Rotary Club of Dubois County Announces Finalists for 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Awards Banquet

The Rotary Club of Dubois County is proud to announce six outstanding women leaders as finalists for the 14th Annual ATHENA International Leadership Awards. The 2026 awards banquet will be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Huntingburg Event Center, where all nominees will be celebrated and one finalist will be named the recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

This year's ATHENA Leadership Award finalists are: Beatriz Cobo Becerra, Shannon Fuhs, Tammy Humbert, Susan Mann, Paula Rasche, Somula Schwoeppe.

"The ATHENA Leadership Awards Banquet is one of the most inspiring evenings of the year because it shines a light on women who lead with integrity, compassion, and a genuine commitment to serving others," said Rotary Club of Dubois County President Derek Budd. "Each of these finalists has made a lasting impact on our community through their professional accomplishments, volunteerism, and dedication to lifting others up. We are honored to celebrate their achievements."

<b>Beatriz "Bea" Cobo-Becerra</b> is an educator, advocate, and community leader dedicated to helping every student and family feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed. As English Language Learner (ELL) Program and Outreach Coordinator for Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools, Bea has strengthened multilingual education while serving as a trusted bridge between schools and Spanish-speaking families. She has expanded family engagement through adult English classes, bilingual parent workshops, and individualized support that helps families confidently navigate the education system. Beyond the classroom, Bea serves on the board of ALASI (Asociación Latinoamericana del Sur de Indiana), where she has helped launch Café con ALASI, organize cultural celebrations, and connect Latino families with educational opportunities and community resources. She also mentors educators, empowers multilingual students to embrace their cultural identity, and creates leadership opportunities for Latino youth through programs like Young Latinos Unidos. Known for her compassion, authenticity, and servant leadership, Bea has built lasting relationships that strengthen both schools and communities. Through her unwavering commitment to inclusion and opportunity, she has helped countless students, parents, and educators discover their potential and feel a true sense of belonging. Bea's leadership continues to make Dubois County a more welcoming, connected, and vibrant place for all.

<b>Shannon Uebelhor Fuhs</b> is an educator, mentor, and community leader whose lifelong commitment to service has positively impacted countless students, families, and organizations across Dubois County. During her 27-year career in education, Shannon inspired learners of all ages while helping strengthen school culture and academic achievement. Her collaborative leadership played a key role in Southridge Middle School's transformation into an A-rated school, and she was recognized early in her career as Indiana University's Associate Instructor of the Year. Beyond the classroom, Shannon has devoted decades to community service. She has served on the Huntingburg Parks Board, volunteered extensively with the Dubois County Bombers and historic League Stadium, coordinated the Teen Outback Trivia Night fundraiser for nearly two decades, and led numerous youth, athletic, and faith-based initiatives. Whether organizing events, mentoring young people, or connecting community members with opportunities to serve, Shannon is known as a "community connector" who brings people together and inspires others to get involved. Even after retiring from education, Shannon continues to invest in her community through volunteerism, faith, and mentorship. Her courage, optimism, and servant leadership—especially throughout her battle with pancreatic cancer—have inspired countless others. Shannon's life reflects the very essence of the ATHENA Leadership Award: empowering others, strengthening communities, and leading with grace, compassion, and unwavering hope.

<b>Tammy Humbert</b> is a dedicated public safety leader whose 33-year career has focused on protecting lives and strengthening the resilience of Dubois County. As Director of the Dubois County Emergency Management Agency, she leads emergency preparedness, disaster response, and recovery efforts while coordinating partnerships among law enforcement, fire services, healthcare, public health, and local government. Her leadership has been instrumental in implementing the county's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), enhancing communication and public safety for residents. Tammy has guided the community through some of its most challenging moments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak. Known for her calm, collaborative leadership, she has helped unite agencies, coordinate critical resources, and ensure clear, consistent communication during times of crisis. She also serves as a mentor to emerging leaders, particularly women entering the emergency management profession, sharing her experience and empowering others to lead with confidence. Recognized with the Emergency Management Alliance of Indiana's President's Award and honored as one of Indiana's Top Three Women First Responders, Tammy exemplifies servant leadership through her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of her community.

