Jackie Carberry

Jackie Carberry is the recipient of this year’s 2015 ATHENA Leadership Award for Wayne County. Carberry, of Centerville, Ind., was presented the award during the ATHENA celebration dinner held June 23 at Forest Hills Country Club in Richmond. The event recognizes women leaders who motivate, inspire and create positive change in the community.

Wayne Bank and Trust Co. and Indiana University East have partnered for the second year to bring the ATHENA Leadership Award to Wayne County. The ATHENA Leadership award is presented to an individual who is honored for their professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

“We had another excellent slate of candidates for the 2015 Athena Award. The difference between first and second in this award is similar to the Olympic 100 meter dash. Only 3/100ths of a second separate first from second place and only two-tenths of a second separate first from eighth in that race,” said Mark Soukup, President/CEO, Wayne Bank and Trust Co.

“Comparing these women and selecting a winner is a very difficult task as these finalists are as close as the finalists in the 100 meter race. The committee selected a winner that embodies the spirit of the Athena Award; excellence in their vocation, giving of their resources to the community and mentoring women to reach their potential. My most heartfelt congratulations go to Jackie Carberry for winning this year’s award,” Soukup said.

ATHENA Award finalists for 2015 are Karen Clark and Valerie Ray (front row, left to right) and Mary Walker, Jackie Carberry and Rachel Hughes (back row, left to right).

IU East Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe said, “We thank everyone who submitted a nomination. This year’s nominees are all impressive candidates for the ATHENA award and each one provides invaluable leadership and service within the Wayne County community. This year, we are honored to present the award to Jackie for the work she does to promote business and economic development while continuing to expand her own company. She contributes significantly to community organizations through assisting with fundraisers, volunteering on boards and promoting the tourism of the region.”

Carberry is the owner of Warm Glow Candle Company. She and her husband, Alan Carberry, created Warm Glow Candle Company in the basement of their home in 1994. In 2000, Warm Glow Candle Company purchased Sweet Liberty Candle Company, originally founded in Lancaster, Penn. With the tremendous growth of business and popularity of their locally made candles, the company expanded and produces up to 15,000 candles per day. The Warm Glow Candle Co. Store, located in Centerville, Ind., offers customer a wide variety of candles, home decor, gourmet foods and a café.

Within the community, Carberry serves on the Wayne County Tourism Board and generously provides in-kind and monetary donations to local schools and non-profit organizations. She is a member of the Reid Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and has been involved with BRAvo! and the Red Dress Ball, Cope Environmental Center Board of Directors, Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, and the Economic Growth Group.

Nominations are submitted each year for the ATHENA Leadership Award® which is presented at the dinner to an exemplary leader who has achieved excellence in their business or profession, served the community in a meaningful way and, most importantly, actively assisted women to achieve their full leadership potential. The keynote speaker was Lin Dunn, former Indiana Fever basketball coach and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Five women were nominated for this year’s award including Karen Clark, Rachel Hughes, Valerie Ray, and Mary Walker, all residents of Richmond. Mary Jo Clark, a long-time community builder and leader in Wayne County, won the prestigious award in 2014.

Proceeds from the celebration dinner benefit local organizations dedicated to serving leadership building for women. This year the proceeds will go to Girls Inc. and the IU East Academy for Cultivating Talent.