Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
On Wednesday, Nov. 4 Merrill residents Mindy Hoppe and Dr. Angie Servi were named finalists for the prestigious ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award, during the 35th annual award program hosted by the Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce.
Hoppe, owner and interior designer at Design Theory 19 (230936 Business Park Drive, Wausau) was named the recipient of this year’s award. Design Theory 19 is an Interior Design Studio, specializing in commercial and residential design for new construction and remodeling.
A Merrill native, Hoppe has owned and operated Design Theory 19 since 2018 and has 14-years of experience in the interior design industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interior Architecture from UW-Stevens Point. Hoppe’s community service activity includes offering continuing education opportunities to students attending school for interior design and local professionals. She is also active with United Way, Fairy Godmothers and the Festival of Trees.
“I am honored to accept this award alongside the other well-deserving finalists.” said Hoppe. “The ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award exemplifies women who go above and beyond without expecting anything in return. I hope our efforts inspire other young professionals to make a positive impact in their community and to support others in their dreams and aspirations.”
Servi was among 9 finalists for this year’s award.
Dr. Servi is a Merrill native, and currently serves as Dean of Grants, Research and College Effectiveness for Northcentral Technical College, a position she has held since 2018.
Servi holds a Doctorate from Edgewood College in Higher Education Leadership, a Masters Degree in teaching from Austin Peay University located in Clarksville, TN and a Bachelor’s Degree in German and Finance from UW-Green Bay. Servi’s community involvement includes serving on the Maple Grove Charter School Governance Board and volunteering as a Sunday School Teacher at St. Paul’s Church in Hamburg. Servi is also active with United Way and has served as a Family Readiness Group Leader with the U.S military through two deployments.
2020 marks the second consecutive year, of which local professional women were recognized for their accomplishments.
Last year, Lora Bladow of ReMax/Excel Realty garnered the award. Bladow served as one of two emcees during this year’s award presentation.
As 2019 recipient, Bladow was recognized for her service as a mentor for other realtors and being active in the Merrill community,
Lora serves as a weekly “big” for Big Brothers Big Sisters, enjoying conversations with her “little” on topics like authenticism, education, goals and empowerment. As a realtor for Remax/Excel, Lora’s goal is to educate her clients and help facilitate the best experience possible. With each home she sells in the Merrill Area Public School District, Lora donates $100 to a scholarship fund.
The ATHENA Leadership Award® and the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award® are presented to women or men in recognition of their professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.