Community honors Sarah Milios, Joanne Keene and Young Professional Caitlin Burd.
A record-setting crowd of more than 550 people attended the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on Friday, Feb. 13, at the High Country Conference Center. As has been the tradition during this annual meeting and in the ATHENA Leadership Program, nominees were celebrated for excellence in their profession, service to their community and mentorship to help other women reach their leadership potential.
Amidst standing ovations from the audience, CycleBar owner Sarah Milios and Flagstaff City Manager Joanne Keene each received the prestigious 2026 ATHENA Leadership Award. Kinney Construction Services Marketing Manager Caitlin Burd was honored with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.
FBN shares the following questions and answers with ATHENA Award recipients Milios and Keene.
Sarah Milios
FBN: How Did it Feel to be Recognized with the Athena Award?
Sarah: Being recognized with the ATHENA Award was truly surreal. Even just being nominated felt like such an honor because of what this award represents. Hearing my name called as the winner was overwhelming in the best way!
FBN: Who Are Your Role Models?
Sarah: My parents are my role models when it comes to business, philanthropy and giving back. My dad owned a small ophthalmology practice in Henderson, Texas, and my mom managed the office. Every summer, I worked there as a scribe, which gave me a front-row seat to how they led. I watched how they treated their staff with respect, cared deeply for their patients, and poured back into their community.
FBN: What is Your Best Business Advice for Younger Women?
Sarah: That’s a tough one because honestly, I still feel like I need advice sometimes. And maybe that’s exactly it: never stop being a student. Ask questions. Listen. Read books on business and leading, tune into business and personal growth podcasts, and reach out to people you admire; invite them to lunch and learn from their experience. Ask your staff and coworkers how things are going and be open to their feedback.
FBN: How Do You Connect Your Passion and Values with Your Business?
Sarah: What I love most about CycleBar Flagstaff is that it’s a direct-to-community business. I have the privilege of interacting with people every single day and seeing them walk out of a ride feeling stronger, replenished, and ready to take on whatever challenges they’re facing. Helping people improve their mental and physical well-being aligns so closely with my passion for serving others.
Joanne Keene
FBN: How Did it Feel to be Recognized with the Athena Award?
Joanne: It’s truly an honor to be recognized. It’s an acknowledgement of the contributions I’ve made working with many others to serve this community in a meaningful way. I love Flagstaff and appreciate everything this community has provided me. I join many other amazing women who have contributed so much. It’s truly an honor to be recognized.
FBN: Who Are Your Role Models?
Joanne: My role models are my parents. My parents moved to the United States when I was 8 to provide an opportunity for their family. It was a difficult decision and they gave up a lot to provide a better life for their children. I am forever indebted to them for the opportunities provided to me and the values they instilled in me to work hard, help others and stay true to your values.
FBN: What is Your Best Business Advice for Younger Women?
Joanne: My best advice is to not turn down an opportunity to expand your knowledge and experience. Every chance you are given to take on a new role, a new project, a new job, take that chance! Also, while it may not be your interest, learn finance and budgeting!
FBN: How Do You Connect Your Passion and Values with Your Career?
Joanne: I am currently serving as the city manager for the City of Flagstaff. This position allows me to serve the community and help make our community the best place to live and work. I have had a lifelong passion for public service and feel strongly that it’s my role to leave this community in a better place than I found it. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN