Valorie Burton, nationally-renowned life strategist and international speaker, will be the featured speaker at the Conroe Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce’s annual Athena Leadership Award Luncheon in July.
This year’s award luncheon is set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 18 at Margaritaville Lake Resort.
“Valorie Burton has changed lives, giving women empowerment, vision, leadership and hope,” said Scott Harper, president of the chamber. “What she brings to Athena is the perfect fit for our audience. She is the ultimate mentor to a new generation of women who are looking to thrive and control their future.”
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What is the Athena award about?
The international Athena program recognizes excellence and achievement among female leaders. Locally, the leadership award is presented to a Montgomery County woman who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence, contributes time and energy to improve quality of life for others and actively assists women and girls in realizing their full potential.
The chamber has partnered with the Athena organization to host the awards luncheon since 2018. Former award recipients include Nicole Robinson Gauthier, 2024; Judge Kathleen Hamilton, 2023; Natalie Saikowski Goertz, 2022; Carol Gooch, 2021; Dana Hoyt, 2020; Marlen Tejeda, 2019 and the inaugural winner Danielle Scheiner in 2018.
The luncheon will recognize nominees, honor finalists and celebrate the recipient who is announced at the event.
2025 Athena award luncheon
More than 500 guests are anticipated this year. Before and after the luncheon, there will be a market featuring female-owned local businesses at the resort.
Harper said it is the chamber’s hope to grow the market this year.
Nominations are open through Sunday at noon for this year’s award winner. To nominate someone, visit the chamber’s Athena awards information page.
The nominees are reviewed by Athena International. A committee selects three finalists and an award recipient based on the following criteria: Demonstrates a high level of professional excellence, contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others and actively assists women and girls in achieving their full potential.
Eight female leaders have already been nominated for the 2025 honor.
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Who is Valorie Burton?
At the event where guests are encouraged to wear white, Burton will speak on leadership strategies. Past guest speakers have been Joan Lunden and Erin Brockovich.
Burton is CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute which provides coaching, coach training and resilience training and has served clients in all 50 states and 20 countries.
She is also the author of 14 books and has had regular appearances on the Today Show, CNN, Dr. Oz and Essence. She and her husband Jeff live on a ranch south of Atlanta with their children.
Better Bookkeepers is the presenting sponsor for the luncheon.
“The female leaders in our businesses, local organizations and government are empowered to reach higher every day,” said Melanie K. Bush, owner, Better Bookkeepers. “Like our speaker this year, Athena leaders raise the bar and help others achieve more. They consistently strive to be a beacon of hope for those coming behind them.”