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(Lansing, MI) – Jane Mitchell, owner of Jungle Jane Promotions, has been named the recipient of the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC). Mitchell will formally receive her award at the annual ATHENA Lansing Celebration program on Thursday, December 5 at the Lansing Center.

“Jane Mitchell’s leadership is a testament to the values of the ATHENA Leadership Award,” said Tim Daman, president and CEO, LRCC. “Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the ATHENA leadership principles have made a lasting difference, not just through her business, but in the lives of so many she has supported along the way. We are thrilled to honor her as our 43rd ATHENA recipient..”

I am truly honored to receive the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award. This recognition means so much to me as I continue my journey of supporting and uplifting women leaders,” said Mitchell. “Together, we can create a future where every woman has the opportunity to lead and thrive.”

Mitchell is a lifelong resident of the Lansing area, where she has been happily married to Ken for 43 years. Together, they have two grown children and four granddaughters. For 20 years, she worked as a hairstylist. However, when her children went off to school, she decided to transition into a career that allowed her to work more during the day, avoiding evenings and weekends. In 1994, she founded Cards 4 You, a follow-up card sending service.

By 1998, Mitchell began consulting with her clients on adding branded merchandise to their marketing efforts, which led to the opening of Tarzan Promotions. In 2011, she rebranded the company as Jungle Jane Promotions, and in 2012 was recognized as the ATHENA PowerLink recipient. Jungle Jane Promotions continues to grow  And today, she employs both her son and son-in-law in the business.

In 2014, Mitchell earned her Master of Advertising Specialties (MAS), completing over 200 hours of training. She is active in her community, serving on the Ele’s Place board, and is a member of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce as well as the Delta Waverly Rotary, where she has been involved for over 20 years.

She attributes her success to hard work and her genuine desire to help the people around her, as well as their businesses, succeed.

LRCC also announced that Jacqueline Taylor, owner of Little Dreamers Daycare, has been named the 2025 ATHENA PowerLink Recipient. ATHENA PowerLink (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 2025 APL recipient, Taylor will have the opportunity to work with an advisory panel that is specifically tailored to meet her business goals.

Taylor is a passionate advocate for early childhood development and the proud founder of Little Dreamers Daycare Center. With a deep love for nurturing young learners, she creates a warm and enriching environment where children can thrive. At Little Dreamers, she emphasizes the importance of nutritious meals, knowing that a healthy diet fuels both body and mind. Jacqueline designs creative curricula that inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning, blending play with education to ensure that each child’s experience is joyful and engaging.

Collaboration is at the heart of Taylor’s approach. She actively seeks partnerships with local professionals, from nutritionists to educators, to provide comprehensive support for the families in her care. By building a strong community network, Taylor enhances the resources available to her children, helping them grow and flourish.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to receive the ATHENA PowerLink Award! This opportunity will greatly support my mission to create a warm, loving, nurturing environment for all children,” said Taylor. “I look forward to learning from other experts in their fields and using that knowledge to grow my business and strengthen my roots within the community.”

Also being recognized at the ATHENA Awards luncheon is Justine Bell, owner of BeneGuides who was the 2024 ATHENA PowerLink recipient.

The ATHENA Awards luncheon on Thursday, December 5 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Lansing Center. Registration can be completed at ATHENA Lansing Awards – Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (lansingchamber.org).

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About the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce:

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce works relentlessly to help businesses connect, grow, and thrive. For nearly 120 years, the Chamber has served as the voice of the Greater Lansing business community. We are catalysts for change, uniting business leaders to do collectively what cannot be done alone. More information about the Chamber and its programs and services can be found online at lansingchamber.org, Facebook (@LansingChamber), Instagram (@lansingregionalchamber), Twitter (@LansingChamber), and LinkedIn.