Photo by Taylor Stevens Photography
Ava Carpenter-McPike was named the recipient of the 2025 Athena Award at a July 17 ceremony.
Carpenter-McPike is a senior probation officer with Sangamon County Court Services. In her role as a probation officer, she consistently demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative, going above and beyond to support and guide at-risk youth. She has developed anger management programming for youth that focuses on accountability, emotional regulation and positive decision-making.
Her nominator said of Carpenter-McPike, “You loved me at my worst. You refused to give up! You have dedicated your life to helping others. You have always inspired me. Thank you for loving me!”
Beyond her career, Carpenter-McPike has served on the board of United Way of Central Illinois as well as in several leadership roles with the Illinois Museum Society Board. She is also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.
Carpenter-McPike has been a dedicated member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for 29 years, serving as both president and vice president and leading initiatives focused on education, empowerment and mentorship.
She was previously named Probation Officer of the Year by the Illinois Probation Court Services Association, and Carpenter-McPike was honored as one of Springfield Business Journal's 2024 Women of Influence.
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Other nominees for this year's Athena award were Karen Conn of Conn's Hospitality Group; Pamela Frazier of All In One Laundry Center & Services; Lindsay Gordon, long-term care account specialist with Neurocrine Biosciences; Jay Hay of Jane Hay Sales and Staging Team at The Real Estate Group; Carley Mattimore, a shamanic psychotherapist and therapeutic energy worker; Dr. Chelsey Moore, an optometrist with Prairie Eye Center; Ali Peden, founder of the Journey Like June Foundation; Jean Winn, director of benefits and vendor relations for Horace Mann; and Monica Zanetti, owner of Wild Rose Boutique.
