Diana White Receives 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award

CONROE, Texas – The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce highlighted a new generation of community leadership and honored established trailblazers during its annual ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon, held November 14 at the Margaritaville Lake Resort.

The ceremony’s marquee moment saw Diana White, President of the Montgomery County Food Bank, named as the recipient of the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award. White was presented with the honor by the 2025 recipient, Janet Chadwell. Though the award is designated for 2026, the early recognition underscores White’s sustained impact on the region.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is an international recognition established in 1982 to celebrate individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, invest in their local communities, and actively work to mentor and empower women in leadership.

White, who assumed leadership of the Montgomery County Food Bank following a distinguished 25-year career as a Vice President at Memorial Hermann Health System, has become a fixture in local philanthropic efforts. Her community portfolio includes leadership roles or active involvement with the Rotary Club of Conroe, the Montgomery County Community Foundation, the Conroe Symphony Orchestra, and First Baptist Conroe. Her broader service extends to the Montgomery County Women’s Council, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and the American Heart Association.

In 2022, White’s administrative and philanthropic leadership was recognized on a broader scale when she was named one of the Houston Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs.

The luncheon served as a comprehensive celebration of female leadership across Montgomery County. In addition to White’s recognition, the Chamber presented several other awards:

Debbie Glenn, representing the Sam Houston State University Small Business Development Center, was honored with the Outstanding Woman in Leadership award. The Spirit of ATHENA award, which recognizes an individual who exemplifies the award’s core values of service and integrity, was presented to Kelli Kelly of Spirit of Texas Bank. The honor of Young Professional of the Year was awarded to Caitlin Heath of Woodforest National Bank.

A key component of the Chamber’s event is the investment in future leaders. Nine high school seniors were named Student ATHENA recipients, each receiving a $500 scholarship. The honorees were:

Sydney Bell, Caney Creek High School Madilynn Bell, Grand Oaks High School Jennifer Rivas, Oak Ridge High School Kaylee Little, Conroe High School Madison Genz, Willis High School Ella Wassenich, Lake Creek High School Elizabeth Nelson, Montgomery High School Emma Price, The Woodlands High School Isabella O'Brien, Splendora High School

The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce continues to play a vital role in the economic and social development of the area. For more information regarding the Chamber’s community initiatives or to view a full calendar of upcoming events, visit their official website at conroe.org. Information regarding the Montgomery County Food Bank and its ongoing mission to combat food insecurity can be found at mcfoodbank.org.