Springfield Chamber announced 2025 ATHENA and Virginia Fry Awards

Springfield Chamber honors the recipients of the prestigious ATHENA and Virginia Fry Award. These awards recognize exceptional women who have demonstrated excellence in their professions, community service and mentorship of other women in the community.

2025 ATHENA Award Recipient: Stephanie O’Connor

Stephanie O’Connor is the senior vice president – chief technology and people officer at City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri. She has the unique ability to bring people and technology together. O’Connor is a graduate of Leadership Springfield Signature Class 34, a member of Sunrise Rotary, and a 2001 Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 recipient. She was the first woman selected as Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) IT Executive of the Year in 2018. In 2021, she was named one of Biz 417’s Women Who Mean Business, Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women and received the Missouri Public Utility Alliance Honor Award. O’Connor is actively involved in the community, serving numerous boards and committees. She is also the founder of the Strong Women Achieving Goals (SWAG) program.

2025 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award Recipient: Dr. Nacy Tai Ryerson

Dr. Nacy Tai Ryerson is a visionary leader in education, dedicated to transforming traditional models into personalized, strength-based and adaptable systems that cater to the needs of all learners. As the co-founder of EnCompass Academy, a pioneering teaching school in Springfield, she champions student-centered, research-driven educational practices. Dr. Ryerson’s influence extends beyond EnCompass, as she serves on the board of Champions Committed to Kids, guest lectures at universities and was recognized as one of Springfield Business Journal’s 20 Most Influential Women in 2024. Her commitment to innovation and accessible education is shaping the future of learning in the Springfield community.

“Our 2025 recipients, exemplify the qualities we celebrate with the ATHENA and Virginia Fry Rising Star awards,” said Chamber President Matt Morrow.  “They are not only accomplished leaders in their fields but also dedicated mentors and community champions. We are excited to see how they will continue to shape our community for years to come.”