2025 Indiana County Athena Awards
Renda Media has been a proud partner with the Colonial Motor Mart as the Co-Sponsors of the annual Indiana County Athena Award. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence in their professional field, provide valuable service to the greater Indiana County Community, and actively mentor and support women in leadership development.
NICOLE WANNETT
Nicole Wannett has transformed her personal battle with addiction into a mission to support others in recovery. Raised by parents who struggled with substance use, she endured years of abuse and eventually developed her own substance disorder. After a pivotal arrest and treatment in 2020, she committed to long-term recovery and rebuilding her life.
In 2021, Wannett joined the Indiana County Recovery Center, quickly earning certification as a recovery specialist. She began organizing in-house programs, including support groups, therapy sessions, and activities aimed at helping individuals find stability. Under her leadership, the center expanded partnerships with community organizations, serving thousands annually.
Her work extended beyond programming. Wannett helped raise funds, organized holiday meals for families in recovery, and collaborated with local groups to keep the center open during critical times. She also spearheaded efforts to build a new recovery center in her community and became a board member of the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug & Alcohol Commission.
Her most recent achievement was securing the first recovery house in the region focused on women and children, providing a safe space for healing. She plans to open a second home supported by the Bailey Bridge Foundation, the nonprofit she founded to expand access to recovery housing and resources.
Wannett’s journey from addiction to advocacy reflects her resilience and dedication to empowering others. She continues to build programs, secure funding, and create safe environments for those seeking recovery, driven by a desire to give back and inspire lasting change.
Thank you to our 2025 Indiana County Athena Award sponsors
We salute our 2025 Athena Finalists, including Jessica Cunningham (InFirst Bank), Felicia Daniel (S&T Bank), Barbara Hauge (UpStreet Architects), Laurie Kuzneski (Kuzneski Insurance Group), Meriann Lee (Purchase Line School District), Kathy Mihoerck (Grace Church), Amy Rebyanski (Indiana Area School District), Joyce Sharman (Fundraiser for multiple non-profits), and Nicole Wannett (Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug & Alcohol Prevention Center).
Community celebration of leadership and service – the Emerging Women Leaders Luncheon will be October 15th, from 11 to 1 at the Indiana Country Club. The luncheon will include the presentation of the 2025 ATHENA Awards and the 3rd annual Spadafora Family $5,000 scholarship for a high school senior who is a member of ATHENA Club. Tickets are $50 per person with proceeds supporting the ATHENA program. Register at www.indianacountychamber.us by October 10th.
