RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - Deborah Thompson, a Leadership Coach and owner of Connect Leadership Coaching, along with Dr. Christina Cobb, an Associate Professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), were honored at the 11th Annual ATHENA Awards ceremony. This event, which took place on Friday, May 17th, in the Student Union Ballroom at MTSU, celebrated the accomplishments of ten ATHENA nominees and eight Young Professional nominees from the Rutherford County community.

The ATHENA Award recognizes individuals who excel professionally, contribute to the community, and mentor other leaders, particularly women. The Young Professional Leadership Award is given to an emerging leader under 40 who embodies the ATHENA attributes and serves as a role model for young women.

Thompson was nominated by the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties, where she is a board member. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her gratitude and emphasized the importance of people, relationships, and giving back in her career. Dr. Cobb was nominated by the Murfreesboro Chapter of the American Association of University Women and is also the CEO of her non-profit organization, EducatHer. She expressed her honor and humility in receiving the award, acknowledging the deserving women she serves alongside.

Additionally, the Rutherford Cable ATHENA Awards provide educational scholarships of up to $5,000 to non-traditional female students in Rutherford County. This year's scholarship recipient was Ashley Carter from Redstone Federal Credit Union.

A panel of five anonymous judges evaluated the nominees, who represented 12 different organizations from Rutherford County.