USA Today Network Six outstanding Marion County women have been nominated for the 2023 Athena Leadership Award, which is sponsored by the Marion Women’s Business Council (WBC). This year’s luncheon is scheduled for Monday, March 13 at The Barn at All Occasions in Waldo. The Athena Leadership Award is presented to a woman – or man – who is honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. Caledonia resident Ellen Messenger, community relations director for Tri-Rivers Joint Vocational School District, was the 2022 recipient of the award. Following are the six nominees for 2023 Athena Award, listed in alphabetical order: Lisa Cudd, entrepreneur and philanthropist, owner of Bluebird’s Nest Shop online retail store Heidi Jones, executive director of the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce and former executive director of Marion Matters, Inc. Jennifer Decker Lawson, senior education specialist and coach for Focus 3, an advisory firm that provides consulting and training Amy Orr Parker, education specialist for the Ohio Department of Education and founder of Luke 3:11 Ministries Leslie Schneider, resource development director for United Way of North Central Ohio, Inc. Lora Troutman, founder of the Peace […]