Mariah Hanson, promoter of Club Skirt’s The Dinah, the annual all-girl weekend hosted in Palm Springs, Calif. is being honored with the 2013 Athena Leadership Award for her tremendous contributions to the Palm Springs community.
Mariah will be honored with the 27th Annual Athena Award on behalf of the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce at a special event hosted at the Renaissance Palm Springs on Thursday, Dec. 5.
“I’m humbled to have been considered for this award and especially to be in such stellar company of women,” said Mariah about the award. “I could not be more honored.”
The event will be hosted by Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and CBS Local 2’s Brooke Beare.
“Helene Galen, Carol Channing and Mariah Hanson truly exemplify the highest level of achievement when it comes to excellence in community leadership and all three of these amazing ladies serve as tremendous role models for future generations of women leaders,” says Steve. “I want to thank them for their outstanding contributions to Palm Springs and I encourage everyone in the Coachella Valley to join the Palm Springs Chamber on Dec. 5 as we celebrate these three remarkable women.”
Mary Jo Ginther, director of Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism agrees.
“Mariah has tirelessly promoted Palm Springs for over twenty years through Club Skirts: The Dinah Shore Weekend. She is a true example of an entrepreneur who has built her business with each individual effort and Palm Springs has been lucky to be the recipient of her efforts,” says Mary Jo.
Mariah was selected to receive this honor because of her visionary leadership as the founder of one of the city’s largest tourism boosters, the world famous and hugely successful The Dinah, which is also known as the Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend.
For 24 years, Mariah has not only continuously promoted Palm Springs as a destination, but she has also created a viable platform for the advancement of the LGBT community, according to The Dinah news release Oct. 15.
“Palm Springs has been home to the Original Dinah Shore Weekend for the past 24 years. I couldn’t have chosen a better host city to produce the largest lesbian event in the world,” says Mariah. “It’s an amazing LGBT supportive city and this recognition shows just how truly hip and inclusive Palm Springs is. I look forward to The Dinah being here for another 24 years!”
As the largest and biggest lesbian event in the world, the Dinah offers a life-changing experience for myriads of women who come from all over the world to enjoy the freedom to be who they truly are without fearing the judgment, discrimination and prejudice of others. With The Dinah, Mariah provides a haven where acceptance and tolerance – in its deepest values – rule.
The Athena Award is a distinguished national honor awarded annually by the chamber of commerce’s around the nation to pay tribute to women who demonstrate excellence and creativity in their business or in the community at large.
Inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment, the Athena Leadership Award is presented to exemplary community leaders who are honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Additionally, the women who are honored with the Athena Award actively assist women in realizing their leadership potential, pointing out Nona Watson, CEO of the Palm Springs Chamber.
This year’s group of honorees is “truly spectacular women leaders making a difference in the Coachella Valley,” says Nona.
Other 2013 honorees joining Mariah are Helene Galen who will be awarded the “Community Icon” Award, and Carol Channing recipient of the “Jackie Lee Houston Angel Award.”
Mary Jo points out that all three women have significantly touched Palm Springs art community.
Helene has been intimately involved with the Palm Springs Art Museum for many years. In the same breath, Dr. Carol Channing and Harry Kullijian Foundation fosters the benefits of arts back into the curriculum of California public schools, and has funded scholarships for students and teachers in the arts, included here in the Coachella Valley.
Helene has also assisted in the medical world and with children’s programs, Mary Jo points out.
“Carol is a frequent guest at many city events, and it is always an honor and a delight to experience her upbeat and infectious personality,” says Mary Jo.
“Palm Springs wouldn’t be where it is today without their love for our city,” says Mary Jo. “All three ladies are remarkable and truly deserve this recognition. In very different ways – as promoter, actress, and philanthropist, they have each played a role in the quality of the Palm Springs that we all enjoy today.”
To attend the gala honoring Mariah along with Carol and Helene hosted at Renaissance Palm Springs (888 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 800-468-3571, RenaissanceHotelPalmSprings.com) and learn more about The Athena Awards, visit www.pschamber.org or call 760-325-1577.
To learn more about Mariah and attend the 23rd annual The Dinah, visit TheDinah.com.
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