The Macomb Foundation presented the 2012 ATHENA Award today to Mari Kay Scott, General Motors Executive Director of Real Estate & Facilities, at a luncheon at Andiamo Warren. The international ATHENA award recognizes individuals who actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential.
As the first female executive director that GM has had in its facilities division, Scott oversees and advises a multibillion dollar portfolio of assets throughout the globe. She leads thousands of direct and indirect reports, who handle everything from maintenance to real estate transactions.
In addition, Scott, who works out of GM’s Tech Center in Warren, Mich., is the executive chair of the GM Affinity Group for Women and Women in Manufacturing, both of which host events and activities designed to help women succeed in the workplace.
Scott has helped to organize the GM Dress for Success Event, working with local charities to provide women clothing and skills necessary to complete a successful job interview, and the annual Diversity Celebration, which develops ideas to help foster diversity in the workplace.
She has also personally mentored four to five women for the past several years. This past year, this mentoring included low income students from Detroit Cristo Rey High School.
“Mari Kay Scott embodies the ideals of the ATHENA Award. She generously gives of her time and talent to support, develop and recognize other women,” saidGrace Shore, Macomb Foundation CEO. “Her leadership and dedication are an inspiration to us all.”
Ten other local nominees were also recognized at the awards luncheon. Previous ATHENA honorees served as the selection committee.
Event sponsors were Beaumont Health System, Davenport University, DTE Energy, Dupont, General Dynamics, General Motors, Health Alliance Plan, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, McLaren-Macomb, Turning Point and media sponsor The Macomb Daily.
The Macomb Foundation has presented the ATHENA Award in Macomb County exclusively since 1999 and has recognized thirteen area individuals. As the sister organization to the Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, the foundation works closely with business, civic and non-profit organizations to explore, plan and implement programs designed to broaden the role Macomb County plays in Michigan’s overall economy. It also supports many of the county’s community-based organizations through a network of program sharing and support.