More than 85 people came out to honor Karen Donovan, Executive Director, Futures Unlimited, as this year’s ATHENA Award winner on November 16. Jenny Steffen, Physcian Assistant, OSF Healthcare, was the featured speaker.
Mindi Terrell, Executive Director, Pontiac Area Chamber of Commerce, read from Karen’s nomination form to sum up why Karen was chosen as this year’s winner.
“In a quiet, unassuming manner, Karen just does what is right: in her professional life, in her community and for her family,” Terrell read. “She goes about this with no personal expectations — not for accolades, not for money, but for love.”
Karen has dedicated her career to providing quality services to individuals with disabilities in Livingston County. She promotes professional development and leadership opportunities for all staff at Futures Unlimited.
She has actively encouraged and mentored her staff, which is largely women, to continue their education or complete their degrees. She supports the philosophy in the workplace that women are strong, intelligent and capable of being professional leaders. In that vein, she encourages women to take leadership rolls at work and within the community.
Presented by:
Other sponsors include: Bank of Pontiac, Caterpillar, Driscoll Motors, SOCU, State Bank of Graymont and State Bank of Saunemin.
Come to downtown Pontiac for the Chocolate Fall Fantasy on October 7 and 8. Downtown retailers will be selling chocolate whips from Cunningham Chocolates for $2 to raise money for PROUD. There will be lots of fun activities by the Pontiac Area Chamber on Saturday, October 8 from 10 am to 2 pm.
