At the Chamber's 38th annual Murphy Awards on Jan. 25, Blackman received the biggest award, the Athena.

The Athena Award was created in 1982 by the Chamber of Commerce in Lansing, Mich., to focus on outstanding professional and business women.

The award recognizes an individual for business or professional accomplishments, community service, mentoring others and providing role models for other women such that they can achieve their full leadership potential.

With the gala evening's theme "When the STARS come out!" citizens of Sunnyvale came dressed in their finest to walk down the red carpet, Hollywood style.

As president of the Chamber, Blackman was the master of ceremonies. But she turned that role over to Mark Balestra to receive her award.

Balestra presented Blackman with her trophy, saying Blackman exemplifies all the qualities that the Athena represents. While he recognized Blackman's contributions to the business community, he also had a personal note. "As a father of two young girls, I feel particularly fortunate that our community can boast smart, dedicated and effective role models like Suzi Blackman for our own children." With that, he presented her with her award, as well as a jewel-studded tiara, befitting the star of the evening.

Previous recipients include Nancy Tivol of Sunnyvale Community Services and city council member Pat Vorreiter.

While Chamber board members choose the majority of the Murphy Awards given that night, the previous recipients of the Athena form a separate committee to select the Athena recipient each year.

Blackman told Balestra, who brought the Athena award to Sunnyvale seven years ago, "You paid a great compliment to the women of Sunnyvale." Blackman recognized the women who had won the award before her, saying it was a thrill to be in their company as an Athena recipient.

Blackman says she comes from a family of very strong women and thanks her mother for teaching her how to be successful as a mother and as a working woman.

"My mother was a great role model," Blackman says. "She had nine kids; she was working almost full time; she was a Sunday school teacher; and she was involved in all of our activities."

Blackman's sister, Claire Rose, says Blackman took care of the rest of the family when their mother passed away. "She brought us all together, and that's a whole lot of people moving away from each other.

Suzi still manages to stay in touch. Because she really cares."

Rose says her sister has a positive way of affecting people. "You know when you really don't want to volunteer for something?" Rose says. "Well, Suzi comes along and all of a sudden you're sitting in front of the TV stuffing envelopes, and it's OK."

Others recognize the same sort of inspiration. Cassandra Nash, program coordinator for the Chamber, says Blackman is one of the best bosses she's ever had. "She's very uplifting. She has a lot of confidence in us and respect for us, and that makes her a good leader," Nash says. "That's where she stands strong as a woman."