REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

We are excited to announce that this year’s ATHENA Leadership Conference – “People, Purpose, Passion… Leading with Intent” will be held for the second year in a row at SAS in Cary, NC!

Why You Can’t Miss This Event

This full-day conference is designed to empower leaders like you to excel and thrive. Whether you’re looking to boost your leadership skills, connect with like-minded professionals, or gain fresh inspiration, this event is your springboard for success.

What You’ll Experience:

  • Impactful Breakout Sessions: Dive deep into topics on leadership, growth, and personal development.

  • Networking Opportunities: Engage with influential leaders in our community who can help you unlock new opportunities.

  • Practical Insights: Learn actionable strategies to lead with people, purpose, and passion.

     

ATHENA Leadership Conference Details:

Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Location: 

SAS Executive Briefing Center ((EBC)

820 SAS Drive, Cary NC 27513

Time: 

  • Registration: 9:15 AM

  • Program: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

  • Networking: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

EVENT THEME:  “PEOPLE, PURPOSE, PASSION…LEADING WITH INTENT”

BACKGROUND: 

Founded in 2014, ATHENA of the Triangle is a licensee of programs developed by ATHENA International, a global non-profit organization founded in 1982 on the deeply held belief that women can achieve a worldwide balance of leadership when they are recognized, cultivated, and encouraged as leaders.

GOALS: 

Our 4th Annual ATHENA Leadership Conference is a full day conference and will be structured around the ATHENA Leadership Model (Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration, Advocate Fiercely, Give Back, Celebrate). There will be breakout sessions, workshops, and panel presentations relevant to the challenges faced by professionals, women business owners, and allies of women in leadership. Local business owners will also have the opportunity to showcase their products and services at vendor booths during participant mingling sessions. Attendees from all over the Triangle will come together in support of the advancement of women’s leadership.

PROGRAM FORMAT: 

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in 3 moderated breakout sessions. In between sessions we will have a panel discussion titled “The Power of Mentoring Goes Both Ways.” We will also host a networking reception for attendees to continue to visit vendors and connect with one another.

Become an ATHENA Leadership Conference Sponsor

THE POWER OF MENTORING GOES BOTH WAYS

Mary Hemphill
Mary Hemphill

Dr. Mary Hemphill

CEO and Founder of The Limitless Leader LLC

Dr. Mary Hemphill is a leadership expert, development coach, K-16 educator, administrator, author, and motivational speaker. With an extensive 20-year career spanning roles as a teacher, administrator, state director, and adjunct professor, she brings a wealth of experience to her work. Holding a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, Mary has directly influenced and coached educational and corporate leaders worldwide, focusing on empowered wellness, innovative strategy, and leadership development.

 

As the proud CEO and Founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, Mary leads an organization dedicated to helping individuals unleash their leadership potential, enabling them to better serve their communities, companies, and personal careers through coaching, consulting, workshops, and keynotes tailored for corporate and educational leaders and organizations.

 

Throughout her tenure as North Carolina’s first state director of Computer Science, Director of Academics, and Chief Academic Officer, Mary has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives and programs and guiding leaders through change management. Her outstanding contributions were recognized when she was named Regional Principal of the Year for the Sandhills Region of North Carolina in 2017 and received the Model Schools Award for her transformative work in school turnaround and reform.

 

Mary’s expertise was further acknowledged when she was selected as a 2021 School Ambassador Fellowship panelist by the US Department of Education, adding her voice and insights to the selection process for ambassadors under the Department’s current administration.

 

In recognition of her impact in leadership in transforming the way leaders approach 21st-century challenges, Mary was honored as one of EdTech Digest’s Top 100 Influencers for 2023-2024 and is a 2024 EdTech Digest Finalist for Leadership as an edtech author/speaker or podcaster, standing alongside industry leaders who are making significant contributions across K-12, higher education, and workforce learning.

 

Most recently, Mary has been chosen as one of the new Senior Fellows at The Center for Model Schools, where she will engage as an expert and thought leader, providing invaluable counsel on leadership development and contributing to the growth of education leaders and the Center as a whole. She will deliver engaging keynote speeches, extend the Center’s outreach to the education community, and offer guidance and support in strategic planning, leadership coaching, organizational culture, equity, and policy development, aligning her expertise with the Center’s mission.

