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 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?

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 2024 program consisted of 8 local speakers who add real-life experiences to each principle.

2023/2024 ATHENA Enlightened Leaders Speakers

Event Speakers
Live Authentically Dr. Saundra Wall Williams, Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach
Learn Constantly Mira Brancu, Psychologist – Founder and CEO of Towerscope
Build Relationships Virigina Parker, SVP/Triangle Market Bank Mgr, Bank of America
Foster Collaboration Niya Fonville Swint, Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Advocate Fiercely Doug Stewart – Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors
Act Courageously Ada Lopez, Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo
Give Back Amber Smith, CEO – Activate Good
Celebrate Channte Keith, Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity
Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

Mira Brancu

Mira Brancu

Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Channte Keith

Channte Keith

Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Amber Smith

Amber Smith

CEO - Activate Good

Virgina Parker

Virgina Parker

SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Niya Fonville Swint

Niya Fonville Swint

Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez

Ada Lopez

Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Select Previous Speakers

Charmaine Riggins

Charmaine Riggins

SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

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@ATHENATriangle.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?

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 of the program is rooted in research, science, and psychology. This means while the topics we’ll discuss are broad, we’ll talk about real obstacles and that roadblocks women face when trying to implement the 8 principles. The sessions are a place for you to have honest, down-to-earth conversations with other women who are on the same journey of personal development. Often we have questions that we’re afraid to ask in the workplace, but in our sessions, we encourage everyone to bring their true selves, without fear of being judged.

Our 2024 program consisted of 8 local speakers who add real-life experiences to each principle.

2023/2024 ATHENA Enlightened Leaders Speakers

Event Speakers
Live Authentically Dr. Saundra Wall Williams, Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach
Learn Constantly Mira Brancu, Psychologist – Founder and CEO of Towerscope
Build Relationships Virigina Parker, SVP/Triangle Market Bank Mgr, Bank of America
Foster Collaboration Niya Fonville Swint, Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Advocate Fiercely Doug Stewart – Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors
Act Courageously Ada Lopez, Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo
Give Back Amber Smith, CEO – Activate Good
Celebrate Channte Keith, Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity
Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Dr. Saundra Wall Williams

Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach

Mira Brancu

Mira Brancu

Founder and CEO of Towerscope

Channte Keith

Channte Keith

Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity

Amber Smith

Amber Smith

CEO - Activate Good

Virgina Parker

Virgina Parker

SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America

Niya Fonville Swint

Niya Fonville Swint

Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina

Ada Lopez

Ada Lopez

Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo

Doug Stewart

Doug Stewart

Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors

Select Previous Speakers

Charmaine Riggins

Charmaine Riggins

SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier

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@ATHENATriangle.org