2025 Macomb County Chamber ATHENA Leadership Award Winner, Lauren Falzone

Macomb Foundation Honors Lauren Falzone with 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award®

The Macomb Foundation, an affiliate of the Macomb County Chamber, celebrated women in leadership during its 26th Annual ATHENA Award Ceremony on May 2, 2025, at Andiamo in Warren. The event honored 15 outstanding women leaders, with this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award® presented to Lauren Falzone, founder of beautiLofts.

Since 1999, the Macomb Foundation has proudly presented the ATHENA Award to a leader who demonstrates professional excellence, makes meaningful contributions to their community and actively supports other women in realizing their leadership potential. The Foundation supports ATHENA International’s philosophy of elevating women in business, government and community leadership roles.

Falzone was recognized for her innovative and empowering approach to entrepreneurship through beautiLofts, a fast-growing salon suite concept that enables beauty professionals to become their own bosses. From a single location, beautiLofts has expanded to four, including three in Macomb County. Falzone not only provides salon space but also mentors Loft owners through one-on-one coaching, business workshops and networking opportunities. Her efforts foster a collaborative and supportive environment in which women thrive both professionally and personally.

In addition to her work at beautiLofts, Falzone’s philanthropic contributions include involvement with Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Face Addiction Now and Painted Wings.

“Lauren Falzone exemplifies what the ATHENA Leadership Award® is all about—leadership, mentorship, and service,” said Kelley Lovati, president and CEO of the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb Foundation. “Her business model empowers other women to succeed on their own terms. Her dedication to giving back is truly inspiring.”

Macomb County Chamber ATHENA 2025 All Nominees

While Falzone received the top honor, the ceremony paid tribute to all 15 nominees, each of whom represents excellence in leadership and a commitment to empowering others. The 2025 nominees included:

  • Canetha Amour-Porter, Amour Women
  • Franka Arcangeli, International Therapy Solutions
  • Lori Barczyk, LegaSea Aquarium and The Reptarium
  • Edna Clark, Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan
  • Melvenna Fant-Jones, WHEAT Inc.
  • Hon. Kathleen G. Galen, 38th District Court
  • Tiffany Gunter, SMART
  • Helen Hicks, Macomb Habitat for Humanity
  • Drema D. Isaac, FreeStar Financial Credit Union
  • Brenda Maks, Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp.
  • Carrie Mead, Detroit Arsenal
  • Dr. Hayley Murphy, Detroit Zoological Society
  • Andrea Page, Great Lakes Realty & Property Management
  • Abigail Wasil, Cardelli Lanfear P.C.

Emceed by award-winning WXYZ reporter Heather Catallo, the event featured a celebratory luncheon, raffle and a Derby Day theme complete with decorative brimmed hats. It also served as a tribute to the legacy of the ATHENA program and the ongoing importance of lifting women into leadership roles.

The Macomb Foundation expresses gratitude to its 2025 sponsors, including First State Bank, The Mall at Partridge Creek, UHY, Detroit Zoological Society, General Dynamics Land Systems, SMART Bus, National Electrical Contractors Association, HOUR Media, 5Star Billboards and Nothing Bundt Cakes.

To learn more about the ATHENA Awards or the Macomb Foundation, visit https://macombcountychamber.com/about/macomb-foundation/athena-award/.