Through transformative programs, inspiring events and a commitment to the ATHENA Leadership Model®, the organization has become a beacon for women striving to make an impact in their communities and industries.
“ATHENA Erie is where women’s leadership isn’t just encouraged — it’s redefined,” explains Director Linda Stevenson, who fueled by a vision for supporting women in business, brought the ATHENA PowerLink® program to Erie. Today, what started as a single mentorship initiative has blossomed into a comprehensive organization that supports women at every stage of their leadership journey.
Over the past quarter-century, ATHENA Erie has inspired hundreds through its diverse programs and events. This ripple effect has led to a more robust, inclusive leadership landscape in Erie and beyond. ATHENA Erie’s programs go beyond traditional programs. They are tailored to meet the unique challenges women face, equipping participants with actionable tools and authentic connections. Among them: ATHENA PowerLink® — A yearlong mentorship program that pairs women business owners with a dedicated advisory panel of experts to drive business growth; Being ATHENA — Leadership training focused on empathy, inclusivity and compassion, featuring 10 sessions led by Linda Holman, an ATHENA Certified Facilitator; and, the ATHENA Circle of Trust (ACT) — a close-knit community for emerging leaders ages 24–34, where members develop executive skills and advocate for each other’s success. ATHENA Erie also brings women together through events that celebrate and nurture leadership, such as the annual ATHENA Leadership Luncheon and the ATHENA Awards Luncheon.
“Whether you’re an established leader ready to mentor others, a business owner seeking growth, or a young professional eager to learn, ATHENA Erie offers a place to connect, grow and lead,” explains Stevenson. “Leadership isn’t just about personal success; it’s about leaving a lasting impact. At ATHENA Erie, leaders are empowered to do just that — transform their businesses and uplift their communities.”
Rachel Artise is the owner of The UPS Store in Erie, which offers shipping, packaging, printing, shredding, notary services and postal services for individual consumers and small businesses, In 2016, Artise participated in the ATHENA PowerLink program, describing it as a transformative experience for both her and her husband.
“The program helped us refine our vision for our business, aligning our goals with our moral values and foundational pillars. It provided the clarity we needed to grow in a way that not only supported our business but also strengthened our marriage and family,” she says. “ATHENA PowerLink truly changed the trajectory of how we approach business, fostering both professional and personal growth. Without it, I’m not sure how I would have reached the capacity I have today as a leader and as a person.”
Nadia Shabanza-Pero is the owner and principal designer of BeBe Design House, a full-service design firm in Erie specializing in project management, renovations and furnishings.
According to Shabanza-Pero, “My time with ATHENA was a defining moment in my career. I was honored to be selected as a business recipient through another company I co- owned, and the experience taught me so much about leadership, strategy and building something sustainable.” Shabanza-Pero started BeBe Design House but also a second business, Wanderlust Design Stays, at the same time. “ATHENA gave me the tools and confidence to build businesses that reflect my passions while serving my community. Those lessons in resilience, innovation, and putting people first have been the foundation for everything I’ve created since.”
Sue Hawley of Signs Now Erie also recognizes the benefits of ATHENA Erie. For 21 years, the franchise has been locally owned by Hawley and women staffed. It originally opened in 1990 in Erie by Debbie Trocki, another ATHENA recipient. Signs Now designs and manufactures signs including banners, posters, large format prints, vehicle graphics and wraps, window, wall and floor graphics and a broad list of other items for an extensive list of clients.
“I became an ATHENA participant in 2013. I saw how much the program helped the past owner, and with Debbie and Linda Stevenson’s encouragement, I applied and was given the opportunity to learn so much about myself, and my business. All the support that I received helped me grow and sustain my business to where it is today,” says Hawley. “After 35 years in business, Signs Now is still fulfilling the signage needs of the community.”
Christina Vogel is the owner of two Donatos Pizzas franchises in Erie County. The first one opened in 2016 in the Greengarden Place Plaza and the second opened in 2022 on Buffalo Road in Harborcreek.
Vogel has gone through the ATHENA PowerLink program twice. Both times she was assigned a panel of advisors, tailored to her business needs, to help guide her. “Having a team of professionals advise you and provide direction is an unparalleled opportunity, and we are so fortunate to have such a robust ATHENA program in Erie,” says Vogel. “I feel confident in the trajectory of my business, and I can directly connect that to the input from the professionals on my panel.”
Emily Ernes is the owner of Glass Growers Gallery & Gifts, which has been a cornerstone of Erie’s vibrant creative community since 1974. In 2020, she took over the reins when founder Deb Vahanian retired. The opportunity to work with the ATHENA PowerLink program came highly recommended by Vahanian, who benefited from her own ATHENA panel in 2009–2010.
“Since joining the program last May,” says Ernes, “I’ve been collaborating with an outstanding panel of advisors who have helped me envision an exciting future for the business. Together, we’ve adopted more strategic approaches across the board — from improving the customer experience and expanding our online presence to refreshing branding and refining financial and operational processes.”
Joellen Nelson is a financial advisor who manages a branch office of Edward Jones Investments in North East, Pennsylvania. She established the branch in 2001 and her son, Eli, joined the branch in 2022, helping clients achieve their financial goals.
Nelson was introduced to ATHENA about a decade ago through mutual friends — some who were either participants or panelists. She earned a spot in the program in 2016. ATHENA “has allowed me to meet and partner with some great professionals in Erie County and helped me fine-tune my process. I am deeply grateful that a town the size of Erie offers this world-class resource to the community,” she says.
Colleen Moore Mezler is the president of Moore Research Services, Inc. a global market research company founded in Erie in 1969.
