SPECIAL FOCUS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
“AS WOMEN’S ROLES EVOLVE, BALANCING CAREERS, FAMILY COMMITMENTS, AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY CHALLENGING." option to go get my daughter,” she said. “I do need that flexibility at this time in my life.” Hannon is the advancement director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota. “I am very lucky that my work is flexible. I can work from home when I need to, or I can work in the evenings. Fundraising never stops, so I can work different hours when I need to.” Hannon and her husband have two children, both of whom are neurodivergent, which means the family juggles therapy with more school contact and more doctor appointments than most families. “We still have the typical household responsibilities that most people have when you own a home and
have kids,” Hannon said. “Bathrooms need to be cleaned, laundry needs to get done, dishes needed to be washed, etc.” Hannon, Hackett, and Capes are also all active community volunteers, each involved with multiple organizations such as Forum of Executive Women, Zonta, churches, and Chamber of Commerce committees.
Science. It states: “As women’s roles evolve, balancing careers, family commitments, and personal well-being has become increasingly challenging. Many women are now expected to juggle multiple responsibilities, which can lead to feelings of stress, burnout, and strain.”
MAKING IT WORK
Calendars. Capes has three. A strong support network. Boundaries. “I have learned over the last five years how to say ‘no’ and mean it,” Hannon said. Capes agrees: “Communicate
What these three — and many other women — experience is covered in depth in “WorkLife Balance and Mental Health: A Study on Working Women,” a research article published in the International Journal of Applied Social
WHAT ARE THE KEYS TO DEALING WITH ALL OF THAT?
Story continues on page 38
WOMEN TO WATCH: LORI KLOOS, ATHENA AWARD RECIPIENT
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LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP, AND ADVOCACY Lori Kloos Honored with 2026 ATHENA Award
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BusinessCentral Magazine.com // J U LY/ A U G U S T 2 0 2 6
ori Kloos, a dedicated advocate for student success and a champion for women’s leadership, has been named the 2026 ATHENA Award recipient by the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The prestigious ATHENA Award honors women who demonstrate excellence in their careers while uplifting others, particularly women, to achieve their full potential. Kloos was selected for her longstanding commitment to empowering women both personally and professionally. As President of St. Cloud Technical & Community College, she has spent nearly 30 years in leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration, helping shape opportunities for students across Central Minnesota. Nominated by Sangeeta Jha, Kloos was recognized for her ability to foster inclusive
environments and champion educational equity — an approach influenced by her experience as a first-generation college graduate. Beyond her professional work, Kloos is an active community leader, serving on boards such as Greater St. Cloud, United Way, and the St. Cloud Downtown Rotary. Through her leadership, mentorship, and deep commitment to community, Kloos continues to inspire women and girls across Central Minnesota. •