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Lorin Cumberbatch named ATHENAPowerlink Recipient

Dorothy E. Maxwell, long-time President and CEO of Max Winegar Group and dedicated community servant, has been named the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Leadership Award by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). The LRCC also announced that Lorin Cumberbatch, founder and owner of Skin Studio 211, has been named the recipient of the 2023 ATHENAPowerlink (APL) award. Maxwell will receive her award at the annual ATHENA Awards luncheon to be held on Tuesday, December 6 while Cumberbatch will begin the yearlong ATHENA PowerLink program in January 2023.

“We are excited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ATHENA Leadership Award, started right here in Lansing, Michigan in 1982 by Martha Mertz and is now presented by hundreds of communities around the world,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “Dorothy Maxwell’s distinguished career as a business leader and her commitment to serving the community and supporting other women leaders makes her the ideal selection for this year’s ATHENA award. We are also excited about the growth Lorin Cumberbatch has already achieved with Skin Studio 211 and look forward to her continued success as a result of her involvement with the ATHENAPowerlink program.”

Dorothy Maxwell has led Max Winegar Group since 1997 with prior executive leadership positions at the State of Michigan. She has provided leadership and vision in multiple capacities in governmental, community and religious organizations. She served two terms as chair of the Capital Area United Way, two terms as chairperson and founding member of the Sparrow Specialty Hospital, chairperson, board director and executive committee member of the Greater Lansing Convention and Visitors Bureau and numerous others.

Dorothy’s service, dedication and commitment have been recognized by Trinity AME Church with the 2013 Shield of Allen Church and Community Service Award from the Sons of Allen; the 2008 Sojourner Truth Award from the Lansing Area Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club; the 2006 Community Service Award and the 2003 Small Business Award, both from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce; the 2005 C. Colton Carr Exemplary Volunteer of the Year Award from the YMCA of Metropolitan Lansing, and the 2000 Certificate of Distinction from the American Society for Talent Development.

“This was a huge surprise and a great honor,” said Maxwell. “As I think about being a part of the distinguished group of previous ATHENA recipients, it feels almost overwhelming to be considered among them.”

ATHENAPowerlink (APL) is a national mentoring program that connects chosen women business owners with a skilled advisory panel. The specified panel of advisors will donate an estimated $25,000 value of business consultation services to help the business achieve the next level of success. As the 2023 APL recipient, Lorin Cumberbatch will have the opportunity to work with an advisory panel that is specifically tailored to meet her business goals.

“I am very excited and looking forward to the opportunity to work with business people who have such a wealth of expertise,” said Cumberbatch. “I don’t come from an entrepreneurial background, so to be able to get advice from other professionals who do have the background is really going to help my business grow.”

Cumberbatch saw there were no Black estheticians in the Lansing area and decided to open Skin Studio 211 to address this need in the community, opening her business during the COVID pandemic. As owner and CEO of Skin Studio 211, Lorin welcomes all races through her door even though she originally set out to meet a need in the Black community. She has opened a second salon in East Lansing this fall. She regularly donates gift cards and volunteer time to worthwhile fundraisers, back-to-school drives, community sports teams and other school activities. She also created the Black Book Drive which is now in its third year. She earned her general associate’s degree from Lansing Community College. In September 2022, Lorin was named a recipient of the 10 Over the Next Ten Award, which recognizes the top young professionals in the region. Lorin is also a graduate from LEAP’s One and All Inclusive Entrepreneurship Initiative.

Also being recognized at the ATHENA Awards luncheon is Tobi Lyon of Ngage Management who was the 2022 ATHENAPowerlink recipient.

The ATHENA Awards luncheon on Tuesday, December 6 will be held from 11:30 to 1:30 at the MSU Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Registration can be completed at ATHENA Lansing Awards – Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (lansingchamber.org).