Thursday, the Greater Shreveport Chamber honored Renee’ Ellis as the 2020 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient.
“We are delighted to recognize Renee’ Ellis as the 2020 recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award,” said Dr. Timothy Magner, President of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “Renee’ has dedicated herself to transforming the lives of some of our community’s neediest children by working to ensure they receive access to the education and services essential for their future. We are so pleased to be able to recognize Renee’ for her leadership and for her example of grace, tenacity and fortitude.”
Renee’ is a former business owner, principal, and most recently the Community Engagement Specialist for the Transformation Zone within the Caddo Public School System. Mrs. Ellis has dedicated her life to unconditionally serving her community. Coming to Caddo Parish Public Schools as a Hurricane Katrina Evacuee in August 2005, she found solace in her love of making a difference in the lives of children in need.
Since Renee’s arrival in Caddo Parish, and through her visionary leadership, she has received a multitude of awards on the local, regional, state, and national levels. She has twice been awarded with the honor of Teacher of the Year, National T.A.P. Ambassador Award, Instructional Coordinator of the Year, Elementary Principal of the Year, Minority Business Professional of Year, and was named the Virginia Shehee Most Influential Woman. She continues to give back by serving on countless non-profit boards and volunteering her time.
Renee’ Ellis was selected from among 14 especially accomplished honorees including: Sonja Bailes-Bain, Kristen Brown, Shemika Caldwell-Owens, Laura P. Crawford, Julie Lessiter, Dr. Jaya McSharma, Susan G. Moffitt, Cynthia B. Mosley, Dr. Gretchen G. Petterway, Renisha J. Sanders, Laura M. Seabaugh, Dr. Suzanne L. Tinsley, and Shelli Ulrich.
For 30 years, the Greater Shreveport Chamber has awarded the International ATHENA Leadership Award to a woman or man to honor their attainment of the highest level of professional excellence by showing creativity and initiative in their business or profession; to showcase their devotion, time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community in a meaningful way; and to demonstrate how they have opened doors for other women to achieve their full potential. In total, over 450 people from Shreveport-Bossier have been ATHENA honorees, and Mrs. Ellis is the 52nd ATHENA International Award Recipient from our area. Her name will be added to the long list of outstanding professionals from across the globe who have been honored for their dedication to community service, professionalism and female empowerment.
Since the program’s inception in 1982, more than 8,000 exemplary leaders in over 500 communities have received the prestigious ATHENA Leadership Award in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, China, Greece, India, Russia, United 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.