The Metro South Chamber of Commerce and Eastern Bank will present the 17th Annual ATHENA Award to Mary Waldron, director of BSU’s Institute for Policy Analysis and Regional Engagement (IPARE).
In a statement, chamber officials cited Ms. Waldron as an individual who has achieved excellence in her profession, has served the community in a meaningful way, and has assisted women in reaching their full leadership potential.
"It is very hard to describe just how proud and honored I am to be nominated by my Bridgewater State University family and to be the recipient of the 2015 International Athena Award," Ms. Waldron said. The Chicopee native added that she was raised in a family that placed a premium on faith, family and community service. Those values align well with BSU's mission, she said. "I look forward to my continued work at BSU and to celebrate the many 'Athenas' on our campus."
Ms. Waldron joined BSU in 2013. Previously, she was the first female executive director of the Brockton 21st Century Corporation, where she created programs and resources for minority and women owned businesses. She has also served as chairperson of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee and on the board of directors for SEED Corporation and Signature Healthcare.
Founded in 1913, the Metro South Chamber of Commerce is the region’s oldest and leading economic development and business advocacy organization. The Chamber serves 1,000 member businesses in the communities of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Canton, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Holbrook, Norwell, Randolph, Rockland, Sharon, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman.
Ms. Waldron will be honored Friday, June 19, at The Mockingbird Restaurant & Martini Lounge in East Bridgewater.