<b>Susan Mann</b> is an entrepreneur, mentor, and community leader whose passion for developing people has shaped both her business and the communities she serves. Beginning her career as a 16-year-old McDonald's crew member, Susan achieved her dream of becoming a McDonald's Owner/Operator at age 24. Today, she leads Team Mann, operating 11 restaurants across Southern Indiana and employing more than 600 people while fostering a culture built on integrity, hospitality, and leadership development. Susan is known for investing in others, particularly women, through mentorship, coaching, and creating opportunities for growth. Under her leadership, women hold many key management and executive roles, reflecting her commitment to empowering future leaders. Beyond her restaurants, Susan serves on the Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board, supports Ronald McDonald House Charities, local schools, and numerous faith-based organizations, and has helped raise more than $600,000 for families with hospitalized children through McDonald's Round Up for RMHC. A wife, mother of four, grandmother of eight, and breast cancer survivor, Susan leads with compassion, resilience, and unwavering faith. Whether mentoring employees, encouraging others through daily devotionals, or serving her community, she exemplifies the ATHENA Leadership Award through her lifelong commitment to helping others grow, succeed, and thrive.

<b>Paula Rasche</b> is a compassionate advocate and nonprofit leader whose career has been dedicated to helping individuals and families find safety, hope, and healing. As Executive Director of Crisis Connection, she leads one of Southern Indiana's most vital organizations, providing advocacy, education, and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crisis situations. Working alongside a dedicated team, she has helped Crisis Connection expand its services, strengthened community partnerships, and served more than 5,000 individuals across a seven-county region. Working alongside Before joining Crisis Connection, Paula built a diverse career in victim advocacy and human resources leadership, combining compassion with strong organizational leadership. She has championed prevention initiatives that educate thousands of students each year about healthy relationships, bullying prevention, and personal safety, while fostering collaboration among schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations. Known for her quiet strength and servant leadership, Paula is deeply committed to advocating for the wellbeing of crisis connection staff and creating opportunities for others to grow through community engagement. Whether advocating for survivors, strengthening community partnerships, or expanding prevention efforts, she leads with integrity, humility, and unwavering compassion. Through her lifelong commitment to empowering others and protecting the most vulnerable, Paula Rasche exemplifies the values of the ATHENA Leadership Award.

<b>Somula "Sam" Schwoeppe</b> is an agricultural leader, advocate, and mentor whose career has been dedicated to strengthening communities by connecting people, agriculture, and purpose. As Director of Industry Partnerships for Fresh Connect Central, the social enterprise of Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, she builds partnerships among farmers, food processors, nonprofits, and food banks to increase access to nutritious food for families experiencing food insecurity. Previously, while leading agricultural engagement for Feeding America, she helped expand dairy access by more than one billion pounds through strategic partnerships across the nation's food system. A sixth-generation farmer, Sam has also become a nationally recognized champion for agriculture and women in leadership. She has served as President of Annie's Project, represented the United States in PepsiCo's global Closing the Crop Gap initiative, and became the first woman elected to an executive officer position in Prairie Farms Dairy's more than 85-year history. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sam has dedicated decades to mentoring youth, supporting 4-H, strengthening local schools, and advancing food security initiatives. Colleagues describe her as someone who sees potential in others before they see it in themselves. Through her servant leadership, unwavering integrity, and commitment to developing future leaders, Sam continues to create opportunities that strengthen agriculture, empower women, and improve communities locally and around the world.

The evening will also feature keynote speaker Chief Justice Loretta Rush.

"We are honored to welcome Chief Justice Loretta Rush as this year's keynote speaker," said ATHENA Chairperson Manda Combs. "Throughout her career, Chief Justice Rush has demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to justice and public service. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership is rooted in courage, integrity, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others." The ATHENA Leadership Award honors individuals who exemplify professional excellence, community service, and a dedication to mentoring and supporting women leaders. Since its founding in 1982, more than 8,000 recipients around the world have received this prestigious honor. As Plato once said, "What is honored in a country will be cultivated there" - a sentiment reflected in every ATHENA celebration.

The Rotary Club of Dubois County extends its sincere gratitude to this year’s Platinum Sponsors: Deaconess Memorial Medical Center, Dentons Bingham Greenebaum LLP, German American Bank, and Old National Bank.

The ATHENA Awards Banquet offers an inspiring opportunity for local businesses and individuals to support and uplift women leaders in our community. Additional sponsorships, as well as individual and table tickets, are now available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Rotary Club of Dubois County website or follow the Rotary Club of Dubois County on Facebook and Instagram.