24 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 14, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com ATHENA 101 The ATHENA Award program was started over 25 years ago when Martha Mayhood Mertz found herself to be the only woman on the board of her local chamber. She knew this did not represent the important leadership role that women play in the community and she established an award program that honoured individuals who mentored women and fostered their leadership potential. Today, over 6,000 awards have been presented across North America and more recently in China, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. Inspired by the stories of the individuals who have received the ATHENA Award, the ATHENA Foundation surveyed the recipients to develop a leadership framework which would define the core concepts and elements of leadership. The ATHENA Leadership Model articulates a philosophy of leadership that advocates for leadership from the heart and head. Eight key tenets were identified that exemplify a dynamic practice of leadership. It should be noted that none of these tenets are exclusive to women and are available to all. Like the base of the ATHENA Sculpture, ATHENA leaders have a strong sense of self. They know who they are, operate from a clear set of values and from that foundation are able to lead and inspire others. Relationships are important to them and they recognize and respect the talents of others and have a collaborative operating style. Standing firm in the midst of uncertainty, these leaders act with integrity and have the courage to speak the truth, test relationships and confront traditional thinking. Unstoppable forces for good, ATHENA leaders are fierce advocates. Recognizing that something needs to be done, they ignite the passion in themselves and others. People are drawn to their "careism, " generosity of spirit and giving back is integral to all they do. Recognizing the value of lifelong learning, they are both the teacher and learner, demonstrating both a willingness to listen and heed advice. And last but by no means least, Sponsors We would like to make a special thanks to our sponsors SPONSORS First Canadian Title Royal Bank of Canada Blazing Design Décor and More Duocom The Oakville Beaver TV Cogeco Company of Women Gall and Associates Julia's Ristorante Lorraine's Pantry Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre Sunveil Sunwear Zonta Club of Oakville About Signs Ada's Flowers Alpha Construction As It Happens Photography New Concept Art & Framing Oakville Chamber of Commerce Oakville Economic Alliance Inc. Region of Halton Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning Success by Design Town of Oakville ATHENA leaders celebrate life with exuberance and optimism. They recognize the limitless possibilities of life. This model bolsters the increasing attention being paid to mentoring and coaching as developmental tools to leadership and forms the basis for fresh dialogue about the ways we must lead for the next century. OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY OCTOBER 21ST GREAT OFFERS · KIDS ENTERTAINMENT · DJ · FREE GIVE-A-WAYS BODY BY REVOLUTION OVER 20,000 SQ. FT. Start your own body revolution! Come meet members of the Toronto Argonauts Saturday afternoon. POWER CONFIDENCE MOTIVATION ENERGY STRENGTH OPEN 1011 Upper Middle Road, Upper Oakville Shopping Centre 24 HRS · 905.842.7444 · www.revolutionhf.com