 

Mary is the author of ‘The One-Minute Meeting: Creating Student Stakeholders in Schools,’ a compelling resource designed to inspire school and district leaders to fully engage with and empower their students. This book serves as an invaluable asset for courses in school leadership and administration.

 

As a self-proclaimed edupreneur, Dr. Mary Hemphill seamlessly integrates her wealth of experience in education and entrepreneurship. Her unique fusion of these realms equips leaders across industries with innovative strategies and transformative leadership development.

 

Beyond her impactful work with schools, districts, and organizations nationwide, Mary also shares her expertise as a contributor to Forbes where she pins a monthly column on leadership strategy. Her pioneering efforts in leveraging technology to drive educational transformation underscore her professional presence and credibility in the edtech space. Driven by a philosophy centered on breaking through limiting beliefs to unleash one’s authentic and powerful self, she fosters transformational leadership. Mary firmly believes that nurturing young adults, learning communities, and organizations to lead the movement is paramount in creating positive global shifts.

Lisa Grimes

Lisa T. Grimes

Managing Director, The Friendship Institute

Lisa Grimes is Managing Director of the Friendship Institute, home of the
Friendship Matters™ podcast, where she and her colleagues work with individuals and corporations to improve well-being and boost productivity through meaningful social connection. She also serves as an executive and leadership coach with Habergeon. Lisa has nearly 40 years of experience in various executive and board roles across large and small life sciences companies. Lisa enjoys giving back, serving on various local, national and international boards. She’s led a Mentor Mastermind for the last decade. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UNCChapel Hill, where she’s also served as an adjunct faculty member. Lisa co-authored Remember Who You Are, a best-selling book on success, balance, and fulfillment

Michelle Proctor

Michelle Proctor

Director of Operations & Chief of Staff
Risk, Fraud and Compliance Solutions
SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina

Michelle Proctor is the Chief of Staff for the Risk, Fraud and Compliance Solutions division of SAS. In this capacity she is responsible for the daily operations of 700 global resources across R&D, Risk & Finance Advisory Services, Portfolio Strategy and Operations. Michelle serves on the Diversity Council for SAS as the sponsor of the SAS Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) and is one of two leaders heading up the externally facing Women in Analytics (WIA) program. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Prior to SAS, Michelle worked at IBM and NASA. She is extremely passionate about STEM and volunteers her spare time to educational outreach through several non-profits.

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2025 ATHENA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

March 18, 2025

Session i
10:30-11:20

Session ii
11:30-12:20

Session iii
2:10-3:00

Kathy Weaver

 

SESSION 1A – Room 8

Career Success Strategies: From Blindspot to Breakthroughs

Presented by: Kathy Weaver
Founder & CEO, Talent Weaver Solutions

Kathy Weaver, Founder and CEO of Talent Weaver Solutions, is an experienced global Human Resources leader, leadership development program facilitator, and career coach. With experience as a Chief Human
Resources Officer, Fortune 1000 global Talent Acquisition leader, and champion for Inclusion & Diversity, Kathy combines executive leadership skills with a personal passion for helping organizations and individuals achieve their talent goals.

J. Dwayne Garnett

 

SESSION 1B – Room 8

Psychological Safety and Workplace Empathy

Presented by: J Dwayne Garnett
Love Advocate & Value-Based Educator
Love Is A Parable

