Five Dubois County female business and community leaders have been chosen as finalists for the Rotary Club of Dubois County’s Athena International Leadership Awards Presentation. This year’s event will take place Wednesday, September 13th at the Huntingburg Event Center, where all nominees will be celebrated and one finalist will receive the ATHENA Leadership Award.
The 2023 Athena International Award finalists are Annette Altmeyer, Dana Kunz, Dr. Kristi Nord, Erin Rauscher, and Sr. Rose Mary Rexing. All photos are courtesy of Brescher Photography.
Annette Altmeyer is a woman who lives her faith every day and is described as someone who “radiates sunshine.” As an educator, she has had a tremendous impact as a teacher and administrator serving in several different roles over the years, but her impact extends far beyond the classroom. It’s not possible to list all her work and accomplishments but it is clear that if there is a need, Annette will make herself available and will provide leadership to accomplish the task.
Dana Kunz is described as the type of professional that every organization strives to hire and every person within an organization strives to emulate as well as being a trailblazer. In her former role as Business Teacher and now her role as College and Career Counselor, she has demonstrated creativity and leadership in working as an advisor to the Business Professionals of America (BPA) at Jasper Middle and High Schools, helping hundreds of students develop their business acumen and achieve success locally and nationally. She is active in the community, is a foster parent, and has served on numerous committees.
Dr. Kristi Nord, a high school valedictorian, Yale Honors graduate in biomedical engineering and Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine Honors graduate, is a Board-Certified Neurologist and maintains a busy Neurology practice. She holds herself to the highest standards of performance and inspires those around her to do the same. She has been actively mentoring other women since high school, inspiring and encouraging them with advice and strategies, and at elementary schools to show the children that girls can become doctors too.
Erin Rauscher grew up with a family who taught her to look for the special gifts in others. Erin is the Guidance Counselor at Southridge High, where her passion for education and mental health merge. She is the official yoga coach for the Southridge football team and often shares yoga techniques with other students to cope with stressful situations. In addition to helping students find their unique gifts, she has been active in a large number of organizations in the community as well as continuing her ever-expanding yoga practice.
Sr. Rose Mary Rexing, OSB, learned early about community from her family and followed God’s call to the religious life, and only agreed to be nominated if “all the credit goes to God, family, and my community, the Sisters of St. Benedict (SoSB).” Her fifty years of ministry in following God’s call have led to many different paths of leadership. She has served in many roles with the SoSB, including Vocations Director, Director of Mission Advancement, and currently serves as the Director of Hospitality and Spirituality. She most recently served as the Executive Director of Mission Integration at Memorial Hospital.
Net funds raised from this event go toward the Rotary Club of Dubois County’s Community Grants Program, which provides funds for Dubois County non-profits whose projects match Rotary’s mission. $2,000 is also allocated to donate to the Athena recipient’s charity of choice.
In addition to the presentation of the Athena Leadership Award, attendees will enjoy a keynote presentation from Susan Hardwick, President & CEO of American Water Works, Inc., the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company.
“Susan Hardwick leads a team of 6,400 professionals who provide service to 14 million people in 24 states,” said Athena Event Chairperson, Manda Combs. “She knows what it means to power through adversity as a female leader and will be a truly fascinating keynote speaker for our event.”
The Athena Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.” Over 8,000 recipients have been honored globally with the Athena Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982. Presented to female leaders across professional sectors, the Athena Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.
The Athena Awards Banquet is a great opportunity for area businesses and community members to show their support for women leaders in our community. Additional sponsorship levels are available, as well as individual and table ticket sales. For more information on the Rotary Club of Dubois County visit www.duboiscountyrotary.com or follow the Rotary Club of Dubois County on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Instagram for more information.
