ATHENA Enlightened
Leaders

Our 2026-2027 Virtual ATHENA Enlightened Leaders’ Cohort 8 Program will be starting this coming fall!

Want to learn more about our program? Join us for one of our informational sessions.

Now Accepting Applications for Cohort 8!

The 2026–2027 Virtual ATHENA Enlightened Leaders’ Program begins this fall.

Are you ready to grow as a confident, values-driven leader? Join a powerful community of women committed to lifting each other up while making a meaningful impact.

Cohort 8 kicks off this fall — apply now to reserve your spot and start your leadership journey!

Have questions? Please contact us at ael@athenaofthetriangle.org.

The deadline to apply is August 28, 2026.

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 2026-2027 program will include virtual and in person sessions and will include the Athena Leadership principles, our annual spring conference, and optional activities that encourage individual enrichment.

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 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 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.

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

Dr. Atoya Hodges

Board Chair, ATHENA of the Triangle

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith

Executive Director - ATHENA of the Triangle

Becky Brown

Becky Brown

Senior Revenue Enablement Specialist - SAS

Amber Smith

Amber Smith

CEO - Activate Good

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

J. Dwayne Garnett

J. Dwayne Garnett

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

Andora Hinton

Andora Hinton

CEO, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Willow North Growth Partners

Select Previous Speakers

Mira Brancu

Mira Brancu

Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Charmaine Riggins

Charmaine Riggins

SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

Sherry Essig

Sherry Essig

Executive and Life Coach, Flow Dynamix

Virgina Parker

Virgina Parker

SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Channte Keith

Channte Keith

Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Niya Fonville Swint

Niya Fonville Swint

Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez

Ada Lopez

Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Donald Thompson

Donald Thompson

CEO & Co-Founder, The Diversity Movement

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Jes Averhart

Jes Averhart

Founder & Creator of Reinvention Road Trip

Questions? Please email us at: ael@athenaofthetriangle.org

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.

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

Dr. Atoya Hodges

Board Chair, ATHENA of the Triangle

Becky Brown

Becky Brown

Senior Revenue Enablement Specialist - SAS

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

J. Dwayne Garnett

J. Dwayne Garnett

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

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith

Dr. Tiamesha Walker-Smith

Executive Director - ATHENA of the Triangle

Amber Smith

Amber Smith

CEO - Activate Good

Select Previous Speakers

Channte Keith

Channte Keith

Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Virgina Parker

Virgina Parker

SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Charmaine Riggins

Charmaine Riggins

SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

Mira Brancu

Mira Brancu

Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Niya Fonville Swint

Niya Fonville Swint

Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez

Ada Lopez

Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Sherry Essig

Sherry Essig

Executive and Life Coach, Flow Dynamix

Donald Thompson

Donald Thompson

CEO & Co-Founder, The Diversity Movement

Jes Averhart

Jes Averhart

Founder & Creator of Reinvention Road Trip

Questions? Please email us at: ael@athenaofthetriangle.org