Village Media’s Jasmyn Rowley wins 2023 Athena Award

Jasmyn Rowley, Village Media’s director of marketing & communications, is the winner of the Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Leadership Award for 2023.

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who is recognized for their professional excellence, for making a difference in their community and for actively assisting women in the attainment of their professional goals and leadership skills.

Rowley received the award at the Chamber’s 2024 annual Women in Business Breakfast held at The Water Tower Inn Friday.

“I’m used to shining a spotlight on other people so to have it on me is new but this is very humbling and I’m incredibly surprised and very honoured,” Rowley told SooToday after Friday’s award ceremony.

Friday also marked International Women’s Day.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition. Even being considered among the incredible women in our community who are blazing trails, innovating in their industries and working to uplift others is a true honour. To actually receive the award is surreal,” Rowley said in an acceptance speech before an audience of approximately 300 attendees consisting of local businesswomen and male supporters.

Rowley was one of 13 nominees for the ATHENA Leadership Award for 2023.

Rowley has worked in local media, communications and public relations for over 15 years and has been a key member of the Village Media team for the past 10 years.

She has developed a deeper connection with Village Media’s audience, well known as the host of SooToday Random Acts of Kindness video segments in which surprise gifts are presented to community members who need encouragement in the face of adversity. 

The Random Acts of Kindness program is now in more than a dozen of Village Media’s local news websites across Ontario. 

As a video journalist and as Village’s director of marketing & communications, Rowley has played a vital role in the Sault-based company’s audience growth, sponsorship and marketing programs for its network of almost 30 local news sites.

“From the journalism program at Western University, to Vancouver Film School, to my first job in television at TVtropolis, to Toronto, coordinating red carpet events and press junkets for the likes of Universal Studios, to then getting a chance to return to my roots here in Sault Ste. Marie, it’s been a rewarding and exciting ride,” Rowley told Friday’s audience.

“I was fortunate to connect with Village Media CEO Jeff Elgie many years ago and have been on the Village journey since the ground floor.”

“Balancing life and a career is tough. Balancing it as a woman can feel nearly impossible with the unrealistic societal expectations, the relentless underlying guilt, the constant strive to prove your worth. I am very grateful for those around me in my day to day who make it feel less impossible with their support and their grace,” Rowley said.

A married mother of three children, Rowley acknowledged the support of Village Media coworkers and family members in attendance at Friday’s event.

The Chamber’s 2024 annual Women in Business Breakfast included a women’s discussion panel including Sault Ste. Marie Ward 2 City Councillor Lisa Vezeau-Allen, immigration consultant Jennifer Johnson and Sault College Dean of Indigenous Studies and Academic Upgrading Carolyn Hepburn.

The event also included an address from San Diego-based ATHENA International President and CEO Traci Costa.