2026 ATHENA Awards Celebrate Women in Leadership
The Macomb Foundation, an affiliate of the Macomb County Chamber, was proud to host the 27th annual ATHENA Leadership Award® Ceremony on April 30, 2026, at Andiamo in Warren.
This year’s ATHENA Leadership Award® was presented to Melvenna Fant-Jones, founder and executive director of Women Healing Eternally & Transforming (WHEAT), a survivor-led nonprofit based in St. Clair Shores, Mich. The award recognizes an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their profession, served the community in a meaningful way and actively assisted women in achieving their full leadership potential.
A survivor of homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault, Melvenna began mentoring and leading women while living in a shelter with her young son. She guided others toward stability even as she rebuilt her own life. That lived experience became the foundation for WHEAT. Since 2008, the organization has served over 10,000 families, helped more than 650 Macomb County families secure safe and stable housing and mentored over 7,000 women across the region.
Melvenna believes that women who survive trauma are not broken; they are powerful. Under her leadership, WHEAT has grown into a trusted, community organization providing critical support to underserved populations across Southeastern Michigan.
“Melvenna is a powerful example of what can happen when women rise, rebuild and support others along the way. Everyone who meets her is drawn to her authenticity and unwavering commitment to support women and families who face the challenges she once faced,” said Kelley Lovati, PhD, president and CEO of the Macomb County Chamber and Macomb Foundation. “She is an inspiration to so many and exemplifies what the ATHENA Leadership Award® is all about — leadership, mentorship and service.”
During the event, the Macomb Foundation also recognized the following outstanding nominees for the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award®:
- Janelle Arbuckle-Michael, Associate Director, Talent Development and Programming, PK-12 Initiatives, Michigan Central
- Faye Baker, CEO, Baker & Associates Realty Group and President of the Empowerment & Development Housing Resource Center
- Suzette D’Andrea, Development Director, Macomb County Habitat for Humanity
- Dana Freers, Attorney At Law, Freers, Freers, and Freers
- Karen Gharbie, Assistant Township Supervisor, Charter Township of Chesterfield
- Honorable Tanya Grillo, Circuit Court Judge, Macomb County Circuit Court
- Sharon Hannawa, Program Manager, Chaldean Community Foundation
- Jill Harris, Executive Director, Women of Tomorrow Mentor & Scholarship Program
- Leslie Hocker, President/Co-Founder, Michigan Notary Association (MINA) The Notary Shop
- Mariell Lehman, Owner, Lehman Law Firm, PLLC
- Toni A. Lett, Founder/Executive Director, Life Purpose Development
- Paula Macpherson, Executive Director, Velocity
- Melody Magee, Founder and Chief Talent Officer, Career Focus Consulting Services and Vice President – Council Member, Warren City Council
- Amanda Ninneman, Director of Operations, Hyperion Managed IT Services
- Jacqueline Owens, Interim Vice President of Bus Operations, SMART
- Amy Persyn, Chief Marketing Officer, First State Bank
Congratulations to Melvenna Fant-Jones and all the 2026 ATHENA nominees for their leadership, service and commitment to elevating women in leadership.
