DeKalb Chamber Unveils Finalists for 2025 Athena Awards

The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the prestigious Athena Award and the Women of Accomplishment Award for 2025. This recognition honors outstanding women for their contributions to the community and their professional achievements. The award recipients will be revealed during a ceremony scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on October 16, 2025, at the Egyptian Theatre, located at 135 N. Second St., DeKalb.

Finalists for the Athena Award include Devyn Grzywa, Rylie Loucks-Kues, Linda Sherman, and Donna Larson, Ed.D.. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to empowering women in their respective fields. The Women of Accomplishment honorees are Kathy Dombek and Donna Willrett, who have made significant contributions to their communities and are recognized for their achievements after retirement.

Tickets for the award reception are priced at $18 until October 10, after which the price will increase to $25 starting October 11. Attendees can purchase tickets through the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce website, dekalb.org, or directly at the theatre.

The Athena Award aims to acknowledge women who serve as role models, engage in community service, and assist other women in reaching their full potential. The Women of Accomplishment Award honors those who meet similar criteria but are no longer active in the workforce within DeKalb County.

For further details and ticket purchases, interested individuals can visit dekalb.org. This event not only celebrates the achievements of these remarkable women but also reinforces the importance of supporting and uplifting female leaders within the community.