28th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon

Join us for the 28th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon! Tuesday, June 16th at Massasoit Community College.

The Metro South Chamber and Eastern Bank will present the 28th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award during a special luncheon to an exceptional individual who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential.

About the Guest Speaker:

Shaleen Title is a lawyer, activist, and adjunct professor specializing in regulations for emerging industries, including cannabis and artificial intelligence. She is Director of Parabola Center for Law and Policy, Of Counsel at Rudick Law Group, and teaches AI regulation and cannabis law at Roger Williams University School of Law and Thomas Jefferson University. A former commissioner of the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, she was one of the state’s leading cannabis regulators. Previously, she served as Distinguished Cannabis Policy Practitioner in Residence at The Ohio State University’s Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, publishing research on racial justice, interstate commerce, and market competition. Her paper Bigger is Not Better: Preventing Monopolies in the National Cannabis Market was SSRN’s second-most downloaded antitrust article in 2022. A longtime legalization advocate, she has been recognized by NORML, High Times, Boston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Forbes Cannabis, and Boston Magazine’s Power List. In 2025, the Cannabis Regulators of Color Coalition established the annual Shaleen Title Ignite Award in her honor. Learn more about Shaleen at www.shaleentitle.com

About the Award Recipient:

Christiana Odunze is a respected healthcare leader, nurse practitioner, and community advocate based in Stoughton. As Vice President of Healthcare Services at BAMSI, she has spent more than 15 years helping improve healthcare access and support systems for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities throughout the Metro South region. A Board-Certified Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, Christiana earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Curry College and her Master of Science in Nursing from Post University. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in developing innovative healthcare initiatives, including helping create BAMSI’s Healthcare Services Department and its in-house pharmacy, while also leading efforts to transition individuals from long-term care facilities into community living. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Christiana is deeply involved in the Stoughton community. She serves as Secretary of the Stoughton Disability Commission and is active with the Stoughton Economic Opportunity Commission and Stoughton Diversity and Inclusion Organization. She is also known as a mentor and advocate for women in healthcare, supporting the next generation of nurses and healthcare professionals through mentorship, scholarship initiatives, and leadership development programs. Recognized for her compassionate leadership and commitment to equity, Christiana has become a trusted voice in both healthcare and community service across the Metro South region.

Thank you to our premier program sponsor, Eastern Bank

Thank you to our supporting sponsors at MassHire and The Enterprise

About the ATHENA Award:

The ATHENA Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom, and enlightenment – qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model. The Award is unique in both scope – local, national, and international – and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a person who is honored for professional excellence, community service, and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 8,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations, and universities. The award is established in partnership with ATHENA International. For more information, visit athenainternational.org

ATHENA recipients must meet the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ in all aspects of life (Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back, and Celebrate)
2. Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential
3. Demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession
4. Provide valuable services by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community

Please note: nominees may be from both profit and not-for-profit sectors; nominees should possess a minimum of five years professional business experience.

Prior ATHENA Award Recipients