On June 12, 2025, community leaders, business professionals, and longtime advocates gathered at Massasoit Community College in Brockton for a celebration of leadership, service, and empowerment. Hosted by the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and presented by Eastern Bank, the 27th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award Luncheon recognized individuals who exemplify authenticity, courage, collaboration, and a profound commitment to lifting women into leadership roles.
The ATHENA International Leadership Award, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage, is a prestigious honor that celebrates individuals who have achieved professional excellence, provided valuable service to their communities, and actively assisted women in realizing their full leadership potential.
This year’s honoree was none other than Jeni Mather, President and Founder of JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic. A lifelong animal advocate, local business owner, and mentor to many, Jeni was recognized not only for her professional accomplishments but also for the heart and humanity she brings to every aspect of her leadership.

The Power of Community
The energy in the room reflected something more than a typical awards luncheon— it was a genuine celebration of connection and community. In attendance were local business champions, regional officials, and past ATHENA recipients, including Barbara Arena, Nancy Gustafson, Elaine Reiser, and Sue Joss— each of whom has shaped the Brockton area through service and trailblazing leadership.
Several chamber ambassadors and representatives from Bluestone Bank, Eastern Bank, OCES, and SCU, and other community pillars joined the celebration, along with elected officials, including Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Mike Brady, State Representative Rita Mendes, State Representative Bridget Plouffe, Mayor of Brockton Bob Sullivan, Ward 6 City Councilor Jack Lally, and Ward 7 City Councilor Shirley Asack, among others.
Lt. Gov. Driscoll shared inspiring statistics that highlighted the significance of women in business:
“When women thrive, communities thrive… Massachusetts is the #1 state for working parents, healthcare, education, and the economy.”
Her message echoed the mission behind the ATHENA Award, reminding attendees that strong leadership rooted in equity, empathy, and opportunity has a ripple effect that uplifts everyone.

Jeni’s Moment: Leading from the Heart
The ATHENA Award was presented to Jeni by Sue Joss, a former award recipient herself, a longtime client of JM, and a respected healthcare leader in Brockton. The moment was made even more meaningful by the deep relationship between the two women— client and caregiver, community members, and mutual champions of mission-driven leadership.
This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the thoughtful nomination from Dan Trout, whose belief in Jeni’s leadership and lasting contributions helped bring her name forward for this prestigious honor.
In her speech, Jeni shared what the award meant for her personally and professionally:
“A reminder that said: ‘You Matter. You’re making a difference.”
She spoke with heartfelt gratitude to those who have helped shape her journey – from Vice Presidents Sandra Vining and Ronda Guerriero, to her husband, George Mather, to client-turned-longtime colleague and friend Nancy Johnson, and former Blue Dog Shelter partner Marion McEwen. Each played a role in building the kind of company where relationships are the foundation, and where everyone is invited to pull up a seat at the table.
Jeni reminded the audience that this award doesn’t belong to one person—it belongs to the team, to the clients, and to the community that helped JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic grow from a one-woman dream into a thriving, purpose-driven business.
She also reaffirmed her commitment to ongoing advocacy through her leadership with the Ollie’s Law Advisory Committee, pushing for stronger, safety-focused standards across the pet care industry in Massachusetts.
Her closing words captured the spirit of the afternoon:
“Lead from the heart. It’s good to care.”
Behind the Award: A Legacy of Leadership
For those who know Jeni Mather, her path to this honor is no surprise—it’s a culmination of over two decades of vision, grit, and an unshakable belief in doing things differently. What began as a childhood dream and a side business training dogs while studying biology at Stonehill College evolved into something extraordinary: JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic, a 34,000-square-foot wellness destination dedicated to compassionate, full-circle pet care.
Jeni has spent her career leading with intention. She founded the Blue Dog Shelter, which found homes for more than 1,800 dogs and raised over $500,000 for canine welfare. She created and trademarked the PLAYtrain® system, a motivational behavior model used daily by her team to help dogs gain confidence, trust, and joy. And she holds national certifications, including PACCC and CPACO, marking her as one of the only 75 Certified Professional Animal Care Operators in the country.
As Chair of the Ollie’s Law Advisory Committee to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), Jeni continues to advocate for higher standards and safer regulations for pet care across the state. Her impact reaches beyond the four walls of JM Pet Resort— it shapes the industry as a whole.
Still, at her core, Jeni leads by example. She has built a workplace where mothers, caretakers, young professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs can grow their skills, rise into leadership roles, and feel seen and supported in the process. Her legacy isn’t just in what she’s built, it’s in the people she’s lifted along the way.
Business Recognition and the Eastern Bank Spotlight
One of the event’s most personal highlights occurred during a special interview with Kim Dee, Executive Vice President, Consumer Banking Director at Eastern Bank. As both a presenting sponsor and Jeni’s banking partner, Eastern Bank took a moment to recognize her not just as an award recipient but as a client who embodies the very values they champion: community impact, small business leadership, and inclusion.
Kim applauded Jeni for being a trusted and values-driven business owner, noting how Eastern Bank’s recent merger with HarborOne reinforces their commitment to uplifting local businesses and reinvesting in the communities they serve. It was a fitting moment of mutual admiration: two local institutions working together to make a difference.
A Shared Honor for a Shared Mission
While the award may bear Jeni’s name, she was clear: this recognition belongs to many.
“It belongs to the JM team, who bring their passion and professionalism to work each day. It belongs to the clients, whose trust and loyalty have helped grow JM into a trusted resource for pet care across New England. And it belongs to the community, whose support continues to make moments like these possible.”
In an industry often focused on outcomes, Jeni’s approach is rooted in how things are done— with empathy, ethics, and the belief that you can be both mission-driven and successful. The ATHENA Award is a reminder that businesses thrive when they lead with care, and that leadership doesn’t require stepping over others— it means lifting them up.
Gratitude and Momentum
The entire team at JM Pet Resort would like to thank the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber Ambassadors, and Massasoit Community College for hosting such a meaningful event. We’re grateful to Eastern Bank for their sponsorship and partnership, and to all who attended and celebrated this milestone with us.
Most importantly, thank you to our clients, staff, and extended pet-loving community for believing in this dream alongside Jeni. This recognition is not just about the past. It’s a stepping stone toward an even more impactful future.
“This award is not mine alone– it belongs to everyone who helped us grow, who believed in us, and who continues to walk this path with us.”
– Jeni Mather

This event was recorded by Brockton Community Access, watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9opLVZa2LHI
PC: Rich Morgan Photography. View the full photo album on flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/metrosouthchamber/albums/72177720327072778