The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the Chattanooga Nautilus Awards, which celebrate the strength, leadership and courage in women. The finalists and recipients will be honored during a luncheon on Oct. 24 at the Chattanoogan hotel. The awards honor organizations and individuals providing or advocating for increased opportunities for women of all ages.

Developed by Chamber staff and volunteers, the Nautilus Awards include the ATHENA Award, the Navigator of Entrepreneurship Award, the Lightkeeper Award, the Stargazer Award and the Pearl of Promise Award.

ATHENA Award finalists are Susan Binkley, owner and president, Blue Monarch/Blue Chair; Patsy Hazlewood, assistant vice president, AT&T Tennessee, AT&T; and Laura M. Oakley, president and CEO, Professional Recruiting Services, LLC.

The ATHENA Award recognizes a woman or man demonstrating professional excellence and community service while actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skill.

The Navigator for Entrepreneurship nominees are Erika Halter, president, Bankcard Solutions, Inc.; Jeannie Hart, CEO, Optimum Staffing Services, Inc.; Sheila Shipley, broker/owner, Re/Max Properties – North.

The award is presented to a Hamilton County-based, female-owned business operating for at least three years but not more than ten years. The Navigator for Entrepreneurship institutes best practices for women at the workplace and possesses a trailblazing spirit of entrepreneurship while serving as an inspiration to women.

The Lightkeeper finalists are Lori Jenkins, director of sales, Country Inn & Suites; Darde Long, executive director, The Chattanooga Zoo at Warner Park; and Abby Shipley, account executive, Partners for Christian Media, Inc. / J103.

The Lightkeeper is a woman or a man who has made significant contributions to issues affecting women and/or girls through grassroots efforts. The recipient keeps her/his company or organization operating smoothly and efficiently – without much public recognition.

The Stargazer Award finalists are Alina Earnshaw, Chattanooga State; Jasminka Skrgic, Chattanooga State; and Dana Michelle Towe, Chattanooga State.

Offered this year for the first time, the Stargazer Award provides financial assistance to a non-traditional student who intends to advance her career by furthering her education. The recipient will be a woman, age 25 or older, who postponed her education for a variety of reasons but has committed to make the personal and financial sacrifice necessary for educational and professional achievement.

The Pearl of Promise finalists are Michelle Elizabeth Brooks, Ooltewah High School; Bethany LaFoe, Chattanooga Central High School; and Ruby Mannankara, Tyner Academy.

The Pearl of Promise is presented to a junior or senior female in high school who demonstrates a strong scholastic aptitude in science and math. The recipient must possess a defined career goal, be a positive influence among peers and have strong leadership skills. The recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship.

The Nautilus Awards luncheon will be begin with networking at 11 a.m. in the Chattanoogan. Admission is $40 for members and $45 for non-members. A table of eight is $400 for members; $450 for non-members.

For more information about nominations, the event or to make a reservation for the luncheon, call 423-763-4366 or email ckelly@chattanoogachamber.com.