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Bushey wins 2011 Athena award
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Martha Bushey, with her husband Michael at her side, proudly holds the Athena award. Bushey was named the 2011 Athena winner during a banquet Thursday at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman. The event is hosted by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator.
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2011 Athena Award recipient Martha Bushey
2011 Athena recipient
Atty. Martha L. Bushey, a member of the law firm Manchester, Bennett, Powers and Ullman, was named this year’s Athena Award winner during a banquet dinner Thursday at Mr. Anthony’s.
Bushey became the first female partner at the firm in 1999.
Formerly a nurse, Bushey is a member of the board of directors at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Mill Creek Children’s Center, Boardman Civic Association and the Mahoning County Board of Appeals.
She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s of science in nursing from Youngstown State University and cum laude with a juris doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law.
Source: Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
By Elise Franco
efranco@vindy.com
Boardman
Martha L. Bushey, a local attorney and former nurse, was visibly moved and surprised as she approached the stage to accept the 2011 Athena Award.
Bushey was named the 2011 Athena recipient Thursday during a banquet at Mr. Anthony’s in Boardman.
As the Boardman resident and partner at Youngstown law firm Manchester, Bennett, Powers and Ullman stepped up to the podium to accept her award, she told the crowd of about 500 people that she “truly did not expect this to happen.”
“I’m certainly among a prestigious group of women here tonight,” Bushey said. “I’m humbled and grateful ... I’m blessed in so many ways.”
The Athena is given each year to in recognition of area business and professional women who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen career, provided leadership in the community and mentored or contributed to the growth of other professional women, according to a statement released by the chamber following the banquet.
Bushey, who became the law firm’s first female partner in 1999, said she attributes her personal success to her mother.
“I get to be the person I am today ... because my mom, who had no opportunities of her own, was an endless source of encouragement,” she said.
Dr. Betty Jo Licata, dean of YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration, introduced Bushey, describing her as humble, dignified and passionate.
The banquet was presented by the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and The Vindicator. Several notable women spoke during the event, including Dr. Daisy Alford-Smith, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, who gave the keynote address.
Alford-Smith was the 2010 Athena recipient for the Akron region. She talked Thursday about a need for devotion to today’s youth, especially females, so they can become tomorrow’s successes.
“We need to devote energy and efforts to our children,” she said. “It’s our responsibility to attempt to empower them in a way that will help them achieve their aspirations.”
Alford-Smith, who grew up in a low-income section of Farrell, Pa., said as a child she was told her dreams were too far-reaching. She said it’s important not to send that negative message to children today.
“It’s important that we help instill in our young girls that they are the leaders in their own lives,” she said.