Following the announcement that Kristin Klein Wheaton, chair of the firm’s Higher Education practice and partner in its Buffalo office, would be a finalist for this year’s ATHENA Leadership Award, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership profiled her for an installment of its “Meet the Finalists” series.

The ATHENA Leadership Award honors an exceptional individual who has achieved professional and personal success, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and actively supported women professionals in realizing their own professional excellence. ATHENA Awards are celebrated around the world in more than 500 communities in eight countries, with the Buffalo Niagara Partnership serving as Western New York’s regional representative.

In the profile, Kristin provides insight into her background—both professional and personal—and divulges everything from her first job and career highlights to her guilty pleasure and favorite spot in Buffalo. “Every woman has the opportunity to succeed, grow and become a leader in her profession,” Kristin says regarding what advice she would give to women just starting out in the workplace. “Work hard and build relationships. It is possible to manage both a career and family and nobody is perfect. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”

The profile:

“Introducing Kristin Klein Wheaton, Finalist for the 2019 ATHENA Leadership Award,” Buffalo Niagara Partnership, April 10, 2019