The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the three finalists for the 2026 ATHENA Award: Donna Larson, Principal of DeKalb High School; Amy Oster, President of OC Creative; and Jenna Spychal, Owner of Jonamac Orchard.
The ATHENA Award recognizes women who demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.
This year’s finalists exemplify these qualities through their professional accomplishments, community involvement and dedication to helping others succeed.
To ensure a fair and impartial selection process, all completed ATHENA finalist nomination packets are reviewed and scored by representatives from other Chambers of Commerce across Illinois that have long-standing ATHENA programs of their own.
Each nomination packet is carefully evaluated using established criteria that reflect the core values of the ATHENA Award, including leadership, mentorship and community impact. Because the external reviewers have no ties to the local nominees, the process helps maintain the integrity, fairness and objectivity of the selection.
Once all scores have been submitted, the finalist with the highest overall score is named the ATHENA Award recipient.
The 2026 ATHENA Award recipient will be announced at the ATHENA Award Reception on October 15 at 6:30pm at the Egyptian Theatre. The evening will celebrate this year’s ATHENA finalists and recognize the recipients of the Rising Leader Award and Woman of Accomplishment Award.
The Rising Leader Award recognizes a woman age 35 or younger who is making a significant impact early in her career, while the Woman of Accomplishment Award honors a woman whose professional and community contributions continue to make a difference.
The community is invited to join the DeKalb Chamber in celebrating these exceptional women at the 2026 ATHENA Award Reception.
Tickets, event information, and biographies of the finalists are available at dekalb.org.
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