Among a crowd of 500 at Waypoint 4180 this evening, Dr. Nicolette Powe, associate professor of Public Health/Public Health Scientist, Dept. of Graduate Studies in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences at Youngstown State University, was named the recipient of the 2024 ATHENA Award, presented by the Regional Chamber and The Vindicator/Vindy.com.
The ATHENA Award is given annually to recognize area business and professional women who have demonstrated excellence in their chosen career, provided leadership in the community and mentored or contributed to the growth of other professional women. The program is also an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the amazing, diverse, leadership talent we have in the Valley.
Dr. Powe is highly regarded and respected for her tireless contributions and commitment to advancing public health, promoting health equity and empowering future generations of public health professionals. At YSU, she focuses her research on behavioral risk factors for chronic disease prevention, particularly among young adults, examining racial/ethnic and sex differences in adherence to cardiometabolic self-management practices. Her work extends to implementing health promotion programs and disseminating outcomes to combat chronic diseases, evidenced by her publications in journals like the Racial and Ethnic Approaches To Community Health. Dr. Powe has received several grants for her research and efforts, including $3.5 million from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. (See more on page 2.)
Twenty-three nominees were honored during the 31st annual dinner event. In addition, the 17th ATHENA Scholarship—a $1,500, one-time award created in partnership with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley—was presented to Lisa Eichert, a senior at Western Reserve High School, ranked #1 in her class, who will pursue a degree in accounting at Youngstown State University.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield also presented for the 12th year two additional scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each to Liberty High School Senior Kailey Ague, who will study psychology at YSU and Austintown Fitch High School Senior Samantha Heinz, who will study education, also at YSU.
The Athena Award Dinner was sponsored by Huntington Bank, Thom Duma Fine Jewelers, Boak & Sons, Inc., Key Private Bank, Ellwood, Waypoint 4180, Dawn Incorporated, Howmet Aerospace, Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, 717 Credit Union, HBK CPA’s and Consultants, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dockerty, LA Images Photography, ms consultants, Premier Bank, Youngstown Blue Coats, Youngstown State University, DG Perry, CPA’s and Advisors, That Balloon Girl, Anthem, Armstrong, L’uva Bella Winery, Platz Realty, Vicki Doe Fitness, Aaris Therapy Group, Queen Of Cheesecakes, Akron Children’s Hospital, Humtown, Mercy Health, Lee & Bonnie Deutsch Burdman and Giannios Candy Company.
2024 Athena Award Recipient
Dr. Nicolette Powe, Associate Professor of Public Health, Youngstown State University
Dr. Nicolette Powe is highly regarded and respected for her tireless contributions and commitment to advancing public health, promoting health equity and empowering future generations of public health professionals. A distinguished figure in both academia and community engagement, she is making significant contributions to all three.
Holding a doctorate in Health Education from Loma Linda University, master’s in Health Promotion/Human Sciences from North Carolina Central University and a bachelor’s in Community Health Education/Healthcare Ethics from Kent State University, Dr. Powe's academic background demonstrates her commitment to understanding and addressing health disparities.
As an associate professor of Public Health at Youngstown State University, Dr. Powe focuses her research on behavioral risk factors for chronic disease prevention, particularly among young adults, examining racial/ethnic and sex differences in adherence to cardiometabolic self-management practices. Her work extends to implementing health promotion programs and disseminating outcomes to combat chronic diseases, evidenced by her publications in journals like the Racial and Ethnic Approaches To Community Health, known as REACH, and Minority National Organizations Success Stories.
She has received several grants for her research and efforts, including $3.5 million from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention for the REACH program, a five-year program to improve health, prevent chronic diseases and reduce health disparities among the Black population with the highest risk of chronic disease. In 2023, she received nearly half a million dollars from the National Institute of Justice for an analysis of violence and accelerationism in cognitive radicalization.
Recognized as a 2020 Health Disparities Research Institute Scholar by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Dr. Powe’s contributions extend beyond her local community, impacting national conversations on health equity and public health interventions.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Dr. Powe actively engages with community-based organizations, serving on boards such as the Youngstown American Heart Association and Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio.
For the past nine years, Dr. Powe has also served as a licensed foster parent, with the goal of creating a positive mentality and experience for young women and youth.