Shady Side Academy alumna Lisa Scales '78, president and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, was the 2018 winner of the Greater Pittsburgh ATHENA Award, which recognizes exceptional women who demonstrate excellence in their profession, contribute to their community and help other women succeed through mentorship. She was presented with the award at the 28th annual ATHENA Awards luncheon, convened by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, on Oct. 5.

Scales is a tireless advocate for the elimination of hunger and food insecurity and a catalyst for change inside and outside the food bank. Through the Feeding America national network of food banks, she lends her expertise and creativity to the delivery of fresh produce where it's needed most; innovative partnerships with the medical community to address health and wellness issues; and maximizes the use of technology to measure performance.

She previously served as vice president of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania and is a board member of Adagio Health. Scales is a mentor for students at the University of Pittsburgh Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership, as well as fellow nonprofit leaders via advisory board positions at the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Management.

Named for the Greek goddess of strength and wisdom, the ATHENA Awards program distinguishes itself from other regional accolades by highlighting women who mentor other women and girls, helping to build a pipeline of future leaders.

Watch Scales' ATHENA award video here.

Congratulations, Lisa!