Robinson Gauthier honored as ATHENA recipient

NICOLE ROBINSON GAUTHIER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE LONE STAR COLLEGE FOUNDATION, WAS SELECTED BY ATHENA INTERNATIONAL AS THE 2024 RECIPIENT OF THE ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD. MORE THAN 500 ATTENDEES GATHERED FOR THE 7TH ANNUAL CHAMBER EVENT AT A LUNCHEON HELD JULY 19 AT MARGARITAVILLE LAKE CONROE. THE ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD LUNCHEON WAS PRESENTED BY BETTER BOOKKEEPERS.

Robinson Gauthier joined Lone Star College in October 2016 and manages more than $34 million in assets, along with producing special fundraising events and building relationships with key constituents. She also ensures that more than $2 million in scholarships and program funds are awarded each year.

Nicole and her team have created new policies for endowments ensuring long-term sustainability for LSC Foundation, nearly doubled overall assets and implemented a robust emergency student aid program that includes varying types of support.

Previously, she worked with the Women’s Leadership program at three United Ways and helped the local United Way enhance its scholarship program by creating a special event called Women Who Rock. This annual event supports childcare scholarships for young parents furthering their post-secondary education.

Nicole is a proud graduate of Louisiana State University and lives in The Woodlands with her husband and three daughters.

Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, television host and motivational speaker Joan Lunden delivered the event’s keynote address, which was sponsored by Worthington Manor. Lunden, who for many years in the

1970s and 80s greeted viewers each morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, spoke on women’s empowerment and overcoming the odds.

Lunden encouraged her audience to “say yes” to careerenhancing opportunities, pointing to several in her career that led to bigger and better things. She also emphasized the importance of staying healthy – especially early in life – which she attributed to helping her overcome breast cancer in her 40s. Getting regular health check-ups, she said, is something all women – and men – must take seriously.

This is the seventh year that the Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce has partnered with ATHENA International, an organization that develops, supports, and honors girls and women from the classroom to the boardroom, building a global pipeline of women leaders. To recognize the wonderful women in Montgomery County, the Chamber collects nominations for the award and sends them to ATHENA International, where a committee selects three finalists and an award recipient based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrates a high level of professional excellence

• Contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others

• Actively assists women and girls in achieving their full potential

FORMER ATHENA LEADERSHIP AWARD RECIPIENTS INCLUDE:

2023: Judge Kathleen Hamilton

2022: Natalie Saikowski Goertz

2021: Carol Gooch

The luncheon recognized nominees, honored finalists, and celebrated the announcement of Robinson Gauthier. This is the only women-focused event in Montgomery County that celebrates women leaders from all industries, ages, and backgrounds. The event also raised more than $4,000 for EfTA’s Next Generation Leadership scholarships via the vendor market and mystery pull.

2020: Dr. Dana Hoyt

2019: Dr. Marlen Tejeda

2018: Danielle Scheiner