Renowned Educator, Author Dr. Johnnetta Cole Joins Ranks of Global Award Recipients

For nearly three decades, the ATHENA International Global Award has recognized the torchbearers and trailblazers who have personified professional excellence in amplifying the importance of giving women a voice of empowerment.

Since the first Global Award was handed out in 1994 to groundbreaking journalist Nina Totenberg, the list of honorees has grown to a who’s who of pioneering leaders inspiring others to reach their full potential: the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, tennis great Billie Jean King, American labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, and NASA astronaut Christina Koch.

This year, ATHENA International is proud to recognize another champion for education, service and advocacy by presenting Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole with the 2022 ATHENA International Global Award. Cole will be honored during a special award ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Jacksonville, Fla., at the Adam W. Herbert University Center on the campus of the University of North Florida.

Cole is a distinguished educator and museum professional; noted author and speaker on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility; and a committed advocate for social justice. She currently serves as the chair and seventh president of the National Council of Negro Women, an advocacy organization with more than 2 million members working in the interest of women’s rights and civil rights and is the dean of the Herndon Board Institute and a member of the Dr. Maya Angelou Foundation. 

Cole rose to national prominence as the first African American woman president of Spelman College and later as president of Bennett College, making her the only person to serve as president of both historically Black colleges for women in the United States. Over the course of her career, she has held teaching and administrative positions in anthropology, women’s studies and African American studies at several major colleges and universities.

After retiring from academia, Cole served as the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art for eight years. She was the first African American to serve as the chair of the board of United Way of America and has held leadership positions in a number of professional organizations and corporate boards, including the Association of Art Museums Directors, Home Depot, Merck and Coca-Cola Enterprises.

“Dr. Cole’s trailblazing work and exemplary accomplishments embody everything ATHENA International has represented in advancing and empowering women leaders throughout the world since 1982,” said Traci Corey, president and CEO of ATHENA International. “We are honored and privileged to recognize her achievements and count her among the recipients of the ATHENA International Global Award.”

The ATHENA International Global Award is presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities to an individual who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who has achieved the highest level of professional excellence; contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community; and actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

To register for the awards celebration of Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole, click here.