The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of the ATHENA and Virginia Fry Rising Star awards on Feb. 3.
Local attorney Stephanie Stenger and Springfield Councilwoman Heather Hardinger were recognized for “opening the doors of leadership opportunity for women” ahead of the annual ATHENA Award program on March 22 at the White River Conference Center, which requires prepaid registration to attend.
“Our region is blessed with leaders like Stephanie and Heather who very intentionally work to prepare and empower those around them to successfully improve the quality of life for all those who live here,” said Chamber President Matt Morrow in a news release. “These two individuals are exceptional examples of the qualities embodied by these awards.”
Selected by a panel of independent judges, both award recipients were nominated by the public prior to the Dec. 1, 2022, deadline.
Stenger honored for professional and personal excellence
Stenger is a local attorney and active member of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. She is also the president of the Ron Stenger Company, named after her father and CEO of Springfield Land, L.P.
She is a current board member for Care to Learn and is a volunteer leader at a number of other Springfield organizations and nonprofits, including the Chamber, Isabel’s House, Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and the Moxie Cinema.
She also serves on the Legal Services of Southern Missouri board, the Home Builders Association Developers Council and the Springfield Good Government Committee.
Stenger attended the University of Missouri and the University of Southern California, and was admitted to The Missouri Bar in 1993.
Stenger formerly served as a chairman of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, president of the Springfield-Greene County Library Board of Trustees and president of the Junior League of Springfield.
Additionally, she has served on the Missouri Literary Festival Board, The Springfield Business and Development Corporation Board, the Young Presidents’ Organization International – Central U.S. Region Board, the Springfield Greene County Financial Advisory Board and the Mayor's Commission on Children., according to a release from the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Stenger is also one of the owners of The Farmer’s Wife dispensary, located at 2935 E. Chestnut in Springfield, according to a 2021 story from the Springfield News-Leader. The Secretary of State’s website lists the current owner as OWG I, LLC, for whom Stenger is listed as the primary contact.
Last year’s ATHENA Award recipient was Crista Hogan, the executive director of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.
Hardinger recognized as young, emerging leader
Hardinger was named the Virginia Fry Rising Star, named after the late Virgina Fry, a renowned Springfield attorney and first female president of the Metropolitan Bar Association.
The award honors someone under 40 years of age, as an emerging leader who is “already lighting the way for women leaders.”
Hardinger, a Fairbanks, Alaska native, attended the American Public University System and Evangel University, where she majored in International-Multicultural Studies.
Hardinger is serving in her first term on the Springfield City Council, having been elected in 2021 to represent General Seat A. On the Council, she serves on the Finance and Administration Committee and the Community Involvement Committee.
She is also the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for CoxHealth.
Previously, she was on the leadership council for the Chamber’s Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals, the Mayor’s Commission on Human Rights and Community Relations and worked as the workforce strategist for Taney County Partnership at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
