Architectural designer Tarryn Thaden named 2017 Athena Award recipient

DeKALB – Tarryn Thaden, a self-employed architectural designer, is an example of energy in action, 2013 Athena Award winner Ann Lehan said.

“When she’s helping clients, she works hard in assisting them in articulating their vision so the final product is one of personal choice,” Lehan said. “Her zeal for life and her heart of gold combine into a positive, can-do attitude that is often very contagious.”

These were some of the qualities that made her the right candidate for the 2017 Athena Award, which was presented to her at a special ceremony Tuesday evening at the Barsema Alumni and Visitors Center at 231 N. Annie Glidden Road.

This was the 28th award presented to a female community member who has served as a role model to encourage women to reach their full leadership potential. Other nominees this year are Bette Chilton of Kishwaukee College; Kristina Garcia of First Midwest Bank; Rosa Marquez, a substitute teacher with the DeKalb and Sycamore school districts; and Michelle (Shelly) Perkins of the DeKalb County Housing Authority.

Susan Johnson, last year’s Athena Award winner, said that every letter of support for Thaden spoke of her strong work ethic, enthusiasm and dedication she pours into any project, but every nominee has empowered women into realizing the potential they carry.

In addition to her design work, Thaden has served with a number of local organizations, including DeKalb Kiwanis, Love in the Name of Christ, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Safe Passage.

“Those who do need our help are getting our help, and it’s because of everyone here,” Thaden said after receiving the award. “I love what I do, and it isn’t a job and it isn’t work. It’s something I always aspire to do and do more of.”

Thaden also credited her family for giving her the strength to get up every morning, smile and go out to make a difference in people’s lives.

The ceremony also was a chance to honor two individuals with the Women of Accomplishment Award, which recognizes women that fulfill the Athena Award criteria but are retired or no longer working. These recipients were Elaine Goodwin, a retiree from Community Coordinated Child Care and Northern Illinois University, and Denise Rode, who also is retired from NIU.

Rosalie Williams, administrative assistant to the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said that Goodwin has infused many students with tremendous motivation to learn and grow and some to become junior leaders in the community.

She added that as a former president of the DeKalb Women’s Club, every woman that has taken over that leadership role has at one time or another sought out her wisdom.

“Elaine shows respect to others and gets it in return,” Williams said.

Pat Elsner, 2002 Athena Award winner, said that Rode helped to empower staff and students on a daily basis through her work as director of the First- and Second-Year Experience at NIU. But retirement has not ended her passion for helping students as she continues to serve NIU on a voluntary basis.

“She has advised and fostered the growth and development of countless students,” Elsner said.

Her expertise on freshman orientation has led to consultations with a variety of campuses from coast to coast. One of Rode’s nominators said that they could not think of a more deserving person to be named a Woman of Accomplishment.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Matt Duffy, executive director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, announced the formation of a new mentorship group next year called Gather. This organization will act under the chamber and will provide and foster leadership opportunities that will allow women to realize their potential, and hopefully get to where current Athena Award winners are today.