FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2026

Marisela Sierra Named 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award Recipient

Muskegon, MI – The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and The Chamber – Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg proudly announce Marisela Sierra, third-generation owner of Navarro’s Mexican Take-Out, as the recipient of the 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award, recognizing her professional excellence, commitment to others, and dedication to strengthening her community.

Sierra represents a new generation of leadership rooted in resilience, collaboration, and service. As the third-generation owner of Navarro’s, a nearly 50-year-old Mexican takeout restaurant known for its stone-ground tamales and deep community roots, she has honored her family’s legacy while positioning the business for continued growth and impact.

Sierra grew up rolling tamales alongside her mother and stepped into ownership of Navarro’s in 2021 following her mother’s unexpected passing. During a pivotal moment for both her family and the business, she transformed challenge into opportunity. Through innovation, strategic growth, and a commitment to excellence, Sierra expanded services, strengthened customer engagement, and helped drive revenue growth of more than 80 percent in just a few years.

Her approach to leadership extends beyond the success of her own business. Guided by a belief that collaboration is stronger than competition, Sierra has mentored entrepreneurs, helped emerging business owners strengthen their skills, and championed women-owned businesses throughout the region. Several entrepreneurs she has mentored have gone on to secure significant funding to launch or grow their ventures.

Sierra is also the founder of Sip + Spark, a networking community that has grown to connect more than 100 women+ across the Lakeshore. The group creates opportunities for friendship, collaboration, professional development, and connection while building a stronger network for women throughout the region.

Her commitment to service is equally evident in her work throughout the community. After recognizing the impact of food insecurity on local families, Sierra helped establish a pay-it-forward meal program that has provided hundreds of meals with dignity and compassion. She has also supported initiatives ranging from a community garden and pantry to a warming space for those in need, while organizing community celebrations, investing in local students, promoting literacy, and strengthening partnerships among businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations.

Sierra currently serves as Vice President of the Coalition for Community Development, sits on Read Muskegon’s Capital Cabinet, and mentors entrepreneurs through the Muskegon Innovation Hub and Muskegon Black Wall Street. Across each of these roles, she has remained focused on equitable economic development and creating opportunities for others to succeed.

When asked about Marisela Sierra, Rachel Gorman, President and CEO of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce had this to say, “It is an honor to celebrate Marisela Sierra as this year’s Lakeshore ATHENA Young Professional Recipient! Mari’s passion for entrepreneurship and community building is truly inspiring, and her impact on the Lakeshore is already significant. We know this is only the beginning of an exciting journey, and we look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in her career.”

The ATHENA Leadership Model® calls on leaders to Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back and Celebrate. Sierra demonstrates these principles through courageous action, authentic leadership, continued learning, meaningful collaboration, and a commitment to giving back. Whether mentoring a fellow entrepreneur, advocating for her community, or preserving a family tradition while building its future, she exemplifies the spirit of the ATHENA Young Professional Award.

This year’s celebration also featured Shelby Bytwerk, Senior Director of Operations at Mainsite for MillerKnoll and recipient of the 2024 ATHENA on the Lakeshore Award, as the keynote speaker. Her keynote, “Influence by Design,” explored intentional leadership and the ability to create meaningful influence through the way leaders show up, support others, and advocate for change.

Bytwerk’s career has centered on developing people across the nonprofit and manufacturing sectors. In addition to her leadership at MillerKnoll, she serves as a member of the Women’s Equity Group and as a Global Ambassador for the MillerKnoll Foundation. She also sits on the ManufacturingNEXT steering committee for Inforum’s Industry Group, where she founded and serves as a mentor in a program focused on advancing the careers of female managers. The mentoring team has worked with more than 100 women employed at more than 20 manufacturing companies across West Michigan. The ATHENA principle Bytwerk resonates with most is Advocate Fiercely.

The Chambers would also like to congratulate Brittany Beck, Stephanie Cwiklinski, Karen Kekelik, and Cece Riley as the 2026 ATHENA Young Professional Award finalists. Each finalist demonstrates the professional excellence, community involvement, leadership, and commitment to advancing others that are at the heart of ATHENA.

The ATHENA Young Professional Award recognizes an emerging leader who demonstrates professional excellence, provides valuable service to the community, and actively assists women in reaching their full leadership potential.

For more information about ATHENA on the Lakeshore, visit the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce website.

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About ATHENA International

ATHENA International is a catalyst for developing diverse, transformative leaders worldwide through experiential programs that ignite, amplify, and celebrate girls, women, and allies, from young scholars to seasoned professionals. At the heart of everything we do are the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ (ATHENA Leadership Model®): Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back and Celebrate. ATHENA is driven to bring empathy-based, compassionate, and inclusive leadership culture to the workplace, educational institutions, and individuals.

In our pursuit of creating positive change, we empower women entrepreneurs to achieve new heights of success through ATHENAPowerLink®, an innovative mentorship program connecting selected entrepreneurs with a tailored advisory board to support the growth of their businesses. For over four decades, we have recognized exceptional women and pioneering leaders with ATHENA Leadership Awards on global, national, and community levels. Our impact extends to nearly 8,000 award recipients who stand as change-makers and trailblazers, opening doors.

About the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce is the premier business membership organization on the Lakeshore. The Chamber represents approximately 1,100 businesses and organizations of every size and type throughout West Michigan. The Chamber works to sustain an environment for business success through community leadership, promotion, inclusive business advocacy, and valued member services.

About The Chamber – Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg

The Chamber – Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg has been a connection point and leading voice for businesses in Northwest Ottawa County since 1899. The Chamber facilitates economic drivers and conversations to support business development, sustained growth, health, and quality of life for businesses and communities throughout the region.