Athena Award

Award Presented Annually to Person Demonstrating Outstanding Commitment to their Profession, their Community and the Advancement of Women

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its Council for Working Women announced today that Karla Guseman is the 2025 recipient of The ATHENA Award. Karla will be honored at the 38th ATHENA luncheon on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, 11:30 a.m., at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate’s Victorian Ballroom.

Established in 1982, the ATHENA Award Program recognizes outstanding leaders—women and men—who embody professional excellence, dedicate their time and talents to enhancing the quality of life in their communities, and actively support others, especially women, in reaching their full leadership potential.

Karla Guseman, Superintendent of Joliet Township High Schools, has built a distinguished career as a leader in education, workforce development, and community service.

As the only female high school superintendent in her sports conference and one of only a handful in Will County, Guseman has made it a priority to represent women in leadership and to support the professional growth of female educators. Since becoming superintendent in 2020, she has overseen the hiring or promotion of 24 women into administrative roles. Today, women make up 50% of JTHS administrative staff, and more than half of them are women of color.

Guseman has also expanded student opportunities through innovative workforce partnerships. Under her leadership, JTHS piloted the Will County Economic Development Summer Internship Program, connecting dozens of students with paid work-based learning experiences, and later expanded the program to include additional high schools. She also championed the launch of the CEO program, giving students hands-on entrepreneurial training, and has guided one of the region’s most comprehensive Career and Technical Education programs, where students earn industry certifications in healthcare, culinary arts, safety, and more.

Beyond her professional achievements, Guseman is an active community leader. She has served in leadership roles with the Kiwanis Club of Joliet, the YMCA Metro Board and Advisory Councils, Three Rivers Education for Employment System, Three Rivers Education Partnership and the Joliet Chamber of Commerce.

Through her vision, mentorship, and commitment to both education and community service, Karla Guseman exemplifies the values of professional excellence, empowerment, and service to others.

Join the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Wednesday, September 24 from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Jacob Henry Mansion’s Victorian Ballroom as we honor Karla Guseman. Together, we will celebrate her many achievements and recognize the inspiring path she has paved for others to follow. Contact the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry at (815) 727-5371 or online at 815-727-5371 or register online.