SPRINGFIELD, PA – The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the 2018 ATHENA® Leadership Award recipient, the passionate and creative general counsel for Neumann University, Danielle “Dani” McNichol, Esq. The award will be presented to McNichol during the 2018 ATHENA® Leadership Luncheon that will be held on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 from 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM at Penn Oaks Golf Club, 150 Penn Oaks Drive, West Chester, PA 19382.

A committee comprised of business leaders from the community selected McNichol based on her high level of professional excellence, eagerness and action to improve the quality of life for others in the community and willingness to actively assist others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

“There are so many deserving women in Delaware County and it is not easy for the committee to select just one woman to receive the Athena Award. But this year we had a clear winner, Danielle McNichol from Neumann University.” Cecile Charlton, ATHENA® Committee Chair and Executive Director of the Delaware County Transportation Management Association said. “She does outstanding work for women in our community- supporting their return to the workforce or beginning their new careers.”

Currently, McNichol serves as General Counsel Neumann University and Director of the Neumann Center for Leadership. In addition to these roles, she also serves as a Professor of Instruction, Chaplain for the Rugby team, and is a Lecturer on Constitution Day.

As Director of the Center for Leadership, McNichol has spearheaded a number of initiatives that have benefitted individuals and organizations throughout the region. The Center’s “Wardrobes for Work” program has collected over 25,000 pieces of gently used professional clothing for those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. And hundreds of women have advanced their careers through the Center’s workshops, professional development seminars and public safety presentations. McNichol is encouraging the ATHENA Award Luncheon attendees to consider bringing a piece of gently-used professional attire to donate to the program.

During the World Meeting of Families – Philadelphia 2015 and the visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia, McNichol served as the Director of Human Resources and in-house counsel. Her dedication and service to the World Meeting of Families is reflected in the Benemerenti Medal she received from Pope Francis.

“Dani embodies the meaning of being an ATHENA®.” Trish McFarland, President of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce said. “We are beyond proud to have her as the 2018 award recipient.”

McNichol received her Juris Doctorate from the Dickinson School of Law with admission to the PA State and multiple federal bars. She earned her undergraduate degree from Susquehanna University. Organizations McNichol is involved in include: Pennsylvania Bar Association – General Counsel, National Professional Women’s Association, Women’s Commission of Delaware County and the Minority Certified Small Business – WBEC Council for PA-DE-NJ.

Dr. Rosalie Mirenda, fellow ATHENA® recipient and President Emeritus of Neumann University, describes McNichol as an “incredibly wonderful human being – someone who is loved and admired by all whom she meets.”

“It is my distinct honor to receive the ATHENA award,” said Danielle McNichol. “Throughout my career, I have been blessed to know, learn from and work with a diverse group of professional people. From each experience, I have been guided to seek greater understanding for those who are in need and inspired to find ways in which to help. I could not be more proud to accept this award, and am grateful for the opportunity to serve and shine a light on organizations that make a difference for women.”

About the ATHENA Award

The ATHENA Leadership Award was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment - qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model. The Award is unique in both scope---local, national and international---and the ATHENA mission upon which it is based. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to a woman ---or man--- who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.

Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 7,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, Unite Arab Emirates and United Kingdom. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Leadership Award Program seeks to inspire others to achieve excellence in their professional and personal lives.

For more information and to register for the 2018 ATHENA® Leadership Luncheon and celebrate Danielle “Dani” McNichol, Esq can register online at www.delcochamber.org/athena