Women who demonstrated professional excellence, community service and a commitment to helping women achieve their leadership potential were honored Friday, Sept. 18 at the 35th Athena Leadership Awards.
The winners were announced during a luncheon at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The event was presented by Cleveland Clinic, hosted by Related Ross and put on by the Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County
.Traci Costa, president and CEO of Athena International, traveled from Portugal to attend the awards show.
"Self-leadership is knowing your values and staying aligned with them, so that when conflict or fear arise, you remain grounded in who you are," Costa said.
"Don't underestimate your ability to impact and influence
others, no matter what your position is."
She went on to say:
"Athena is where you can practice being a self-aware leader.
"The medicine is in building strong relationships and strong community. You're not alone in your challenges. We're here to support you."
There were three categories of awards: overall, young professionals and organizational leadership.
Athena Leadership Award
Stephanie Glavin Deltondo, from Bank of America, was the winner.
"The more I reflect on my career and this recognition, the more I realize the most important moments happened because someone believed in me before I believed in myself. Someone opened a door, gave me an opportunity and encouraged me to take a chance," Glavin Deltondo said after accepting the award.
"When I was younger, I thought leadership was about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. As I've grown, I've learned that leadership is often found in the quiet moments, in listening and in seeing what's possible in other people.
"The truth is, most of us don't feel ready. We wait until we're more confident, until we have more experience, until the timing feels perfect. Sometimes all it takes is one person seeing something in us that we can't yet see ourselves.
Athena Leadership Awards were announced on Sept. 18, 2026 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. The event was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County." id="91878147007">
"Every one of us has the ability to change the trajectory of someone's life by opening a door, making an introduction, creating an opportunity or simply looking at someone and saying, 'You're ready.'
"I know the power of that because people did it for me, and I will continue doing the same for others and investing in a community that has given me so much."
The Athena Leadership Award is for individuals who have achieved a high level of professional excellence, contributed to the community and actively assisted others, particularly women, in realizing their leadership potential.
Along with Glavin Deltondo, the finalists were:
- Dana Herst, Nicklaus Children's
- Jenny Azcuy, South Florida PBS
- Shenetria Moore, Shas Community Initiatives, Inc.
- Suzanne Dombrowski, Chen Moore
Athena Young Professional Leadership Award
Jasmine Govan Edmonds, from Florida Power & Light Company, was the winner.
"To me, the Athena Award represents leadership, authenticity, courage and lifting others along the way. It is an incredible honor to stand alongside so many women who lead and inspire in meaningful ways," said Govan Edmonds.
"I learned early on that strong leaders are people who get involved, serve their communities and create opportunities for others. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my life and career.
"I'm committed to using this platform to lead with wisdom, courage and purpose, while encouraging more young people and my peers to embrace their authenticity and believe in their abilities."
The Athena Young Professional Leadership Award honors emerging leaders under the age of 40. Recipients demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their profession. They also contribute to the community and serve as role models for young women.
Along with Govan Edmonds, the finalists were:
- Danielle Coffaro, Lessing's Hospitality Group
- Imani Williams, Speak Up For Kids
- Kim Kerry, Gunster
- Stephania Linares, Junior League of the Palm Beaches
Athena Organizational Leadership Award
ESPN West Palm/Good Karma Brands was the winner.
"When I started in sports radio 19 years ago, it was a very male-dominated industry. I was fortunate to have strong mentors and leaders who gave me opportunities to grow, to contribute and to have a voice," said Stephanie Prince, Vice President for Good Karma Brands and Market Manager of ESPN West Palm, who accepted the award for ESPN West Palm. "Seeing women in leadership positions helped me imagine myself in those spaces, and that's something I've carried with me throughout my career.
"Leadership isn't just about finding a place for yourself. It's about creating more places for other people, especially women. Don't just ask for a seat at the table. Make the table bigger. That's what events like the Athena Awards do. They create more opportunities for women to walk into a room knowing they belong, without feeling like they have to fight for their place.
"My hope is that the next generation of women can walk into any room feeling respected, accepted and successful, without needing their shields up or their swords drawn. By recognizing and celebrating women, these awards help make that possible."
The Athena Organizational Leadership Award recognizes businesses or organizations that create a culture encouraging women employees to achieve their full leadership potential. These organizations also give back to the community by supporting leadership development opportunities for women and girls.
Along with ESPN West Palm, the finalists were:
- CouTOURe Club
- The SBS Agency
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Winners announced for 35th Athena Leadership Awards in West Palm
