The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce has announced finalists for the Chattanooga Nautilus Awards, which celebrate the success of women in the workplace and honor individuals and organizations that provide or advocate for increased opportunities for women of all ages.

Finalists and recipients will be recognized during a luncheon on Oct. 30, at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

Developed by Chamber staff and volunteers, the Nautilus Awards include the Navigator of Entrepreneurship Award, the Lightkeeper Award, the Stargazer Award and the Pearl of Promise Award. The ATHENA Award will also be presented at the luncheon.

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 skills.

ATHENA Award finalists are Darlene Brown, managing broker and owner, Real Estate Partners Chattanooga, LLC; Dr. Terry Melvin, chief medical officer and interim president and CEO of Hospice of Chattanooga, Inc.; and Virginia Ann Sharber, partner, Miller & Martin PLLC.

The Navigator for Entrepreneurship Award is presented to a female business owner who institutes best practices for women at the workplace and serves as an inspiration to women entrepreneurs.

The Navigator nominees are Brenda Amaral de Cabrera, executive director and CEO of Say What?; Amanda Buchanan, owner of Table 2 Restaurant, Fleetwood Development, Dale Buchanan and Associates and Flying B Development; and Velma Wilson, president of Cleaning Solutions, LLC.

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 Lightkeeper finalists are Rosemarie Bryan, an attorney with Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel P.C.; Tory Hood, director of program services for the Make-A-Wish Foundation; and Stacy Johnson, executive director of La Paz De Dios.

The Stargazer Award provides financial assistance to a non-traditional student who intends to advance her career by furthering her education. The award is presented to a woman who postponed her education but has committed to make the personal and financial sacrifices necessary for educational and professional achievement. The winner receives a $2,500 scholarship and a laptop.

The Stargazer Award finalists are Lillian Disla, a student at Southern Adventist University; Marquita Jones, who attends Bethel University; and Sunny J. Murray, a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student.

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 and a laptop.

The Pearl of Promise finalists are Ioana Florae, Girls Preparatory School; Xanadu Locey, Ooltewah High School and Kermisha Tate, Boyd Buchanan School.

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

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