Diane Hillard-Sembell, M.D. Honored with Athena Award

Diane Hillard-Sembell, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist and partner at Springfield Clinic, LLP in Springfield, Illinois, has been presented with the 2021 Athena International Leadership Award. The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities to a woman, or man, who demonstrates the qualities embodied in the ATHENA Leadership Model and who:

• Has achieved the highest level of professional excellence.
• Contributes time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.
• Actively assists others, particularly women, in realizing their full leadership potential.

After completing her M.D. at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in 1986, Dr. Hillard-Sembell stayed on for her orthopedic residency, followed by a fellowship at San Diego Knee and Sports Medicine.

Now Clinical Associate Professor Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Dr. Hillard-Sembell, told OTW, “To me the Athena International Leadership Award represents a combination of community service, professional accomplishment, and mentoring of other women professionals. I love the fact that the Athena Award is inspired by the Greek goddess of mythology known for her strength, courage, and wisdom. To be recognized with this group of amazing women warms my heart with extreme gratitude, and to be recognized for career and community contributions is so gratifying and humbling!”

“I am incredibly blessed to be in a career that combines science and service, which for me are two of my passions. I know that God had a plan for me, and throughout my life He has placed me in the right places with the right people. I love being an orthopaedic surgeon and going to work each day knowing that I will make a positive difference in someone’s life. I get to work with individuals of all ages from young athletes with sports injuries to seniors with arthritis, and every day is unique. It is so satisfying to know that I can help alleviate pain and improve a person’s enjoyment and quality of life.”

“I think everyone should remember three things for resilience: GROUNDING, GRIT, AND GRATITUDE.

One of the things that really keeps me GROUNDED is thinking of where I came from in the small town of Alexis Illinois, with parents that actually quit high school to get married — but I remember as a second grader watching my parents’ study for their GEDs. They taught all of us six children the value of education in order to get ahead in life, combined with love and family which sustained a 50-year marriage for them.”

“I married Mark Sembell in 1986, and he has been so supportive of me in my career, as well as putting up with many of my crazy ideas/decisions/meetings/schooling/projects. I am also very proud to be the mother of Evan who is now a second-year medical student.”

When OTW asked what she appreciates about the organization, she added, “I am a member of Illinois Women in Leadership, and I joined as a charter member in 2004. Prior to that, I had joined its Springfield predecessor organization Women in Management after they had asked me in 1998 to speak as a panel member featuring females in traditionally male predominant careers. During that meeting, I will never forget when the attendees each stood at lunch and introduced themselves stating their name and their career, I was just blown away by the amazing variety, brains, and talent in that room.

Through Illinois Women in Leadership, I have met so many wonderful friends and made lasting connections, learned more about our community, and have loved being able to participate in various projects especially the Scholarship Program. In my role as the Illinois Women in Leadership Scholarship Chair, I was fortunate to have a great Scholarship committee and, during this time, we implemented the Chrysalis Award.

This scholarship is geared toward a nontraditional student, usually a woman who is a bit older or is returning to college or continuing their education after being away from school. Often, these women are also mothers, and every year I enjoy hearing their essays and learning about their lives and appreciating just how much this additional award gives them a lift. Being involved with various mentoring groups through Illinois Women in Leadership also allows for positive influence and I enjoy the opportunity to be a resource.”