Page 22 - LRCC April 2023 FOCUS Magazine

FOCUS ON TALENT FOCUS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2023

Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Announces

New Partnership in Support of ATHENA WIN

By: Jocelyn Bellhorn, Kolt Communications, Inc.

Bakken Batchelor Clark Costa Daman Horak Mertz

he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce communities around the country who are exploring this
(LRCC) is pleased to announce it has entered into idea but haven’t gone down this path.”
Ta new partnership under which LRCC will provide
management support and program services for ATHENA Leslie Batchelor, chair of ATHENA WIN, prioritizes
Women’s Interest Network (ATHENA WIN). increasing opportunities for women leaders to connect,
socialize and grow personally and professionally. She
“We are proud to continue to support and provide focuses on widely communicating these opportunities
leadership in advancing the ATHENA legacy which began in a consistent manner. She assures to follow the eight
at the Lansing Regional Chamber in 1982,” said Tim ATHENA principles — live authentically, learn constantly,
Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “Our partnership with build relationships, foster collaboration, advocate fiercely,
ATHENA WIN should enable that organization to take act courageously, give back and celebrate.
the impressive work they have been doing in supporting
the growth of women leaders in the region to an exciting LRCC is also pleased to announce that it has created
new level.” a new position of Talent Development Manager to
support all of its talent initiatives including ATHENA
“I think it is an incredible partnership and a smart move by WIN. Sarah Bakken has been appointed to that position.
the Lansing Regional Chamber and ATHENA WIN,” said The Chamber and ATHENA WIN partnership will be
Traci Costa, president and CEO, ATHENA International. “It mutually beneficial. ATHENA WIN board members are all
is going to help both lean into each other’s strengths. The volunteers, so creating the Talent Development Manager
Chamber connections will increase exposure for ATHENA position provides extra support for the organization.
WIN. The leadership trainings that our international The Chamber is also recognized for its dedication to
organization can provide to women in Lansing through developing women leaders.
ATHENA WIN will reach a broader audience of women
leaders throughout the region.” Bakken prioritizes realigning and coordinating
communication. She determines how the information
ATHENA WIN has developed a track record as a dynamic is distributed while also restructuring the ATHENA WIN
group of professional women determined to equip other website. This goal is to show what the organization is and
women in mid-Michigan with the tools, information and how it supports professional women at any level. Bakken
connections they need to success in their careers. They works with subcommittee members for event planning.
provide education and training services, networking
oportunities and executive development for professional “I am able to work with the board of successful and
women in the region. passionate women leaders in our region,” said Bakken.
“With having a staff member at the Chamber working with
ATHENA was originally envisioned in 1982 by Martha them, I will be playing that key role in maintaining the
Mertz, an accomplished businessperson who sought to structure between ATHENA WIN and the Chamber. I can
offer more for women’s progression. Mertz called the help provide women in our region with the opportunity to
LRCC/ATHENA WIN partnership ‘a wonderful innovation’. connect, learn and grow.”

“I really love this idea,” said Mertz. “It is something the Opportunities to come with this partnership include
Chamber should track by a statistical analysis, because working with “Emerging Leaders.” According to Batchelor,
it is something that could be exported to a lot of these leaders are women in the early stages of their career

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