Meet Christi Terefenko
Christi Sychterz Terefenko was born and raised in downtown Reading, PA. She attended Lehigh University where she received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and then Johns Hopkins University where she received a master’s degree in biomedical engineering. After graduate school Christi relocated to Virginia where she began her career in medical research which lasted for the next 20 years.
She moved back to Berks County in 2001, continued to work as a research consultant, and began to become involved in nonprofit work locally. She volunteered for many organizations and served on several boards, using her experience in medical research, technical/proposal writing, and organizational leadership to assist nonprofits create positive change in the community. Moved by the desire to serve others, in 2015, Christi and 2 close colleagues co-founded VOiCEup Berks, a nonprofit which seeks to connect people to meaningful volunteer and service-learning opportunities. She has subsequently transitioned away from medical research and into the organization’s Executive Director position where she seeks to inspire others – especially youth — to service as well.
ATHENA® Leadership Award
Women2Women is proud to host the ATHENA® Award Program – an award that celebrates the potential of all women/men as members and leaders of the community and recognizes those who support them. The ATHENA® Leadership Award is presented to a woman/man who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.
Presented to leaders across professional sectors, the ATHENA® Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguishes it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.

Criteria
- Demonstrate excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession
- Provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community
- Actively assist women in achieving their full leadership potential
Qualifications
- ATHENA® Leadership Award Nominees may represent either the profit or not-for-profit sector.
- Previous ATHENA® Leadership Award Recipients are not eligible for nomination; however past nominees may be nominated again.
- There is no minimum or maximum age qualification that must be met by ATHENA® Leadership Award Nominees.