The 2009 ATHENA® Award Recipient is Yodit Mesfin-Johnson
      
Yodit was the Program Manager at Michigan Women’s Marketplace from July 2004 until recently when she moved to Non Profit Enterprise at Work, Inc. While at Michigan Women’s Marketplace Yodit actively reached out to organizations, such as the American Business Women’s Association to partner with MWM, thus connecting entrepreneurial business women with organizations that could provide them support.

In 2003 Yodit founded “All for You”. The inspiration oddly enough came through observation of influential women around her who had seemingly “lost” themselves in the chaos of their success. Their personal image had been put aside and replaced by their professional pursuits. By 2004 she had decided to pursue this endeavor full time. Being an alum of CEED she began volunteering at CEED. Yodit continued to flourish as an entrepreneur and found added value in working and encouraging other entrepreneur clients at CEED. More recently Yodit founded YMJ & Associates, a company dedicated to empowering and motivating small business owners in their go-to-market strategies. Yodit joined the popular talk radio show for women: MetroChickRadio.com and frequently is the host. As a entrepreneur who is able to apply her skill set in various profit and not-for-profit industries. She was described as a humble community servant with a vast skill set and a dynamic personality. Her speaking engagements are aimed to uplift business women.

Yodit has received numerous awards including the 2006 Small Business Owner of the Year; 2007 Wayne County Small Business Advocate awards. Yodit has written many articles and engaged in many speaking opportunities, while volunteering as a mentor to many women and business owners alike.

Yodit has earned the respect of the business community with her unrelenting enthusiasm to give back by volunteering her time and experience centered on empowering women to experience their full leadership potential through training, support and encouragement.

2009 ATHENA® Nominees

Gloria Danna Brooks: CEO and President of Arbor Hospice, a 14 Million dollar non-profit health care agency and its subsidiary foundation.. She has been working to educate and inform others of the needs of women, children, the elderly and those of who have life limiting illnesses for more than 20 years. She has more than 22 years of experience in the non-profit sector. She is a strong believer in collaborations between non-profits and has a commitment to working with other organizations to that end. She is Chair of the Women’s Initiative-Power of the Purse and Member of the Campaign Cabinet, United Way of Washtenaw County. Is a member of the Community Advisory Board of Junior League of Ann Arbor and was elected to Board of Directors of the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, Lansing, Michigan and an active member of the Ann Arbor Rotary.

Cathi Duchon: CEO of the YMCA Ann Arbor. She has been the CEO of the AA YMCA since 1996 and was selected as the first female branch executive director for the YMCA of Houston. She managed the four-part process of $20 million new YMCA facility construction, which included the sale of old property, capital fundraising, securing property/approvals/construction, and tax exempt bond issue. The facility design received national recognition from YMCA of the USA and National Brownfield’s organization. YMCA Membership exceeded 15,000 members in 2008, attracting new populations including over 1,500 teens. Cathi believes strongly in creative collaborations developed to benefit the community; the Cancer survivor program; Youth obesity program; and programs for sports fitness in Ypsilanti. Cathi is involved in many community service organizations including the AA Rotary, Mott Children’s Hospital Advisory Board, Chair of the YMCA of the USA International Committee just to name a few. Over her 36 year career in the YMCA she has been a recognized leader to increase opportunities for women in this profession.

Scott Huckestein: Owner of Schakolad Chocolate Factory. Scott leads by example spending his time focusing on customer and community service. Scott serves on many Boards including Main Street Association as a Vice President , the University of Michigan Museum of Art Friends , Alzheimer’s Association, March of Dimes, Rotary as well as an active member of three Chambers, AA Saline and Ypsilanti. Scott works with a number of charitable groups and has contributed to the success of many of the above organizations by supporting their fundraising efforts, donating his time and best of all chocolates. He gives tirelessly to the community as well as leading by mentoring and coaching employees. His daily example of determination and creativity are an inspiration to all to become entrepreneurs.

Rebecca Johnston: Founder and President of Ann Arbor Insurance Centre, Inc. Her agency was designated a Total Quality Agency by the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. She has over 33 years of experience in the insurance industry and is the first female franchise owner for America One. She hired and trained top area talent and helped them advance their careers, including establishing their own agencies. Rebecca was elected the first female president of the Ann Arbor Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors and currently serves as Secretary of this group. Since 1987 she has continued to be actively involved in the Boya & Girls Club.

Karen Mauer: President and Owner of the Maurer Management & Properties, Inc. Karen is a freelance Producer and is responsible for the Johnson Controls booth at the Detroit Auto Show. She oversees a budget of $750,000 for this show as supervisor of all video and graphic elements for the Auto Show. Karen, along with her husband spearheaded the restoration effort at 200 West Michigan restoring the 70 year old vacant building into 12 loft apartments and 3 retail units. She secured tax credit on the property through the State Historic Preservation Office in Lansing Michigan and the US Department of Interior in Washington, DC. Karen has remained active within the community serving on many local boards. Karen has been described as energetic and passionate as she encompasses all of Ypsilanti. She believes the best about Ypsilanti and strives to share that passion and engage with citizens while encouraging new and local business owners.

Michelle Richards: Executive Director of the Center for Empowerment and Economic Development. Michelle has pursued social, economic justice for women by assisting women and minorities in the pursuit of small business development and expansion in Michigan since its inception in 1984. Her reputation as an advocate for women is widely known around the region. She is recognized across the country as attracting one of the first Women Business Centers to Michigan and serving on National Boards of Directors with groups that recognize and promote the accomplishments of women. Michelle has been instrumental in bringing outstanding speakers to the area including President Bill Clinton, noted poet and laureate Maya Angelou, among others. Michelle works closely with corporate and civic leaders to promote diversity. Michelle is committed to working with women to develop their potential to the fullest. Michelle is the recipient of many awards including Crains Detroit Business Women to Watch in Detroit, Michigan Small Business Administration Women Business Advocate of the Year. Michelle was described as having quiet strength and leading by example. She is highly principled, exhibits integrity while working hard to build strong relationships with business leaders, politicians and nonprofit leaders.