In 2009, Moore Mezler received the ATHENA PowerLink Award, which was instrumental in expanding her network of women leaders and business experts. Over the years, she’s also served on several ATHENA Erie PowerLink panels and committees to champion its mission of supporting, developing, and honoring Erie leaders.
“ATHENA has benefited our business by fostering meaningful connections with other leaders who share a commitment to collaboration and community impact. It also helped position Moore Research as a company that not only prioritizes research excellence but also actively supports the advancement of women in business and the community,” she says.
Naomi Stutzman and her husband, Dan, are the owners of FASTSIGNS of Erie, which provides businesses with custom banners, signs, graphics and electronic message boards. The company traces its roots to one of the oldest sign companies in Erie (Al’s Sign Service originally started in 1940) and which joined the international sign franchise, FASTSIGNS International, in 2007.
In 2009, Stutzman began working with Stevenson and the ATHENA PowerLink Advisory Panel to evaluate and gain skills in business management. “The invaluable experience provided by the volunteer advisory panel not only improved the FASTSIGNS business organization but through the professional evaluations of revenue potential improved the lives of its employee base through a more robust benefit package and incentive-based commission packages for all employees,” explains Stutzman. “The accounting and legal panel advisors elevated management’s understanding of complex business requirements and the experience built solid advisory support for FASTSIGNS that continue 15 years later.”
Michele Quadri Butterfield is the owner of Al’s Awning Shop, which has served the Erie community for more than 80 years, specializing in the manufacturing and supply of custom fabric awnings for both residential and commercial use.
In 2011, Quadri Butterfield took part in the ATHENA program. “At the time, I was transitioning into my role as the third- generation owner of Al’s Awning Shop and sought the guidance of a women-led organization to support me during this pivotal stage,” Quadri Butterfield says. “ATHENA provided invaluable insights into every aspect of owning and operating a business, with experienced mentors generously sharing their time and expertise to help small businesses like mine thrive. Even today, I often revisit my ATHENA notes, reflecting on the topics and ideas we explored. They serve as a reminder that growth and improvement are constant journeys.”
Jennifer Reed is the owner of Relish Studio & Gallery founded in Erie in 1996. The working jewelry studio specializes in beach glass/sea glass, sterling silver, yellow gold handcrafted jewelry, along with unique gifts from local, regional and national artists.
“As artists, starting a small business felt a like a leap of faith — a true learn-as-you-go journey,” explains Reed. “While we were confident in our craft, we quickly realized we needed help in areas outside our expertise. That’s when ATHENA came into our lives. It felt almost serendipitous, and we thought, ‘Why not apply?’ It seemed like an opportunity to get the support we desperately needed without stretching our already limited budget,” she says. “Meeting Linda Stevenson and her incredible curated team of professionals turned out to be exactly what Relish needed. Their guidance not only helped us grow but also provided the foundation to sustain Relish for all these years.”
Penny Bowers-Schebal is the owner of Formality Bridal, an off-the-rack bridal store that sells design samples and private label lines for $999 and under. The flagship location is located in Geneva, Ohio and newest store in Erie opened in 2024.
Bowers-Schebal says was pleasantly surprised by the number of economic and community representatives from various resources in Erie who reached out to show support, including ATHENA PowerLink. “I must admit that I was hesitant at first, thinking I definitely couldn’t possibly dedicate the time or energy to a large project in 2025. What quickly sank in was that an investment in my company from so many different resources could allow me to reach goals that would take me many years on my own,” she says. “I read once that you can paddle fast by yourself to get somewhere, but you can go much farther with many people helping you paddle. I am flattered that so many are willing to pick up paddles and help.”
Selina Uglow, LPN, CPT, is the owner and founder of Way to Healthy Living established in 2013, which provides a variety of both cash-based and insurance covered services including Weight Management Programs, Individualized Fitness, Group Fitness, 1:1 Coaching and Counseling. The company’s wellness haven is located 4508 Zuck Road in Millcreek, while its 11299 East Law Road location in North East offers coaching, group fitness and bodywork.
For Uglow, ATHENA PowerLink was a transformative experience. She gained a deeper understanding of financial literacy and learned how to balance her passion for helping others with building a sustainable and profitable business model. “ATHENA PowerLink has been an essential resource not only for the growth of my business but also in fostering a network that uplifts and empowers others in our region,” she says.
Linda Holman is the founder of Root Discovery, an executive coaching and business strategy firm dedicated to empowering women leaders. Her journey with ATHENA began when she volunteered as an advisor for ATHENA PowerLink. Over the years, she’s served on panels and guided numerous women-owned businesses, helping them grow and succeed. In 2024, she also was honored to be selected as the facilitator for the Being ATHENA Women’s Leadership Program, which focuses on the eight ATHENA Leadership Principles.
“Working with ATHENA has not only allowed me to contribute to the growth of women leaders but has also enriched my own leadership journey,” she says. “Through ATHENA, I’ve honed my skills, expanded my network and built meaningful, long- term friendships. The relationships I’ve cultivated through this incredible organization have had a ripple effect — leading to collaborations, business opportunities and personal growth.”
Kayla Noonan and Dianna Noe’ are the owners of Noe’ Noonan School of Cosmetology, which opened to its first class in January 2022. Erie’s first locally women-owned and accredited post-secondary institution offers students access to a comprehensive Cosmetology Program, including training in hair, skin and nails, as well as personal and professional development — because they believe beauty is more than a skill, it’s a career and a calling. The school also has a Teacher Training Program for licensed professionals seeking to become educators in the field.
“We are honored to have been selected as the ATHENA PowerLink Recipient for 2025 and are excited to begin this journey,” says Noonan. “We already see tremendous value in the powerful connections we are making with fellow women entrepreneurs, as well as experts and professionals across various aspects of business and community.”
To learn more about ATHENA Erie, visit ATHENAerie.org.
