Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta said she was caught off guard when her name was announced Tuesday as the 2026 ATHENA Award recipient, but she quickly recognized the responsibility that comes with the honor.
“It just took me completely by surprise,” she said. “I respect the Girls Inc. organization so much… so to be honored by them had extra significance.”
Figueroa-Peralta, president and CEO of RiverValley Behavioral Health, was honored during the 28th annual ATHENA Award luncheon at the Owensboro Convention Center. The award, presented annually by Girls Inc. and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, recognizes individuals who demonstrate professional excellence, community service, and a commitment to advancing women’s leadership.
A native of Puerto Rico, Figueroa-Peralta graduated from college at age 18 before moving to Chicago, where she earned multiple advanced degrees — including a doctorate in education — and built a career spanning education, behavioral health, and nonprofit leadership.
Her work has consistently focused on removing barriers and expanding access, particularly for women and families. Under her leadership, RiverValley Behavioral Health has developed programs such as the Amethyst Center for Women, recovery housing initiatives, and ROSES for Moms, which supports pregnant and parenting women navigating substance use disorders.
Figueroa-Peralta said those efforts are rooted in a belief that opportunity must be intentionally created.
“No one makes it by themselves,” she said. “We’re inspired by others … and I want to be intentional about it in everything that I do.”
That perspective traces back to her upbringing and the influence of her late mother, whose expectations continue to shape her work.
“This moment is deeply personal to me. [My mother’s] belief in me and opening opportunities that she didn’t have make me do what I do,” Figueroa-Peralta said during her acceptance remarks.
She emphasized the recognition reflects a collective effort, crediting her team and the broader community.
“This recognition … it’s not mine. It’s also the RiverValley team,” she said. “Whatever we’re doing and the impact that we’re making here is because of their confidence in my leadership, but also their support.”
Colleagues say Figueroa-Peralta’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements.
“What didn’t stand out about Wanda?” said Sue Napper, ATHENA Award chairperson. “Just her whole story… and the things that she has accomplished professionally… but along the way, she’s always made sure that she’s helped others along and helped to open the doors… She’s just a tremendous individual.”
Figueroa-Peralta’s leadership philosophy centers on mentorship and building pathways for others. At RiverValley, more than half of the leadership team is made up of women — an intentional effort to create opportunities and prepare future leaders.
“It is extremely important… no one makes it by themselves,” she said. “I want to be intentional that I reflect the values that I was taught… and I become that for others as well.”
The luncheon also included the presentation of the Legacy Award, which was given posthumously to longtime educator Emma Edwards.
Born in Owensboro in 1892, Edwards devoted her life to education and service. After graduating from Western High School in Owensboro and from Kentucky State College, she spent decades teaching and later serving as principal at Paul Dunbar School.
She also supported students beyond the classroom — often providing food, clothing, and guidance at her own expense. She also spent more than four decades caring for elderly residents at the Mary Harding Home, including many years as its unpaid administrator.
Edwards also worked with the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, the March of Dimes, and United Way. Prior to her retirement, she was named the “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” by the Owensboro Junior Woman’s Club and later received the 9th Humanitarian Award from the United Way.
Organizers said Edwards’ legacy is measured not by titles, but by the lives she impacted and the opportunities she helped create for others.
