By Dorica Watson, WIBU Vice President—
MUNCIE, IN—Women In Business Unlimited, (WIBU) is pleased to announce that Jena Ashby, Jenni Marsh, Jennifer Proud Mearns, Laura Janney, Leslie Draper, Dr, Melinda Messineo, Dr. Mia Johnson and Tara Allread are the eight nominees for our 2021 ATHENA Professional Leadership Award.
Nominees for this award:
• Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
• Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
• Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential
Join WIBU on November 17th from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Cornerstone Center For the Arts for the annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon to celebrate all of the 2021 ATHENA nominees.
Tickets for the ATHENA luncheon are available now:
https://wibu-2021-athena.eventbrite.com
Dr. Melinda Messineo
Dr. Melinda Messineo is a professor of sociology at Ball State University and a diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate. She is passionate about connecting students with the community and making a difference in the lives of everyone she touches. This passion has been on display locally since 1999 when Melinda adopted Muncie, IN as her home. Melinda is a servant leader who is never too busy to lend a helping hand or a calming, encouraging word.
Dr. Mia D. Johnson
Dr. Mia D. Johnson, is a Muncie native who graduated from Ivy Tech Community College in 2003 and now serves as Chancellor for the Anderson campus. She is passionate about empowering women-especially through education; her own nontraditional educational journey fuels this passion to help other women in their pursuit to thrive and move toward stability. Dr. Mia is a visible leader and pioneer for change.
Jena Ashby
Jena Ashby, a lifelong Muncie resident, has spent the last 15 years serving at Muncie Habitat for Humanity and currently is the Director of Impact & Programs. Jena convenes the 8twelve Coalition, a community development/neighborhood revitalization coalition working with resident and partner organizations in South Central and Thomas Park/Avondale neighborhoods.
Jenni Marsh
Jenni Marsh is President and CEO of Heart of Indiana United Way serving Delaware, Fayette, Henry, Madison, and Randolph Counties. Across this region, over 40% of households cannot make ends meet. Every day through her work, Jenni fully embraces her mission of making people’s lives better. By listening to community members and letting data inform this work, she, United Way staff, and volunteers have developed two-generation strategies to help families not only survive—but thrive.
Jennifer Proud Mearns
Jennifer Proud Mearns has more than two decades of experience in executive recruiting and 15 years of experience in the sports marketing industry. In 2003, Jennifer founded JPM Consulting Services and has since been providing executive talent acquisition support to global corporations and several boutique recruiting firms. Jennifer also proudly serves as First Lady of Ball State University.
Laura Janney
Laura Janney, a lifelong Muncie resident who along with her husband Jeff started Muncie OUTreach in 2012. Laura’s passion for OUTreach was birthed after her son, Matt came out as gay. Through the process of helping Matt advocate for himself and navigate systems, Laura saw the need for Muncie to have a safe space and resources for other LGBTQ+ youth. What started out as a monthly game night has grown into a nonprofit offering support groups, educational programs, resources, and community partnerships.
Leslie Draper
Leslie Draper is a community developer, the Founder and Executive Director of Inspire Academy, where she leads staff and students to become self-accountable learners and achievers, through projects, presentations, and authentic products that further the cause of creating a more just society for all. Leslie is known for inspiring those around her to achieve high standards and join in unified work toward a common mission.
Tara Allred
Tara Allred, is a Special Education Teacher who helps youth with learning disabilities overcome obstacles and find their best self in this big world. Tara’s purpose and passion in life is to help others. She lives this mission by helping women work through barriers using mentorship, exercise and prayer. She is a cheerleader and support system as they shed their old self, let go of certainty, acknowledge fear, embrace uncertainty and amplify their strengths. Tara lives by the motto,” your purpose is what happens to others when you do what you do!”