J. Dwayne Garnett, a Love Advocate and Value-Based Educator, is a recipient of the prestigious Parrish “Ham” Womble Distinguished Service Award. As the visionary founder and CEO of Love Is A Parable, he
specializes in solving the unique needs of individuals and organizations through a value-based approach. Drawing from senior and executive-level leadership experience, Garnett is renowned as an inspiring speaker,
esteemed author, and trusted consultant committed to fostering personal acceptance, reflective storytelling, and togetherness through the power of value-based education. Garnett’s expertise has made him a highly sought-after speaker, delivering impactful keynote addresses, training sessions, and workshops for a diverse array of audiences and occasions. Notable engagements include the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Series, Wake County Health and Human Services, Benedict College, Voorhees University, and numerous others. His insights have garnered attention from prestigious publications such as Main & Broad Magazine, and he has shared his wisdom as a featured guest on PBS North Carolina’s Black Issues Forum. As a dynamic and captivating orator, Garnett ignites audiences with his passion for living with purpose and intention. His speaking repertoire covers a wide spectrum of topics including value-based education, personal and professional development, diversity, equity, and inclusion, career readiness, recruitment and sales strategies, organizational management, and conflict navigation. In his role as CEO of Love Is A Parable, Garnett continues to catalyze positive change within communities,
empowering individuals and organizations to address their distinct needs while fostering unity and embracing the power of value-based education. For further insights into the impactful work of J. Dwayne Garnett, visit their website at loveisaparable.com.

Sterling Fulton

SESSION 1C – Room 8

Bloom Where you are Planted

Presented by: Sterllng Fulton
Director of Training and Evaluation
The Center for Black Health & Equity

I am a dedicated health equity advocate and community capacity builder with over 20 years of experience empowering underserved communities through innovative training, strategic leadership, and evidence-based solutions. My work has spanned public health, capacity building, and program evaluation, with a focus on advancing health outcomes for African American communities.

As the Director of Training & Technical Assistance at The Center for Black Health & Equity, I lead the design and implementation of programs that enhance community engagement, promote policy change, and build organizational capacity. I’m passionate about creating culturally competent, sustainable solutions that address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.

I enjoy collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to drive positive change. Let’s connect and discuss how we can work together to build healthier, more equitable communities.

Mira Brancu

 

SESSION 2A – Room 9

Redefining Leadership in 2025: Leading Authentically for Introverted, Humble, High-Achieving Women

Presented by: Dr. Mira Brancu
Founder & Principle Consultant
Towerscope a Brancu & Associates Company

Dr. Mira Brancu is the CEO of Towerscope, an award-winning social impact consulting firm that helps executives and their teams to lead well today and better navigate tomorrow, and Founder of Towerscope Leadership Academy, a leadership development learning community for women-centered leaders in STEM, tech, healthcare, and academia. To this work, she brings 20+ years of experience in healthcare, research, and education, including a leadership career at the US Department of Veterans Affairs and a faculty appointment at Duke University. Mira is the author of Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics and its companion workbook, writes about women in leadership for Psychology Today, and is host of The Hard Skills radio show and podcast. She was elected to Fellow status of the American Psychological Association in 2024 for her national impact on the field of psychology; awarded the Early Career Woman Psychologist in Management Award in 2020 from the Society of Psychologists in Leadership and the 2022 Hero Award by A Lotta Love for her research groups contribution to demonstrating the impact of this non-profit’s work on homeless shelter outcomes; and identified as one of the Top 50 Influential Women in the Triangle in 2021 in North Carolina. Her company received the 2021 Corporate Philanthropy Award from the Triangle Business Journal. She is also a founding member of Forefront, powered by internationally renowned MG100 Coaches Agency.  

Gala Glow

 

SESSION 2B – Room 9

How to Start or Scale a Business in the New World: Strategies for Thriving in the Modern Economy

Presented by: Gala Glow
Owner and CEO of Zagrava Women Ecosystem

  • Serial Entrepreneur | International Mentor for New World WomenEntrepreneurs.
  • Founder of Zagrava Women – an ecosystem empowering women entrepreneurs of the New Era.
  • Started her first business at 19.
  • Built 8 successful ventures across various industries, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
  • Transitioned from burnout to a state of flow, redefining success for herself and others.
  • Pioneered energy-driven approaches in business, merging strategy with soul.
  • Helped hundreds of women entrepreneurs achieve tangible results while aligning their businesses with their values and purpose.
  • My superpower: blending spiritual practices with business strategies to help entrepreneurs create with ease, scale sustainably, and avoid burnout.
  • I believe in entrepreneurs who build businesses with love, trust their intuition, live in harmony with themselves, transform the world through their work, and grow through energy, not force.
Jennifer Meyer

SESSION 2C – Room 9

Living and Leading with Purpose: Integrating Personal Fulfillment and Professional Success

Presented by: Jennifer Meyer
CEO, Consider Jennifer

Jennifer is a dynamic speaker, leadership consultant, and trainer with a passion for empowering individuals to lead with purpose and live intentionally. With a background in mindset coaching, personal development, and leadership, Jennifer helps professionals—especially women—integrate their personal values with their careers for greater fulfillment and success. She brings over a decade of experience in coaching, leadership development, and organizational training, having worked with both individuals and teams to foster growth, resilience, and work-life integration.

