Grenee Martacho, CEO of Concord General Contracting, has been named the 2025 ATHENA Award recipient in the private sector by the Greater Phoenix Chamber. Elvy Barton, water and forest sustainability senior manager at Salt River Project, received the public sector award. Brandie Reiner, executive director of the National Association of Social Workers’ Arizona Chapter, was honored with the ATHENA Young Professional Award.
The ATHENA Awards are part of an international program recognizing women for leadership, community service, and mentoring achievements across the Phoenix area.
Martacho is recognized for her two decades of experience in construction and for supporting mentorship and professional development in a male-dominated industry. Barton manages water and forest sustainability efforts at Salt River Project and has a background in policy advising on environmental issues. She holds advanced degrees from Arizona State University and participates in several professional committees related to natural resources.
Reiner leads advocacy for behavioral health access and inclusion as head of NASW’s Arizona Chapter. She has been acknowledged by both the Arizona Capitol Times as a Leader in Public Policy for 2024 and by Phoenix Business Journal’s “40 Under 40.” In accepting her award, Reiner said: “Fewer than 8% of youth who grew up like I did get to stand in moments like this. So, this ATHENA Young Professional Award isn’t just about me; it’s for every kid who was told they didn’t belong in the room, and a reminder that courage rooted in compassion can rewrite the story.”
The three recipients were selected from among 11 finalists drawn from a broad group of nominees.
According to information provided by the Greater Phoenix Chamber, it represents businesses throughout Greater Phoenix with initiatives focused on public policy, economic growth, and workforce development. The organization works with business leaders to strengthen regional talent pipelines and support economic progress.
The ATHENA Award honors women who have achieved significant professional success while mentoring others—particularly women—and contributing to their communities through volunteer work or charitable activities. The ATHENA Young Professional Award specifically recognizes emerging female leaders making an impact early in their careers.
