group called Pet Connections for adults seeking time with animals for mental health support.
Lisa Bush
Co-Founder and Co-Owner, Alluvial Private Wealth
Nominated by Tammi Cowell
Designated Charity: Marion Community Foundation Bonnie Lou Earhart Fund
With a background in business administration and financial planning, Lisa began her career as a banker. She is now Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Alluvial Private Wealth in the role of Vice-President and Wealth Advisor. Lisa is a leader in a male-dominated field. She mentors other women in the financial industry, serves on numerous community boards, and is active in her church.
Ashley Brooke Caldwell
Owner, 4 You Health, LLC
Nominated by Winnie Brewer
Designated Charity: Turning Point
Ashley’s career has always been in healthcare, starting at a young age working in a nursing home. She is now a certified nurse practitioner and owns her own business, 4 You Health, LLC. Ashley serves her clients as a health and life coach, guiding them to create healthy lifestyles. She also sponsors several local 5K runs, marathons, youth music programs, and girls softball activities.
Nancy Hafer
Retired, Registered Dietitian
Treasurer and Past-President, Marion Women’s Club & Home
Nominated by Doris Schwartz
Designated Charity: Marion Women’s Cub & Home
After her retirement as a registered and licensed dietitian, Nancy got involved in the preservation of the Marion Women’s Club and historic Barlow Home. She once helped start a local American Diabetes Chapter. Now as past-president and current Women’s Club treasurer, Nancy leads fundraising events, blood drives, women’s health programs, and the history of women’s activism.
Jennifer Knotts
Inpatient Behavioral Health Manager, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital
Nominated by Jim Parobek and Jamie Cunningham
Designated Charity: Marion General Hospital Foundation Spirit of HOPE
Jennifer is Marion General Hospital’s first oncology navigator, helping her cancer patients with transportation, counseling, funding for medication, and heartfelt encouragement. She now works in the behavioral health unit, partnering with the courts and community counseling programs. Jennifer serves on numerous non-profit boards and volunteers with local and state cancer support groups.
Dana Elaine Martin
Executive Director, Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter
Nominated by Aiyana Jones and Mary Brady
Designated Charity: Heart of Ohio Homeless Shelter
Dana has advocated for women, youth, seniors, and now the homeless, throughout her career. As the shelter’s Executive Director she compassionately addresses the needs of homeless individuals and families. Dana serves on numerous boards, and volunteers at Logos Ministries, MLK Breakfast, Hats Off to You Ladies, Peace & Freedom Committee, Marion Public Library, and Marion Senior Center.
Mother Mattie Jewell Mayes
Retired, JC Penney
Co-Founder, Mayes Community Temple
Nominated by Tom Stotts and Cliff Smith
Designated Charity: Marion Peace and Freedom Committee
Mattie Mayes worked at JC Penney for 31 years, retiring as department head. In 1965 she and her husband co-founded the Mayes Community Temple. In 2023 the bishop appointed her as the first Supervisor of Women. Missionary Mayes supported local basketball tournaments, community dinners, prison ministries, women’s conferences, and beauty parlor nights for neighborhood girls.
Leslie Schneider
Regional Philanthropy Manager, Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio
Nominated by Nikki Workman
Designated Charity: Boys & Girls Club of Marion County
Leslie raises funds for the Boys & Girls Club through her active involvement with the children and advocacy within the local community. She currently serves as Marion Rotary Club President, is Past-President of Marion City School Board, and sits on the Marion Public Library Board. Leslie is also a member of League of Women Voters, Family First Council, Women’s Club Home, and many others.
Kathy Toney
Co-Senior Pastor, Family Life Church
Nominated by Beth Meadows
Designated Charity: KUEST Student Leadership
Kathy and her husband developed a student curriculum based on Biblical principles to promote leadership skills, then established a local KUEST (Kids Under Excellent Service Training) program at the church where they serve as co-pastors. She authored a best-selling book on parenting and has traveled nationally and internationally speaking at conferences focused on youth leadership training.
Lora Troutman
Retired, Whirlpool
Founder and President, Peace & Freedom Committee
Nominated by Kathleen Clemons-Keller and Theresa Lubke
Designated Charity: Peace & Freedom Committee J.W. Harris Scholarship Fund
After a 39-year career at Whirlpool, Lora founded Marion’s Peace & Freedom Committee, organized Marion’s first MLK Breakfast and Youth Oratory & Art Contest, established PFC Publishing, authored Color Me Friend, honors women through the Hats Off to You Ladies Luncheon, serves on Marion Public Health Board, and volunteers with Daughters of Life Logos Christian Ministries.