Honoring courage and community: 38th annual ATHENA Awards celebrate leadership across generations

At the 38th annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon on Thursday, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce recognized three remarkable women whose leadership is shaping San Joaquin County. Held at the Stockton Golf & Country Club, the event honored Kay Ruhstaller, Stephanie Braithwaite and Abigail Coussons—leaders at different stages of life, united by their impact and integrity.

A “gold medal in leadership”

For Kay Ruhstaller, longtime CEO of the Family Resource Center, receiving the ATHENA Leadership Award marked a career highlight.
“Receiving the ATHENA is really the highest honor the community could bestow upon me,” she said. “It’s like an Olympic gold medal in leadership. My heart is singing.”

Ruhstaller, known for championing families and children, emphasized the link between her work and ATHENA’s values.
“Children need strong leaders,” she said. “They need strong women willing to take action. That’s how it connects.”

She encouraged women seeking to lead in difficult spaces to stay grounded. “Have the courage of your convictions, master your mind and lean on other women mentors,” she said.

A young professional called to serve

Stephanie Braithwaite, founder of Lotus Rising Recovery Services, received the Young Professional Leadership Award. She described the honor as surprising and humbling.
“Just seeing people get their one-year chip or reunify with their children—those are the wins that keep me going,” she said.

Her work centers on survivors of addiction, abuse and human trafficking. Grounded in faith, Braithwaite said her passion drives her through the difficult moments.
“I believe the Lord doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called,” she said.

Her advice to other young women: “Find what you’re passionate about. Don’t be afraid to learn new skills.”

Empowering the next generation

Linden High School senior Abigail Coussons accepted the Youth Leadership Award with gratitude and pride.

“It’s an incredible honor,” she said. “Linden is a smaller school, so being here means a lot.”

Coussons serves as her district’s Student Trustee and has held student government roles since middle school.
“My freshman teacher told me, ‘You start here, but you can grow to here.’ That stuck with me.”

She now encourages others to step up.
“Just start by doing,” she said. “Your potential is so much more than you think.”

Carrying on a local tradition

Chamber CEO Timm Quinn highlighted the history behind the program.
“We’re one of the longest running ATHENA programs in the country,” he said. “It’s amazing to see past recipients mentor and uplift women throughout our community.”

The Chamber introduced the Youth Leadership Award last year. Quinn called this year’s honorees “outstanding” and praised their commitment to service.
“Every year, we’re reminded that Stockton is full of powerful women quietly doing incredible work,” he said. “The ATHENA Awards help shine a light on them.”

Leadership that lasts

From nonprofit pioneers to student advocates, the honorees reflect the core of ATHENA’s mission: leadership rooted in purpose, collaboration and courage.
Together, they remind Stockton that when women lead, communities rise.