Recognition for Local Leadership
The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of its annual Athena Awards this week. Irene Wong, the CEO of the Palo Alto Community Fund, and Peying Lee, the Director of Community Partnerships for Project Safety Net, earned the distinctions. These awards highlight women who have shown leadership within their professional fields and their broader community.
The organization will host the ceremony at the El Prado Hotel on October 15. The Chamber chose Wong for the Athena Leadership Award, while Lee will receive the Emerging Professional Leadership Award. Both women have established track records in civic engagement and social advocacy throughout the Peninsula.
Decades of Philanthropic Work
Irene Wong brings over twenty years of experience to her role at the Palo Alto Community Fund. She has spent two years as the CEO of the nonprofit, where she oversees grantmaking strategies designed to address regional challenges. Her background includes a tenure of 15 years with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. During that time, she managed relationships with more than 200 community organizations. She directed up to $20 million in annual support for local groups.
Wong’s work often focused on the mechanics of local wealth and how to translate financial resources into direct social change. Her nomination materials highlight her ability to convene diverse networks to address pressing community issues. Carol Larson, who supported the nomination, noted that Wong effectively brought disparate groups together to act on shared goals.
Advocacy in Mental Health
Peying Lee has built her career around mental health outreach and suicide prevention. She first joined Project Safety Net as a volunteer following the 2009 suicide cluster at Gunn High School. Since then, she transitioned into a full-time staff member who focuses on community wellness and youth support. Colleagues credit her with creating environments where young people feel comfortable seeking help.
Her advocacy efforts included securing financial support for the allcove Palo Alto center. When budget constraints threatened the Santa Clara County suicide prevention department, Lee pushed to retain essential staff positions. Her work involves organizing training and educational events for school officials, healthcare providers, and parents. This is particularly relevant as the city navigates the challenges of a third suicide cluster.
Impact and Industry Significance
The selection of Wong and Lee reflects the growing need for focused, professional leadership within local nonprofits. As economic conditions shift and municipal budgets face scrutiny, leaders who can bridge the gap between private philanthropy and public services become vital. These awards signal an intent to keep mental health and community wealth creation at the forefront of local policy discussions.
Looking ahead, the work of both leaders highlights the importance of institutional stability in times of crisis. Whether managing million-dollar grant programs or coordinating emergency responses for youth mental health, their roles demand a mix of policy expertise and interpersonal coordination. The October event will serve as a venue for local stakeholders to acknowledge these efforts and discuss the future of community-driven support systems.