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.”…