Showcasing our 2026 ATHENA Organizational Award Finalists
Hard-working people can only make a transformative impact when they have a platform to do it with. That’s why recognizing our 2026 ATHENA Organizational Award finalists is so important. Since 2015, the ATHENA Organizational Awards have honored a woman-owned or woman-led organization that creates a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential – and this year’s finalists do just that.
No matter the industry they work in or the clients they serve – our finalists are united in their commitment to moving the region forward. Take Helen + Gertrude, an agency named after two trailblazing women in advertising and data, and led by Founder & CEO Becca Post: their commitment to human-centered communications helps all stories shine. Or, Travel Alliance Partnership: Under CEO Nicole Mahoney’s leadership, they work to build more connected communities across the country.
Some of our finalists are professional services organizations helping fellow companies thrive and grow. Info Advantage, led by President Linda Weller, is committed to helping small and mid-sized organizations with their IT needs, all while giving back to community-based initiatives. Founders & Managing Partners Kate Nearpass & Rachel Koegel ensure that Nearpass & Koegel PLLC is dedicated to bringing their clients up with them, advancing fairness, accountability, and trust through independent workplace and Title IX investigations and other impartial client services.
And in the non-profit sector, we have finalists meeting people where they are. Rochester Hope, Inc. and Executive Director Dawn Burdick doesn’t just provide resources to its clients, but brings connection, resilience, and hope. With Tracy Petrichick, President & CEO, leading the organization, The Arc of Monroe supports people and families at all stages of life with pathways to independence, connection, and personal growth for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families across the Greater Rochester community. Founder Lauren Goetz has grown Everyday Hands, Inc. from a solo operation into a respected, multi-disciplinary team serving seniors, families, and community partners throughout Greater Rochester.
If you'd like to join us in helping celebrate these remarkable organizations and the women that lead them, in our region, tickets are available. Get the details for our ATHENA Awards Celebration on Thursday, February 5. Let’s show up – for them, for one another, and for the future we're building together. To meet our finalists in other categories, learn about our 2026 ATHENA Award finalists and our 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists.