Three Arizona businesswomen were recognized as industry leaders at the 28th annual Athena Awards at the Arizona Biltmore resort in Phoenix. (Photo by Lauren Clark/Cronkite News)
Ashley Kasarjian won the young professional award at the 28th annual Athena Awards at the Arizona Biltmore resort in Phoenix. (Photo by Lauren Clark/Cronkite News)
Three of the Valley’s most-accomplished businesswomen were awarded the Athena Award by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce on Thursday in its annual program to support women in leadership.
Melissa Sanderson, vice president of international affairs for Freeport-McMoRan, was selected in the private sector. Arizona School for the Arts CEO Leah Fregulia was awarded in the public sector, and attorney Ashley Kasarjian won the young professional award.
According to Fortune Magazine, only 5 percent of CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies are female. This is the 28th year the chamber has held the event designed to honor the work of dynamic women across the Valley.
“It’s really great to highlight some of the outstanding female business leaders in the Valley and really show the value of what they’re doing – the impact they’re making on that community,” said Janelle Tassart, the director of community relations for the chamber, “(These are) truly exceptional people we’re honoring today.”
From industries such as law, nonprofits and business, there were 11 finalists in the categories. The winners were introduced with a brief video during the luncheon held at the Arizona Biltmore.
“It almost leaves me speechless,” Sanderson said. “Events which specifically honor women, offered by women are just plain rare and that makes the recognition even more special.”
Women-led business created an estimated $1.4 trillion in revenues for the U.S. economy in 2014, according to a report commissioned by American Express. Arizona ranked 19th in the nation and is among seven states with a high growth rate in the sector since 1997.
Deliberating in the categories of leadership, community service and the mentorship of other women, a panel comprised of past winners and corporate sponsors selected three winners from 51 nominees statewide.
Not only are all of the finalists successful in their professions, she said, they are also role models to their community, adding that they are initially nominated by their co-workers, mentees or friends.
Kasarjian, a lawyer for the firm Snell & Wilmer who often works pro bono for charitable nonprofits and clients in need, said the award carries an additional responsibility.
“We absolutely have to to support each other, and supporting and mentoring other women is something I see as a responsibility,” she said. “It’s a huge honor to be among those who define our state and define our community.”