A professional club for executive women
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Executive Club of Champaign County Announces 2026 ATHENA Award Recipients |
Sarah Zehr Gantz (Left)
| 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient:Sarah Zehr Gantz, Associate Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Policies at the University of Illinois System Sarah Zehr Gantz, Ph.D. serves as Associate Vice President for Academic Initiatives & Policies at the University of Illinois System, where she leads work involving policy development, long-range planning, budgeting and resource management, leadership development, and strategic initiatives across the University of Illinois System's three universities. Gantz's career reflects an extensive commitment to education, leadership development and public service. During more than two decades with the University of Illinois, she has held leadership positions spanning academic affairs, public engagement, corporate relations, engineering career services, communications and business education. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the College of Education, teaching graduate-level courses and advising master's and doctoral students. Her community leadership has been equally significant. Gantz has served as President of the Executive Club of Champaign County, held numerous leadership roles with Leadership Illinois and the United Way of Champaign County, and initiated major community service efforts addressing issues including hunger and volunteer engagement. One initiative she proposed and led grew to involve more than 1,500 volunteers packaging 160,000 meals for the local food bank. Gantz is also a former ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient, having received the honor in 2012. Her other recognitions include the University of Illinois Chancellor's Academic Professional Excellence Award, the United Way Spirit of Caring Outstanding Volunteer Award and recognition among Champaign-Urbana's Top Forty Under 40. |
Tracy Williams (Left)
| 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient: Tracy Williams, Director of Hope Center & Community Outreach at The Vineyard Church in Urbana Tracy Williams serves as Hope Center & Community Outreach Director at The Vineyard Church in Urbana. In this role, she leads community outreach initiatives addressing food insecurity, develops partnerships with local organizations, connects individuals and families with vital resources, and coordinates volunteer engagement. Williams brings more than 20 years of experience in education, community development and public service. Her earlier leadership roles included serving as Assistant Director for Kids Plus with Champaign Unit 4 and Assistant Director of Coaching for a nonprofit organization, where her work supported student achievement, family engagement and the development of children and young adults. Her community service extends beyond her professional responsibilities. Williams serves on the CU One-to-One Mentoring Scholarship Foundation Board and regularly works with nonprofits, schools, churches and civic organizations throughout the Champaign-Urbana community. She is also recognized for mentoring young professionals and advocating for programs supporting women, children and underserved families. Williams' leadership is rooted in collaboration and service, bringing businesses, nonprofits, schools and community organizations together to address barriers and strengthen resources available to local families. Her commitment to mentoring and empowering others reflects the ATHENA mission of developing women leaders and creating pathways for others to achieve their potential. |
About the ATHENA Awards
The ATHENA Awards celebrate leadership that strengthens communities while creating opportunities for women to reach their full potential. Recipients are selected by a panel of community leaders based upon the materials submitted through the nomination process.
The 2026 ATHENA Awards Celebration will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. The event brings together business and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of the year's honorees and celebrate the impact of women leaders throughout Champaign County. Sponsorships and Tickets are available.
About Executive Club of Champaign County
The Executive Club of Champaign County brings together professionals and community leaders to foster relationships, leadership and engagement throughout Champaign County. As the local organization presenting the ATHENA Awards, ECCC is proud to recognize individuals whose leadership, service and commitment to developing others strengthen the community.
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION
Sponsor the ATHENA Awards
If you or your organization would like to sponsor the ATHENA Awards and contribute to the recognition of these extraordinary women, please contact Athena Chair Jaime Morris for more information. Your contribution will help us celebrate and honor these remarkable women and create a brighter future for women in Champaign County.
Sponsorship Levels
| Sponsorship Amount | Benefits |
| $2,000 Premier Sponsor | Recognition in marketing materials Table of 8 with signage and priority placement Full page ad in program Prominent recognition signage at event Verbal recognition during program Opportunity to provide giveaways to all guests |
| $1,250 Gold Sponsor | Table of 8 with signage Half page ad in program Logo recognition at event Opportunity to provide giveaways to all guests |
| $1,000 Silver Sponsor | Table of 8 with signage Logo recognition at event |
| $500 Bronze Sponsor | Two tickets and name listed in program |
| $250 Friends of ATHENA | One ticket and name listed in program |
| $100 ATHENA Alumnae Sponsor | Name listed in the program |
ATHENA Leadership Award® Past Recipients
| ATHENA Young Professional Award® Recipients
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