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
Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach
Mira Brancu
Founder and CEO of Towerscope
Channte Keith
Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity
Amber Smith
CEO - Activate Good
Virgina Parker
SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America
Niya Fonville Swint
Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Ada Lopez
Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo
Doug Stewart
Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors
Select Previous Speakers
Charmaine Riggins
SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier
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@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?
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
Speaker, Trainer, Mentor, Coach
Mira Brancu
Founder and CEO of Towerscope
Channte Keith
Director of Programs Center for Black Health Equity
Amber Smith
CEO - Activate Good
Virgina Parker
SVP/Triangle Market Mgr, Bank of America
Niya Fonville Swint
Chief Community Engagement, Legal Aid of North Carolina
Ada Lopez
Manager, Product Diversity Lenovo
Doug Stewart
Storyteller, Speaker, Author 5 1/2 Mentors
Select Previous Speakers
Charmaine Riggins
SVP Business Systems Office, Vontier
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@ATHENATriangle.org