From Where I Sit... A Powerful Start To A Year Of Leadership
From Where I Sit... A Powerful Start To A Year Of Leadership
A Powerful Start To A Year Of Leadership
As this edition of our newsletter arrives in your inbox, the Athena-Women’s Leadership Lunch-and-Learn has just wrapped up. Oh, what a remarkable way to begin the year.
This inspiring program marked our first Chamber event of the year, and it set the bar high. The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of our 2025 ATHENA Award recipient, Pennsylvania State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver. Lynda (as she prefers to be called) is widely admired for her lifelong commitment to public service and her deep, personal investment in the people and communities of the Greater Susquehanna Valley. Her leadership touches nearly every corner of our region.
Perhaps the most telling reaction came from social media shortly after the announcement, when one attendee summed up the sentiment in just a few words: “I simply can’t think of anyone better qualified for this honor!” That statement captured the shared pride and appreciation in the room as we celebrated a leader who exemplifies the very spirit of the ATHENA Award.
In addition to the award presentation, participants were engaged by internationally recognized economists and co-author of The No Club, Lise Vesterlund. Dr. Vesterlund shared her groundbreaking research on the hidden burden of non-promotable tasks. This is work that often goes unnoticed yet disproportionately falls on women, limiting advancement opportunities. More importantly, she offered practical, actionable strategies that local leaders can use to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
The enthusiasm in the room, the thoughtful dialogue, and the clear call to action made one thing certain: if this Lunch-and-Learn is any indication, we are in for an exceptional year of leadership, learning, and impact.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
This inspiring program marked our first Chamber event of the year, and it set the bar high. The highlight of the afternoon was the announcement of our 2025 ATHENA Award recipient, Pennsylvania State Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver. Lynda (as she prefers to be called) is widely admired for her lifelong commitment to public service and her deep, personal investment in the people and communities of the Greater Susquehanna Valley. Her leadership touches nearly every corner of our region.
Perhaps the most telling reaction came from social media shortly after the announcement, when one attendee summed up the sentiment in just a few words: “I simply can’t think of anyone better qualified for this honor!” That statement captured the shared pride and appreciation in the room as we celebrated a leader who exemplifies the very spirit of the ATHENA Award.
In addition to the award presentation, participants were engaged by internationally recognized economists and co-author of The No Club, Lise Vesterlund. Dr. Vesterlund shared her groundbreaking research on the hidden burden of non-promotable tasks. This is work that often goes unnoticed yet disproportionately falls on women, limiting advancement opportunities. More importantly, she offered practical, actionable strategies that local leaders can use to create more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
The enthusiasm in the room, the thoughtful dialogue, and the clear call to action made one thing certain: if this Lunch-and-Learn is any indication, we are in for an exceptional year of leadership, learning, and impact.
By working together, our best days lie just ahead.
