RICHMOND, Ind. – Girls Inc. of Wayne County has announced its 2026 Girls Inc. Athena Awards & Annual Dinner honorees, recognizing leaders, young professionals and community partners for their impact.
The organization said Stasia Veramallay will receive the 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award, which honors an established leader who excels professionally, gives back to the community and helps women develop leadership skills.
Veramallay launched the Wise Women financial education series in partnership with Girls Inc. and has served as a Girl Scout leader for 13 years.
Sarah (Roddy) Herrmann was named the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient, which recognizes emerging women leaders ages 18 to 35. Girls Inc. said Herrmann demonstrated leadership during a plant expansion for Blue Buffalo, where she supported internal training and helped introduce young girls to manufacturing careers.
The 2026 Girl of the Year is Taylor Walton, who the organization said “embodies the Girls Inc. mission of Strong, Smart and Bold” by supporting peers and mentoring younger girls.
Gwen Tompkins was named the first Rising Girl of the Year, a new award recognizing younger participants who demonstrate kindness, respect and leadership.
The Raise the Roof Champion Award will go to Whitewater Construction for its support following storm damage to the organization’s building. The company, which had previously served on Girls Inc.’s facilities subcommittee, donated time, materials and labor and coordinated with contractors and insurers during recovery efforts.
Whitewater Construction also helped stabilize and protect the building and supported planning for long-term repairs.