Me'Chelle Degree

 

SESSION 3A – Auditorium 250

The Resilience Compass: Harnessing People, Purpose, and Passion

Presented by: Me’chelle Degree
3rd Degree Solutions

Two decades of business management experience, training, development and leadership consulting. These skills , along with my entrepreneurial spirit has enabled me to transition from managing projects within organizations to consulting with small and large organizations to develop employee’s leadership skills. As a John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach, I serve as a keynote speaker, orator, and panelist. I am known for designing interactive events that result in continuous sold out workshops, seminars, and conferences. Being such an action-oriented person, one that enjoys “Making Life Happen, instead of Life just happening”. 

My love for people and my ability to strengthen a healthy relationship with fortune 500 companies empowered me to leverage and create first-time technology processes and systems that proved profitable for both the company and the vendor. 

I have mastered the art of strategic leadership and developed a unique series of “Blueprint Leadership” Workshops for Women, College Students, Businesses and Religious Institutions. I believe in paying it forward and sharing my experience with students as a classroom guest speaker, facilitating workshops and participating in career fairs. I am proud to read the testimonials of clients such as “She inspired our students to be more confident in who they are and be proud of their name.” “All attendees left with a true sense of what their next steps on their journey would be.”

Melissa Overton

 

SESSION 3B – Auditorium 250

Follow Your Compass: Living Your Purpose Passionately

Presented by: Melissa Overton
Founder/CEO MedicalTraining.me and The Overton Experience

Part nurse, thriving entrepreneur, dynamic speaker, networking guru, devoted mom, and music enthusiast- Melissa Overton is a force of nature. 

Melissa is the founder of MedicalTraining.me, a healthcare/safety continuing education company, and The Overton Experience, specializing in keynote speaking, team building, and leadership consulting.   Known for her passion, compassion, and exceptional networking skills, she is a trusted leader who helps others succeed.

With over 20 years as a critical care nurse and educator, Melissa launched MedicalTraining.me in 2013, providing life-changing training in CPR/BLS, First Aid, Advanced Life Support, and leadership through her certification as a John Maxwell Team speaker, coach, and trainer.

Her community impact includes co-founding Launch JoCo (Entrepreneurship Development) and ElevateHER (Women’s Professional Development Conference). In 2022, she revamped and now leads the education portion of Leadership Johnston program, which connects leaders countywide to strengthen their leadership and local business ties.

Awards & Recognition:

  • Small Businessperson of the Year, Triangle East Chamber of Commerce (2019)
  • Athena International Award nominee (2020), winner (2021)
  • Innovator of the Year, Clayton Chamber of Commerce (2021)
  • Leaving a Legacy Award, Clayton Chamber of Commerce (2021)
  • Key Contributor Award, Clayton Chamber of Commerce (2022)
  • Volunteer of the Year, Clayton Chamber of Commerce (2023)
  • Citizen of the Year nominee, Clayton Chamber of Commerce (2024)

When not inspiring and leading, Melissa enjoys spending time with loved ones and dancing to old-school hip-hop.

Nesha Pai

SESSION 3C – Auditorium 250

Courageous Dreamers Win:
Harness The Power of a Big Life Vision

Presented by: Nesha Pai
Managing Member, Pai CPA, PLLC

Nesha Pai is the founder of Pai CPA, PLLC, a fully remote bookkeeping firm in Charlotte, NC. She started her firm in February 2011, and was one of the first in the industry to create a fully remote office model, along with giving employment opportunities to primarily to stay-at-home moms. As a single mom, sole owner, she grew from one client on her kitchen table to over 72 with revenues in the multiple six digits.

