YPA Nominations

The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® honors an emerging leader who demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, and serves as a role model for young women personally and professionally.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in the Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under.

Past Award Winners: 

Jessica Brindle, Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg (2023), Samantha Ecke, MilkBath (2022), Emily Hutton, Franklin County Jail (2021)

The Young Professional Employer of the Year award honors a local organization that is devoted to the advancement of their young professionals.

Eligibility: Business candidate must be a member of the Cumberland Valley Business Alliance for a minimum of one calendar year. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

LaunchUX (2023), Rodney B. Smith (2022), Betterment Cleaning Services (2021)

The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual who has been in their career for five years or less and who has shown tremendous potential in their field.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

Morgan Landman, SEK, CPAs & Advisors (2023), Nate Milgrim, Ledo Pizza (2022), Dr. Evan Smith, Cumberland Valley Dental Care (2021)

This honor is awarded to an entrepreneur or small business owner who has grown and developed a sustainable business.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in the Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

Mike & Sarah Gardner, Edge Fiber Solutions (2023), Matt Baer, First Due Lawn Care (2022), Carlos Perez, Central PA Wireless Boost Mobile (2021)

This award recognizes someone in the education field who has gone above and beyond to have a positive impact on those they teach.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in the Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under. Please note that "educator" refers to anyone in the education industry (teachers at any level, tutors, professors, coaches, etc.). Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

Stephanie Barnhart, Shippensburg Area Middle School (2023), Matthew Wedd, Conococheague Institute (2022), Megan Yellot, Saint Andrew Catholic School (2021)

Awarded to a nonprofit employee who demonstrates excellence in their work and dedication to their organization and its mission.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in the Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

Katie Shank, Wilson College (2023), Leigh Elliott, SCCAP (2022), Matthew Wedd, Conococheague Institute (2021)

A young professional who has dedicated significant time and resources to serving the community outside of their career.

Eligibility: Candidate must live and/or work in the Cumberland Valley region and be 40 years of age or under. Self-nominations are accepted.

Past Award Winners: 

Grace Waller, Chambersburg Neighbors and Shippensburg Neighbors Best Version Media (2023), Morgan Engel, Shaefer Equipment Company (2022), Jim Boyer, Healthy Communities Partnership (2021)