The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce has named the 11 finalists for the 2016 ATHENA Award, celebrating women of excellence in business, leadership, dedication to the community and mentorship of other women.

The finalists will be narrowed down to three award winners at the Chamber’s 29th Annual ATHENA Awards luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale.

The awards are granted in three categories: public sector, private sector and young professional.

The finalists for private sector are Rebecca Clyde, Ideas Collide; Nicole Goodwin, Greenberg Traurig LLP; Catherine Scrivano, CASCO Financial Group; and Dr. Susan Wilder, LifeScape Premier LLC & LifeScape Medical Associates.

Public sector finalists are Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick, Maricopa Community College District; Kristine Morris, Maricopa County Education Service Agency; Carrie Smith, Foundation for Senior Living; and Elena Zee, Arizona Council on Economic Education.

Young professional finalists include Catherine Alonzo, Javelina; Julia Meyerson, Vista College Prep; and Vanessa Valenzuela Erickson, Partnership for Economic Innovation.

“All of today’s ATHENA finalists serve as an inspiration for us all. These exemplary professionals are the embodiment of leadership, dedication and integrity,” Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Sanders said. “Their commitment to inspire, encourage and nurture the limitless potential in others makes our community a much better place.”

“I am honored and humbled to be a 2016 ATHENA finalist,” Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick said. “To me, the ATHENA Award is a calling to continue my life-long journey to be a leader, mentor, advocate and friend who is committed to living life and doing work with passion, compassion, integrity and generosity. It's an esteemed reminder of the important responsibility that we have as women to lift each other up and blaze the trail for those who come behind us just as those before us did.”