The 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award of Henderson County was presented during the Business & Professional Women’s Luncheon on Tuesday, April 22, hosted by the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and the EmpowerHer Committee. The luncheon, sponsored by UNC Health Pardee, Hunter Automotive, and Stuller Power Solutions, celebrated women who demonstrate excellence in leadership, community service, and empowerment.

This year’s recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award was Rebecca McCall, a leader whose career has been defined by her advocacy for the community and her unwavering dedication to service. McCall’s leadership has spanned multiple domains, from disaster recovery to workforce development and education. Notably, she spearheaded the establishment of a 150,000-square-foot Disaster Recovery Center following Hurricane Helene, ensuring that those affected by the disaster received crucial support. Additionally, McCall launched the Pathfinders Mentor Program in 2024, which aims to guide local youth and help them access opportunities for growth and success. Her work with the Safety Around Water Program has also made a lasting impact, teaching thousands of second graders vital water safety skills.

As the County Commissioner, McCall has been a staunch advocate for sustainable growth, local agriculture, and educational reform. Her ability to empower women and mentor future leaders has made her an inspiration to those around her.

The event featured Dana Trent as the keynote speaker. Dana, whose personal journey of overcoming significant adversity deeply resonated with the audience, shared her experiences of growing up in a challenging environment filled with poverty, homelessness, and neglect. Despite these obstacles, Dana found strength and resilience through the support of women in her life, particularly her aunts, who provided unwavering guidance and advocacy. Her story of survival and success—culminating in her career as a writer and community advocate—was a powerful reminder of the importance of relationships, mentorship, and lifting each other up in times of hardship. Dana emphasized that women are often the ones who show up in the most difficult times, offering support, strength, and resilience.

Andrea Little Gray, daughter of the late Vanessa Mintz, who brought the ATHENA Award to Henderson County, also spoke at the luncheon. She shared heartfelt thoughts about continuing her mother's legacy of empowering women in leadership roles. Her words served as a moving tribute to her mother’s enduring impact on the community, and the event was a fitting reminder of the importance of honoring those who inspire us.

The following nominees for the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award were recognized for their significant contributions to Henderson County:

Abigail Buckman – As a dedicated community advocate, Abigail works with Thrive to support adults with severe mental illnesses and contributes her skills as an artist across the community.

Courtney Stepp Lowery – Courtney is a passionate advocate for women who is known for her resilience and serves on boards for the Hope Coalition of Henderson County and AdventHealth Foundation. 

Cyndi Pittman – A health care leader and advocate, Cyndi serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner and has dedicated her career to mentoring and empowering women as patients and colleagues.

Katy Gash – Katy, a highly respected educator, has committed herself to shaping the future of Hendersonville’s educational landscape, serving as a leader in the Hendersonville Middle School Community.

Kim Gasperson-Justice – A District Court Judge, Kim is a fierce advocate for justice, with a particular focus on rehabilitation, restorative justice, and adult criminal justice reform.

Tanya Ledford – Founder of The Grant Guides, Tanya has worked tirelessly to advance nonprofits, educational organizations, and small businesses. 

These women, like McCall, embody the core principles of the ATHENA Leadership Award: empowerment, community service, and dedication to fostering leadership opportunities for others.

The luncheon concluded with a call to action, urging attendees to nominate the often-overlooked women in their lives who quietly contribute to the community’s growth and success.