Shreveport Chamber Named 16 ATHENA Award Nominees
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce announced the finalists for the 2026 leadership award.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
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The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce has officially named 16 nominees for the 2026 ATHENA International Leadership Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional excellence and a commitment to helping women achieve their leadership potential.
Why it matters
This award highlights regional professional excellence and service within the Shreveport business community. It serves to honor those who actively support the advancement of women in various leadership roles.
There are 16 nominees for the 2026 award, with three of those finalists employed by LSU Health Shreveport. This follows the 2025 selection of Ruth Moseley Norton as the previous recipient.
The players
Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
This organization serves as the regional business advocacy group responsible for coordinating the annual leadership awards.
LSU Health Shreveport
This institution is a major medical and academic center that currently employs three of the leadership award nominees.
Dr. Toni Washington Thibeaux
She serves as the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student and Community Engagement at LSU Health Shreveport and is a nominee for the award.
Ruth Moseley Norton
She was selected as the recipient of the ATHENA International Leadership Award in 2025.
The details
The nominees include Karen Baker, Feamula R. Bradley, Golden A. Ellis, Dana Fergins-Hawthorne, Dr. Felecia Gipson, Reverend Meredith Jane Hanna, Tuesday Lee Hill, Jessica Latin, Dr. Krystal Player-Jackson, Dr. Krista Queen, Dr. Kenya W. Claiborne Roberts, Famia Roots, Cindy Smith, Dr. Jane Sugar, Dr. Toni Washington Thibeaux, and Dellanee Wade.
Timeline
Ruth Moseley Norton received the award in 2025.
The 2026 awards process is currently underway.
The award winner will be announced at a luncheon on November 12, 2026.
Market Landscape
The nomination cycle follows the pattern established by the 2025 ATHENA International Leadership Award. This selection process positions the Chamber as a central force in fostering regional leadership development and professional networking.
Residents and business professionals can participate in the local business community by attending the upcoming award ceremony. Supporting these local leaders may influence regional professional networking and mentorship opportunities.
The takeaway
The ATHENA award cycle highlights the importance of recognizing professional excellence in the local workforce. Supporting these nominees provides a roadmap for those seeking to mentor or lead in their respective community fields.
What happens next
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce will hold a luncheon on November 12, 2026, at the Sam's Town Hotel and Casino to announce the final award recipient.
Further reading
For more on local leadership development, visit the Shreveport People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate.
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