MUNCIE — Former Anderson resident Sara E. Shade received the inaugural Athena Young Professional Award in Muncie.

Shade, a partner in the law firm of Beasley & Gilkison LLP, is a graduate of Anderson High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University, Greencastle. Shade earned her law degree from Indiana University, Bloomington.

Shade’s leadership and professionalism in the Muncie community made her an obvious nominee for this award, organizers said in a press release. She is a graduate of the Academy for Community Leadership and was honored by DePauw University earlier this year with a Community Leader Award. Shade serves as a member of the Muncie Board of Public Works and Safety. Her community involvement includes: United Way, Women in Business Unlimited; member of Noon Rotary Club; the American Red Cross Public Support Committee; and Tri Kappa Philanthropic Organization; former board member of Muncie Jaycees and Bridges Community Services Inc.

Each year Athena celebrates businesswomen who continue to inspire and encourage woman in business. The Athena Young Professional Award This year was presented as an extension of the annual Athena Award.