Rochester, NY – Maureen Ballatori, founder and CEO of Agency 29, has been named the recipient of the prestigious 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award by the Ontario County Chamber of Commerce.
The announcement came during the 40th annual ATHENA Awards dinner held on November 13, 2025, at Finger Lakes Community College. More than 330 attendees gathered to celebrate exceptional women leaders in the community.
Maureen has established herself as a fierce advocate for her community, playing a pivotal role in supporting scaling companies in the regional agriculture ecosystem. Her impact is evident through her community volunteerism, her work at Agency 29, and her award-winning podcast, Spilled Salt.
This recognition marks another milestone in Maureen’s growing list of accomplishments. She was recently awarded the Friend of Community Development Award by the Community Development Society, earned the distinction of Entrepreneur of the Year by RPCN in 2021, and was previously nominated for an ATHENA award in 2019. A Nazareth University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Maureen exemplifies the creative thinking and innovative approach that drives entrepreneurial success in our region.
The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes emerging leaders who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to uplifting women. Maureen’s dedication to these principles, combined with her tangible contributions to the local business community, made her a standout choice for this year’s honor.
Jennifer Harris was also recognized at the event, receiving the 2025 ATHENA Award.