In January 2020 , Nesha published her book “Overcoming Ordinary Obstacles”, which won the award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction category by the 2020 competition of the American Book Fest. She is currently known as an international speaker, activating women and entrepreneurs to go boldly into the life of their dreams by cultivating the right tools to overcome the obstacles in their way.

Nesha is a recent breast cancer survivor and was named one of the Top 50 Infulential Women in The Mecklenburg Times (2020 and 2024), one of Charlotte’s biggest media publications.

Virgina Parker

 

SESSION 4A – Room 7

Making Every Connection Count

Presented by: Virginia Parker
President, Queens Club Inc.

A North Carolina native and Triangle resident for more than 40 years, I am a high energy, seasoned professional with extensive experience in leadership, management and development in both the for-profit and non-profit world. My passion for my community is a key part of who I am and has been a driving force in both my professional and volunteer work. I am a connector, someone who easily meets people and builds trusting relationships and leverages that skill to effectively influence the decisions of others. I have been successful in applying these skills in the areas of sales, management, business development, fundraising and community relations.

Atoya Hodges

 

SESSION 4B – Room 7

The Leadership Blueprint –
Self Aware, Purposeful, Unstoppable

Presented by: Dr. Atoya Hodges

With 25+ years of leadership experience, I specialize in education, personal/professional development, organizational management, and strategic growth in non-profit and business sectors. As a business/life growth strategist, I inspire purposeful living through dynamic speaking and vision architecture.

Leading a behavioral/mental health organization, I managed a diverse team of 130+ professionals, serving 1,100+ clients monthly, and generating $16M+ revenue while upholding national accreditation standards. Securing contracts with stakeholders like the FBI working with sex trafficking victims and families. I expanded healthcare access across 30 counties.

I excel in creating training programs, committees for corporate compliance, and effective teams.

In the non-profit realm, I raised $3.2M+ in grants, advised on budgeting, and facilitated significant acquisitions/expansions.

Proficient in leadership, case management, business development, and various certifications.

Actively involved in community initiatives, I currently serve as the Board President for Athena of the Triangle and am a passionate advocate and public speaker for marginalized communities. My efforts in developing programs for federal prisons and community organizations, organizing fundraising events, and spearheading relief efforts have had a profound impact on community welfare.

Recognized as a top woman leader in North Carolina and recipient of Wake County’s Most Inspiring Award.

My key skills include visionary leadership, case management, cultural competence, business development, accountability, process improvement, compliance, strategic thinking, decision-making, training and development, data-driven outcomes, organizational skills, and budgeting. I am proficient in Microsoft Office and various accounting software and hold certifications in Lean Six Sigma (Yellow Belt), Dale Carnegie Leadership, Athena Leadership Development, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed Care, and Emotional Intelligence.

My educational background includes BS in Accounting, BS in Business Administration, MBA, M.Ed, MHSA, and PHD. My passion for leadership and community development drives ongoing mentoring and inspiration through workshops, conferences, and board involvement

Latisha Newby

SESSION 4C – Room 7

Unlock Your Leadership Potential: How to Inspire and Empower Others

Presented by: Latisha Newby

Latisha Newby is the driving force behind Cultivate HR Consulting. With 20 years of rich human resources experience, Latisha has been a transformative force supporting organizations.  Through Cultivate HR Consulting, Latisha empowers small and mid-size businesses by delivering tailored HR solutions, including leadership and employee development. She also leads HR certification prep courses, helping HR professionals achieve their certifications to advance their careers. As a licensed attorney, Latisha brings a unique fusion of legal acumen and people-centered leadership to her work. Her expertise is rooted in a commitment to building equitable, inclusive, and growth-oriented workplace cultures.  Passionate about giving back, Latisha actively volunteers with Raleigh Metro SHRM as Certification Director, supporting the next generation of HR leaders. Her dedication to advancing the HR profession and fostering thriving organizations makes her a sought-after leader, consultant, and mentor.

SECURE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Seats are limited, and this event WILL sell out. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this empowering experience.