The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) recently honored three individuals as their 2017 ATHENA Public Sector, Private Sector and Young Professional Award recipients.

Mi-Ai Parrish, Michelle Just and Drena Kusari Berisha were recognized during GPCC's 30th anniversary ATHENA Awards luncheon this month. Award 

Parrish, who is president of Republic Media, received the ATHENA Businesswomen of the Year Award for the private sector. Just, Beatitudes Campus’ president and CEO, was this year’s ATHENA Businesswomen of the Year Award recipient for the public sector. Berisha, Lyft’s Southwest Region general manager, earned the ATHENA Young Professional Award.

“These women embody the spirit of ATHENA in all that they do, and their collective work in our community is continuing to make the Valley strong,” GPCC President and CEO Todd Sanders said in a press release. “Their passion for the causes they serve, their mentorship of others and their dedication to create a brighter tomorrow are an inspiration. It is an honor to highlight their achievements and celebrate their leadership and vision.”

A program of ATHENA International, the ATHENA awards are named after the Greek goddess of courage and wisdom. ATHENA International is a nonprofit that works to create leadership opportunities for women.