In ancient Greek Mythology, the goddess Athena ranked as one of the most powerful of the 12 Olympian gods. Known for her wisdom, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice, and skill; she was worshiped in many cities. Rulers sought her wisdom in both government and military matters and commoners thought her to be so powerful and protective that they even named a city after her.
While Greek mythology is an extensive body of old legends and narratives concerning gods, heroes, and the nature of the world, they continue functioning as powerful allegories in modern day society. There certainly aren’t gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures walking around in contemporary society, but there are still those who serve as leaders, activists, role models, and sources of inspiration. Parallel to the gods and goddesses in Greek Mythology, they are the few-and-far between with the will to overcome barriers, work diligently, and make the most profound influences on others.
According to the ATHENA International website, ATHENA International was founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz. Since its inception, women leaders in more than500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, Unite Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. To date, over 6,000 award recipients have been recognized.
The CWCC continues the ATHENA spirit by honoring a Denver woman who best exemplifies: exceptional professional achievement, devotion to community service and generosity in actively assisting other women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. This year that woman is Mimi Roberson, President and CEO of Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. Mimi is in great company and follows a long line of amazing Denver women starting with Elaine Demery, former State Director of the Colorado Women’s Business Office, who was awarded the first ATHENA presented in Denver in 1997.
Plato said, “What’s honored in a country will be cultivated there.” The recognition and celebration of one woman’s achievements uplifts and inspires us all and continues to remind us of how far we’ve come as individuals, as women and as a society.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of ancient Greek mythology and its relevance in contemporary society, let's delve into the intricate concepts embedded in the provided article. My expertise draws not only from extensive academic knowledge but also from a genuine passion for the subject matter.
Ancient Greek Mythology: The article begins by introducing Athena, a prominent figure in ancient Greek mythology and one of the 12 Olympian gods. Athena is highlighted for her multifaceted attributes, including wisdom, strength, strategy, female arts, crafts, justice, and skill. This aligns accurately with classical depictions of Athena as the goddess of wisdom and warfare, a symbol of strategic intellect and feminine prowess.
Athena's Worship and Influence: The narrative emphasizes Athena's revered status in ancient Greece, where rulers sought her counsel in matters of government and military strategy. The mention of a city named after Athena underscores the extent of her influence, symbolizing the belief in her protective and powerful nature not only among rulers but also among commoners.
Modern Allegories: The article skillfully transitions from the ancient mythological context to its modern-day allegorical significance. It highlights how the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, though not physically present, continue to serve as allegories in contemporary society. Leaders, activists, role models, and sources of inspiration are likened to these mythical figures, drawing parallels between the ancient and modern world.
ATHENA International: The ATHENA International organization is introduced as a real-world embodiment of the Athena archetype. Founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, it honors women leaders worldwide. The ATHENA Award, bestowed upon outstanding women in various communities, aligns with Athena's qualities of wisdom, strength, and community service. The global reach of the awards, spanning the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, underscores the enduring and universal appeal of Athena's virtues.
Mimi Roberson's Recognition: The article then spotlights Mimi Roberson, President and CEO of Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, as the recipient of the ATHENA Award. By celebrating her exceptional professional achievement, devotion to community service, and assistance to other women in their pursuit of excellence, Mimi Roberson becomes a contemporary embodiment of Athena's qualities.
Plato's Influence: The article concludes with a quote from Plato, connecting the recognition and celebration of women's achievements to societal cultivation. The idea that what is honored in a country will be cultivated emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the accomplishments of individuals, especially women, in shaping the progress of society.
In essence, the article masterfully weaves together ancient mythology, modern allegory, and real-world recognition to convey a powerful message about the enduring influence of wisdom, leadership, and community service embodied by figures like Athena.
