ATHENA Luncheon
The ATHENA Award honors women who strive toward the highest levels of personal and professional accomplishment, who excel in their chosen field, and devote time and energy to their community. Since the program's inception in 1982, more than 7,000 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 hope is to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.
The ATHENA Luncheon is hosted annually by the Athens Area Chamber and the past ATHENA recipients. It recognizes the current ATHENA Nominees, and celebrates the accomplishments of female leaders in the Athens area.
ATHENA Nominees must meet each of the following criteria:
- Women who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession
- Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
- Assist women in reaching their full potential

ATHENA Honorees

Alison Bracewell McCullick, University of Georgia, 2023 ATHENA Honoree
Alison Bracewell McCullick has served as the Director of Community Outreach for the University of Georgia since January 2016. A native Athenian, Alison received her undergraduate degree from Furman University in Political Science and English and received her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Georgia.
She has more than 20 years of experience in government and community relations, having worked in The White House during the Clinton Administration, the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State during the Cathy Cox administration, and the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership, serving for seven years as the Director of Outreach.
Alison is involved in a variety of community organizations, including the Athens Community Career Academy, Athens Rotary Club, Clarke Central Girls’ Soccer Booster Club, and the St. Mary’s Board of Directors.
Alison, her husband, Dr. Bryan McCullick, and 17-year old daughter, Adaline, reside in Athens.