ATHENA Recipients

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Awards Program recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community, and help other women and/or girls to succeed through mentorship.

Award Recipients

2024 ATHENA Award Recipient

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Award recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community, and help other women and/or girls to succeed through mentorship.

Cathy Battle, Co-Founder and Executive Director Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

Cathy Battle is a compassionate non-profit leader with over a decade of experience serving the Greater Pittsburgh community. She started the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank (WPADB) with her husband, Rev. Phillip Battle, in 2012. They were called to serve when their congregation brought diaper need to their attention. After learning about the one in three families struggling to afford this basic necessity, Cathy and Pastor Phillip knew something had to be done. As servant leaders, they formed the WPADB and started the completely volunteer-run bank while working full-time jobs.

While growing the WPADB, Cathy earned a degree in Business Management and took advantage of numerous educational opportunities offered to her. She was invited to join the Bayer Center’s 3S program for non-profit leaders and Social Venture Partners of Pittsburgh, which prepared her to present to the foundation community.

Her efforts have resulted in continued growth of the WPADB. What started as a one-time project to help members of Cathy’s church and community has turned into a vibrant non-profit organization that serves eight counties in Western Pennsylvania by providing diapers, period products, and incontinence supplies through over 70 partner organizations and 25 schools.

Cathy holds a Bachelor’s Degree of Ministry from the Whithorn University of Theology, Marshfield, MO, and an Associate’s Degree in Business Management from CCAC, Pittsburgh, PA. Additionally, Cathy serves the community in numerous ways:

Board of Directors: Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Westmoreland County, 2021-present Board of Directors: New Light Temple Baptist Church & Head of Women’s Ministries, 2011-present Academy Cause Community Engagement Leadership, 2021 PACE Capacity Building Program, 2014-2018

2024 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient

The Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging leader age 35 or younger who demonstrates excellence in her profession and who dedicates her time and talent to helping other women and/or girls thrive.

Gina Govojdean, Vice President, Procurement, Howmet Aerospace

Gina is a 2012 graduate of Duquesne University and holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a dual major in Supply Chain Management and Legal Studies. Gina joined Howmet Aerospace (then Alcoa Inc.) in June 2012. Gina has a proven record of excellence early in her career, but what makes her exemplary is her commitment to advocating for women in manufacturing leadership.

Gina has built a career focused on shattering the glass ceiling in manufacturing--taking on operational leadership roles historically only held by men. Gina is a Field Director for the Horatio Alger Association, promoting the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship to low-income, college-bound students who have specifically faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Gina is particularly passionate about this volunteer role as an alumnus of the Horatio Alger Association Scholarship program herself, in recognition for resilience in overcoming adversity. In 2023, Gina took on an interim Plant Manager role not typically held by a woman, leading a workforce of approximately 600 employees at a flagship unionized operating facility. In 2024, Gina became one of the youngest women leaders in a Vice President role at Howmet Aerospace. Gina currently leads a global procurement organization and is responsible for managing a portfolio of over $200 million in spend. Gina is known for being an empathetic, motivational leader with a laser focus on disciplined execution who brings out the best performance in any team she manages.

Gina has focused on becoming a distinguished voice in the supply chain world, with three industry publications on supply chain risk, resilience, and talent retention. Gina received the Thomas NextGen for Industry award in 2020. The program recognizes the accomplishments of the next generation of industrial leaders who are driving industry into the future with innovative ideas, exceptional thought leadership, and meaningful contributions in their area of business. Gina was also named one of the Institute for Supply Management's 30 Under 30 Rising Supply Chain Stars in 2020. Gina was selected to receive the Duquesne University “Dukes from the Last Decade” award in June 2022. In 2024, Gina became a member of the Duquesne University Supply Chain Management advisory council to help shape the future curriculum of the university.

Gina is an advocate for women in manufacturing--one of her greatest passions is mentoring young women who desire to succeed in traditionally male-dominated environments.