JJC’s Kelly Rohder-Tonelli Honored with 2024 ATHENA Award for Leadership, Community Involvement

Kelly Rohder-Tonelli, executive director of strategic engagement at Joliet Junior College (JJC), has been awarded the prestigious ATHENA Award by the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce during their annual luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 18.  

This honor recognizes leaders who exemplify professional excellence, dedicate their time to improving community life and actively mentor women and others in reaching their leadership potential.

"Kelly's involvement in the community has been extraordinary," said Dr. Clyne Namuo, JJC president. "Her influence extends far beyond her professional role — she has made a profound impact on every organization she touches. Her experiences and leadership have helped shape and strengthen JJC, and it's clear her dedication and vision continue to inspire others."

A strong believer in the power of mentorship, Rohder-Tonelli has made it a point to encourage everyone she works with to lean into their natural strengths and bring them along in their professional journey.  

"If others hadn’t brought me along and encouraged me to take on new challenges, I don’t know that I would have the experience and perspective that I do today,” she said. “Now it's my responsibility to do the same — to model the way for others and encourage them to lead with their natural abilities.”

Rohder-Tonelli began her career at JJC in 2007 and has served in an executive capacity for the past eight years. As executive director of strategic engagement, she oversees the College’s communications and marketing departments, as well as legislative and government relations. During this time, she has presented at several national and regional conferences, such as the American Association of Community Colleges national conference and National Council for Marketing and Public Relations.  

In addition to her professional role, Rohder-Tonelli is deeply committed to the Joliet community, contributing her time and expertise to several local non-profit boards and committees including (but not limited to) the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet Board of Directors, Joliet Public Library Board of Trustees, Joliet Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Joliet Area Historical Museum Board of Directors and Will County Center for Economic Development Higher Education Committee Chair.