How to Nominate a Shreveport-Bossier Leader for the 2026 ATHENA Award

We have so many strong, brilliant, and absolutely powerhouse women right here in Shreveport-Bossier who deserve to be celebrated.

If you have a woman in your life who constantly amazes you with everything she juggles, achieves, and lifts up around her, well, now is your official time to brag on her and nominate her for the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award!

Every single year, the Business Development Connection honors our area's finest during the ATHENA Leadership Awards Luncheon. While all the nominees are celebrated, one outstanding individual is chosen to receive the ultimate award.

What makes an ATHENA leader?

The award is inspired by the Greek goddess Athena, known for her strength, courage, and wisdom. This honor recognizes someone who hits the highest levels of excellence and creativity in their profession, all while dedicating their personal time and energy to making life better for everyone in our community.

Most importantly, an ATHENA recipient is a door-opener; she is someone who actively mentors other women and helps them achieve their own leadership potential.

Since the program started back in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities across the globe have received this honor. We are so incredibly lucky to have this tradition right here in our own backyard to highlight the women who continuously push Shreveport-Bossier forward.

Before you submit your nomination, just keep a quick eye on the official rules:

The Eligibility Checklist

Past Nominees: Honorees from the previous year are ineligible. Additionally, individuals can't be an honoree twice within a five-year period.

Current Roles: Candidates cannot currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Greater Shreveport Chamber or the Business Development Connection. They also cannot be employed by area Chambers of Commerce or serve as a publicly elected official.

One at a Time: Individuals are only eligible to be honored for one award recognition from the Greater Shreveport Chamber per year.

Ready to Nominate?

Do you have the perfect woman in mind who deserves to see her name in lights? Don't wait! Just click this link and submit your official nomination right now. Let’s show our local leaders some serious love.