Slidell resident Mary Dubuisson, a passionate supporter of the arts and a champion of Olde Towne was chosen as the recipient of the 2009 Athena Award Wednesday.

Dubuisson was chosen from among a broad spectrum of nominees, many of whom she considers her close friends.

“I want all of you up here with me,” she said as she accepted the award. “To say this is humbling is an understatement.”

Mary Dubuisson, center, was named the recipient of the 2009 Athena Award Wednesday by the East St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce. Also nominated were, from left, Tara Ingram-Hunter, Slidell City Councilwoman Kim Harbison, Sharron Newton, Kelly Rodriguez, Lisa Fitzmorris Clement and Kathy Lowrey. (Staff Photo by Anne Lautzenheiser)

Presented annually in countries all over the world, the award is named for the Greek goddess Athena known for her strength, courage, wisdom and enlightenment. A Michigan businesswoman started the program in 1982, to recognize the accomplishments of women in the community, and to create a balance in leadership roles.

The luncheon included presentations from past winners, including Dr. Joan Archer, who introduced each nominee, and spoke of the goddess’ relevance.

“Athena put on her war cloak to protect civilization,” said Archer. “It is our job to protect the voice of the least of us.”

St. Tammany Parish Public Information Officer Suzanne Parsons Stymiest put the award in a historical perspective. She noted that not even 100 years have passed since women were given the right to vote, and that her grandmother was pulled out of school in the seventh grade because “that was enough education for a girl.”

Last year’s winner, Brenda Case, served as emcee and announced Dubuisson as the winner.

“We could have 1,000 Athenians,” said Case. “Every one of these nominees is a heroine in her own right.”

Dubuisson, along with her husband, Eric, ran the former Slidell Cleaners, a 77-year-old family business that flooded in 1995 and again when Hurricane Katrina blew through town 10 years later. The pair used their talents to establish STARC’s commercial laundry operation, and most recently opened Dubuisson’s Art Corner.

She is a graduate of Leadership Slidell, and was instrumental in the project that founded the Camellia City Market.

Dubuisson is also a past president of the Olde Towne Slidell Association, the Ozone Camellia Club, and a charter member of the Mona Lisa & Moon Pie parade.

In addition, Dubuisson is a member of the Joint Committee on Cultural Economy, the Commission on the Arts, the Slidell Noon Lions Club, the boards of the Slidell Little Theater and Hospice Foundation of the South, and has served as an ambassador for the East St. Tammany Chamber.