Mary Ila Ward Honored with 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award
On December 11, Mary Ila Ward was honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award at the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce’s 15th annual Women in Business Celebration at the DoubleTree by Hilton Decatur Riverfront.
Named for the Greek goddess of wisdom, as well as the champion of justice and law, the ATHENA Leadership Award is presented across the world by chambers of commerce, women's organizations and universities. It is an international program and is promoted by local organizations.
Since founding Horizon Point Consulting, Inc. in 2011, Mary Ila has worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of what is possible in the areas of human resources, workforce development and leadership coaching. A huge believer in work-life integration, she helps organizations realize how they can “hire for fit” while improving diversity, engage employees by supporting them holistically, and drive home the importance of career and leadership development to communities and organizations.
Mary Ila’s influence also extends beyond her professional achievements. As a mentor and advocate, she invests her time and energy into developing the next generation of leaders. Her volunteer work with the Neighborhood Christian Center (NCC) and as a founder of Table 12 reflects her belief in leading by example.
“Mary Ila exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, compassion and vision,” said Crystal Brown, president and CEO of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce. “Her dedication to her profession, her community, and the next generation of leaders embodies the very essence of the ATHENA Leadership Award. We are thrilled to honor her achievements and the incredible impact she has made.”
A devoted wife and mother, Mary Ila lives in Decatur with her husband and three children. Outside of her volunteer efforts, she enjoys running and reading.
The luncheon was filled with messages of inspiration and encouragement from all of our speakers including Ashley Morrow’s keynote, “Fortune Cookie Fortune.” Ashley is the co-owner of The Shoppe at Coldwater and The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop in Tuscumbia.
Guests had the opportunity to attend a professional development conference before the luncheon. Mary Ila Ward delivered an inspiring presentation titled How to Be (Im)Perfect: Embracing the Complexity of Leadership. Anita Clarke, Secondary Curriculum Supervisor with Decatur City Schools, shared insights in her session, The Power of One is the Sum of Many.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nucor Steel Decatur, ATHENA Leadership Award Sponsor Redstone Federal Credit Union, gold sponsors M&D Mechanical Contractors, Pryor Field Airport Authority and Renasant Bank and silver sponsors Horizon Point Consulting, Inc., Huntsville International Airport, MeritHouse Realty & Capital Management, Stovall Marks Insurance, Inc. and TTL, Inc.