Monmouth Faculty and Alumnae Among ATHENA Award Nominees

Monmouth University faculty and alumnae were recently recognized as finalists for the ATHENA Leadership and ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Awards at the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce 40th annual luncheon held Nov. 7. Nominees for the ATHENA Leadership Award included Nicole Pulliam, Ph.D., associate professor of educational counseling, and Jennise Nieves '03 '06M, while Monmouth's ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award candidates included Kimberly J. Bukowiec '13, Ambika R. Alagona '22M, and Morissa Schwartz '17M.

The International ATHENA Leadership Award Program celebrates women as valued members and leaders of the community who serve as role models in multiple ways, according to the Chamber of Commerce's website. The ATHENA Awards honor individuals who are nominated in recognition of their business or professional accomplishments, community service, and mentoring of other women. ATHENA nominees "give back to the community in profoundly meaningful ways and make it a better place to live, work, and lead."

To qualify for ATHENA Award nomination, candidates must: demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession; provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community; and actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential. ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award nominees must be between the ages of 24 and 40 to qualify. The ATHENA Program Committee then selects its finalists using a rubric scoring system.

This year's finalists were presented with a certificate of recognition by the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners and acknowledged by a signed Joint Legislative Resolution from the offices of Senators Vin Gopal and Declan O'Scanlon, and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul. The 2025 winners were Kara Kopach, executive director of the Ft. Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority, recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, and Brynn Mosello, director of sustainability and communications at Mazza Recycling, recipient of the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

The Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce is the only organization in New Jersey that is officially licensed to present the ATHENA Leadership Award, whose rich history, international scope, and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.