Anchorage ATHENA Society
Mission Statement
We are a catalyst for developing diverse, transformative leaders worldwide through leadership programs that ignite, inspire and celebrate girls, women and allies.
Vision
We believe cultivating and elevating women leaders is essential to realizing a balance in leadership voices worldwide.
Anchorage ATHENA Society Luncheon
March 16, 2026 | Hotel Captain Cook | RESERVE A TABLE
Nominations are now open! Deadline February 9th. Visit anchorageathena.org/nominations.
The Anchorage ATHENA Society is a program of the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce that works year round to encourage the potential of all women as valued members and leaders of the business community. Most recently the Anchorage ATHENA Society has reorganized and a number of committees were formed to work on the luncheon, raise money for scholarships as well as explore other activities which will give its members the opportunity to create leadership initiatives, link resources and establish local mentoring and scholarship programs. Visit anchorageathena.org.
The ATHENA Story
The inspiration for the ATHENA organization originated in Lansing, Michigan in 1980 when Martha Mayhood Mertz, a local real estate entrepreneur and president of an investment organization, was asked to serve on the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
At that time, not only was she the only woman serving on the board but in the 75 year history of presenting community awards, the Lansing Chamber had honored only one woman. Mertz decided to change that.