Stephanie Braithwaite Announced as Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award Recipient

On Friday, September 5, 2025 members of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Past ATHENA’s, Lotus Rising Recovery Services staff and clients, and family surprised Stephanie Braithwaite, Lily Pad Living/Lotus Rising Recovery Services with the news she had been chosen as the 2025 ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recipient.

The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award recognizes emerging leaders in San Joaquin County who exemplify professional excellence, community service, and a strong commitment to helping women achieve their full potential. Honorees are chosen for demonstrating exceptional initiative and leadership in their fields, serving as role models to young women both personally and professionally. Nominees must be under the age of 40 by October 1 of the award year.

Stephanie will be recognized at the annual ATHENA Awards Luncheon on November 20, 2025. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for this high-profile event are available through the Stockton Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards webpage.

Stephanie Braithwaite is a powerful advocate, visionary leader, and dedicated servant to her community. As the founder and program director of a multi-site recovery residence network, as well as intensive outpatient and integrated services programs, she has developed transformative systems that support individuals and families facing substance use, human trafficking, domestic violence, housing insecurity, poverty, and child welfare involvement.

An alumna of the University of the Pacific with academic training in Biblical Studies, Stephanie leads outreach and education efforts throughout Stockton and beyond, teaching fentanyl awareness and life skills to youth impacted by the justice system, neglect, violence, and housing instability. Her work equips individuals and families with the tools they need to avoid criminal thinking and substance use while guiding them toward hope and recovery.

Stephanie’s leadership journey began early. At just 15, she founded Saving Stephanie, an organization supporting survivors of sexual assault. She later launched the Teal Ribbon Project, providing trauma-informed programming and direct services to survivors throughout the county. Her work with local law enforcement and community-based organizations has helped ensure compassionate, survivor-centered care for vulnerable populations.

A woman of faith and service, Stephanie teaches weekly Bible study and volunteers in the children’s ministry at His Way Community Church. She also facilitates a weekly trauma-informed recovery group and leads Keys to Freedom, a program supporting survivors of violence and abuse.

Stephanie advocates fiercely for high-risk populations, championing access to housing, healthcare, and vital recovery resources. In 2023, she organized San Joaquin County’s Recovery Happens event—part of a national initiative celebrating the power of recovery. Under her leadership, the event has become a powerful symbol of healing and unity. Stephanie’s impact extends across multiple sectors. She serves on the San Joaquin County Public Health Healthy Communities Committee and the Community Advisory Committee, and has presented at numerous events for the San Joaquin County Opiate Coalition. Her initiatives—ranging from integrated outpatient treatment models to fentanyl awareness campaigns—have improved client outcomes, especially among youth and communities of color.

Her innovative approaches include launching a youth-focused treatment track incorporating mentorship, recreational therapy, and career development. She also founded and coaches two Stockton softball teams as part of a sober living wellness initiative—helping clients build relationships, self-esteem, and resilience through sports.

Through her involvement with Vision 209, Stephanie mentors the next generation of female leaders, encouraging youth to take bold steps in faith, education, and civic service. A former Miss San Joaquin County’s Outstanding Teen (2015) and mother of three young boys, she exemplifies balance, strength, and service in every role she fulfills.

Stephanie Braithwaite is a true embodiment of the ATHENA values. Her fierce advocacy, collaborative spirit, and unwavering compassion are transforming lives throughout Stockton and beyond. Through every program she builds and every life she touches, she continues to uplift the next generation of women leaders—making her a powerful force for good in our community.

Understanding the ATHENA Awards

ATHENA International partners with hundreds of chambers of commerce, colleges & universities, corporations, women’s organizations and affiliate communities in 48 states and 11 countries. Over 8,000 leaders have been recognized with the ATHENA Leadership award in over 500 regions worldwide. The Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is home to one of the longest running ATHENA programs in the nation, with the first Stockton ATHENA Award being presented in 1986. The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award was introduced locally in November 2010. The ATHENA Youth Leadership Award (Under 18) was introduced nationally and locally in 2024 with the Stockton Chamber giving out the first ever ATHENA Youth Award in the nation.

ATHENA International is a catalyst for developing diverse, transformative leaders who create a balance in leadership voices worldwide. We ignite, amplify and celebrate girls, women and allies through experiential programs that empower them to discover and activate the transformative leader within.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible for an ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, individuals must meet the following criteria: Must be under the age of 40 by October 1 of the award year Demonstrates The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ in all aspects of their life. Demonstrates excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession. Provides valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in their community. Actively assists women in achieving their full leadership potential.