Fisher Finalists in the 2026 ATHENA Awards, presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce

Two members of the St. John Fisher University community have been named finalists in the 2026 Athena Awards presented by the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

Tashanda Thomas-Brown ’11, senior vice president, chief people and culture officer at Foodlink is a finalist in the Athena Award category, an award given annually to a professional female leader who demonstrates significant achievements in business, community service, and the professional advancement of women. Greater Rochester Chamber has been presenting this award annually since 1987 as part of its Women’s Council initiative.

Kate Torok, Fisher’s director of marketing and communications, was named finalist in the ATHENA Young Professional Award category which recognizes emerging female leaders who demonstrate excellence, creativity, and initiative in their business or profession and serve as role models for young women personally and professionally. Greater Rochester Chamber has been presenting this award annually since 2015 as part of its Women’s Council initiative.

Greater Rochester Chamber will celebrate all the finalists and announce the recipients at a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center.