ATHENA Enlightened 
Leaders
What is ATHENA Enlightened Leaders?
Presented by ATHENA of the Triangle, this social learning program is a series of highly interactive workshops each focused on an ATHENA Leadership Principle. The program is open to any woman, whether early in her career or who already has some leadership experience, who wants to improve her leadership skills while supporting a network of like-minded leaders.
What’s the Format of the Sessions?
Participants will come together in a collaborative and non-competitive space to share personal challenges and experiences. There will be some pre-reading in the “Becoming ATHENA” book and assessments from an accompanying workbook to set the tone before each session. Learning within the sessions will be reinforced through external speakers, and experiential learning activities. The 2025-2026 program will include one 90-minute virtual session (8:30-10:30 am) on the first Thursday of each month. In addition, there will be 4 in person events including our annual ATHENA fall luncheon, Orientation & Goal Setting, Vision Boarding & Optimizing LinkedIn, and our ATHENA spring conference.
What are some Soft Skills I can expect to build?
This program will focus on concepts such as staying true to yourself as a leader, continuing to learn by staying curious, embracing failure, and building relationships. Additionally, soft skills like creative and creative thinking, decision-making, networking, time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution will also be part of the sessions.
How do I work on building these skills between sessions?
Each participant receives a workbook that will contain materials, videos, and other resources that can be used for additional personal reflection and/or inspiration. Many of the principles also contain “pre-tests” that help you gauge how you feel before and after the sessions. This will allow each participant to keep a close watch on their growth and development, and ask for additional help when they need it.
How much does it cost?
The entire workshop series is $850. That includes all materials, ATHENA fall & spring events, and small group interaction with experienced leaders and career coaches. Scholarships are available based on need. Contact us at AEL@ATHENATriangle.org if interested.
What Makes us Unique?
The content contributors are highly accomplished individuals. Some hold doctorates, some win awards (including one from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), and some have consulted with prestigious organizations (such as the United Nations)! Although the program is based on women in leadership, we recognize the importance of male support in our growth. Therefore, some of the accomplished leaders at each session will be men.
The content contributors are highly accomplished individuals. Some hold doctorates, some win awards (including one from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), and some have consulted with prestigious organizations (such as the United Nations)! Although the program is based on women in leadership, we recognize the importance of male support in our growth. Therefore, some of the accomplished leaders at each session will be men.
Our 2025 program consisted of 8 local speakers who add real-life experiences to each principle.
2025/2026 ATHENA Enlightened Leaders Speakers
| Event | Speakers | 
| Live Authentically & SWOT | Dr. Atoya Hodges | 
| Learn Constantly | Dr. Saundra Wall Williams, Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach | 
| Build Relationships | Becky Brown, Senior Revenue, Enablement Specialist at SAS | 
| Foster Collaboration | Andora Hinton, CEO, Leadership Expert, Speaker | 
| Advocate Fiercely | J. Dwayne Garnett, Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer | 
| Act Courageously | J. Dwayne Garnett, Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer | 
| Give Back | Amber Smith, CEO – Activate Good | 
| Celebrate | Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith, Executive Director, ATHENA of the Triangle | 

Dr. Atoya Hodges
Board Chair, ATHENA of the Triangle

Becky Brown
Senior Revenue Enablement Specialist - SAS

J. Dwayne Garnett
Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith
Executive Director - ATHENA of the Triangle

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams
Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

Andora Hinton
CEO, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Willow North Growth Partners

Amber Smith
CEO - Activate Good
Select Previous Speakers

Mira Brancu
Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Charmaine Riggins
SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

Sherry Essig
Executive and Life Coach, Flow Dynamix

Virgina Parker
SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Channte Keith
Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Niya Fonville Swint
Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez
Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Donald Thompson
CEO & Co-Founder, The Diversity Movement

Doug Stewart
Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Jes Averhart
Founder & Creator of Reinvention Road Trip
Questions? Please email us at: ael@athenaofthetriangle.org
 
			
			What is ATHENA Enlightened Leaders?
Presented by ATHENA of the Triangle, this social learning program is a series of highly interactive workshops each focused on an ATHENA Leadership Principle. The program is open to any woman, whether early in her career or who already has some leadership experience, who wants to improve her leadership skills while supporting a network of like-minded leaders.
What’s the Format of the Sessions?
Participants will come together in a collaborative and non-competitive space to share personal challenges and experiences. There will be some pre-reading in the “Becoming ATHENA” book and assessments from an accompanying workbook to set the tone before each session. Learning within the sessions will be reinforced through external speakers, and experiential learning activities. The 2024-2025 program will include one 90-minute virtual session (8:30-10:30 am) on the first Thursday of each month. In addition, there will be 4 in person events including our annual ATHENA fall luncheon, Orientation & Goal Setting, Vision Boarding & Optimizing LinkedIn, and our ATHENA spring conference.
What are some Soft Skills I can expect to build?
This program will focus on concepts such as staying true to yourself as a leader, continuing to learn by staying curious, embracing failure, and building relationships. Additionally, soft skills like creative and creative thinking, decision-making, networking, time management, problem solving, and conflict resolution will also be part of the sessions.
How do I work on building these skills between sessions?
Each participant receives a workbook that will contain materials, videos, and other resources that can be used for additional personal reflection and/or inspiration. Many of the principles also contain “pre-tests” that help you gauge how you feel before and after the sessions. This will allow each participant to keep a close watch on their growth and development, and ask for additional help when they need it.
How much does it cost?
The entire workshop series is $850. That includes all materials, ATHENA fall & spring events, and small group interaction with experienced leaders and career coaches. Scholarships are available based on need. Contact us at AEL@ATHENATriangle.org if interested.
What Makes us Unique?
Our 2025 program consisted of 8 local speakers who add real-life experiences to each principle.
2025/2026 ATHENA Enlightened Leaders Speakers
| Event | Speakers | 
| Live Authentically & SWOT | Dr. Atoya Hodges | 
| Learn Constantly | Dr. Saundra Wall Williams, Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach | 
| Build Relationships | Becky Brown, Senior Revenue, Enablement Specialist at SAS | 
| Foster Collaboration | Andora Hinton, CEO, Leadership Expert, Speaker | 
| Advocate Fiercely | J. Dwayne Garnett, Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer | 
| Act Courageously | J. Dwayne Garnett, Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer | 
| Give Back | Amber Smith, CEO – Activate Good | 
| Celebrate | Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith, Executive Director, ATHENA of the Triangle | 

Dr. Atoya Hodges
Board Chair, ATHENA of the Triangle

Becky Brown
Senior Revenue Enablement Specialist - SAS

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams
Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

J. Dwayne Garnett
Love Advocate, Conflict Navigator, Value-Based Educator, Empowerment Speaker, Thought Partner, & Leadership Developer

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith
Executive Director - ATHENA of the Triangle

Amber Smith
CEO - Activate Good
Select Previous Speakers

Channte Keith
Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Virgina Parker
SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Doug Stewart
Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Charmaine Riggins
SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

Mira Brancu
Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Niya Fonville Swint
Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez
Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Sherry Essig
Executive and Life Coach, Flow Dynamix

Donald Thompson
CEO & Co-Founder, The Diversity Movement

Jes Averhart
Founder & Creator of Reinvention Road Trip
Questions? Please email us at: ael@athenaofthetriangle.org
