And what I often see is, and I was actually speaking at an all boys boarding school recently to the faculty about the responsibility that faculty have as role models for young men. But one of the bullets that I had is in my slide was that systems, masculinity is often shaped more by systems than beliefs and value systems. And by that I mean that systems often tell us what is acceptable, what is not acceptable in terms of how we can show up as men. The flip side, these systems

Athena is featured in the San Diego Business Journal for the launch of its new AI Academy , developed in partnership with the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (SDCCOE). The article highlights Athena’s approach to AI adoption through a clear workforce lens—prioritizing leadership readiness, talent development, and responsible implementation. CEO Holly Smithson underscores that conversations about AI must include cybersecurity and workforce strategy, positioning the Academ

Well, hi, everyone. Welcome to the Ask & Offer formula, Mastering Networking that drives Outcomes. I'm so excited you were all able to join us this evening. I'm May Goodjohn, Athena's program manager. I'm responsible for bringing our portfolio of programs to market each year. Before we begin, I just wanted to go over a couple of housekeeping items. First, Judy mentioned this for those who were here, but just if you can please make sure that your name on Zoom states your actua

Dear Athena Community,   Like many of you, I am wrestling with a deep sense of grief and helplessness in the wake of Alex Pretti and Renee Goode’s murders in Minnesota. It’s heart wrenching to witness such inhumane violence against our neighbors—especially when it unfolds in full view, amid a sea of bystanders, leaving many wondering how our world could feel this unsafe and this close to home.   Please know this: you are not alone and this intense fear is natural.   However,

This Academy is built on a simple belief: AI leadership isn’t about mastering technology, it’s about advancing people and designed for those who thrive when learning in community.

“This board is purpose-built for this moment. Their combined business and technical leadership will help Athena scale practical AI upskilling while strengthening the community-driven learning experiences that make Athena distinctive—ensuring women remain competitive, confident, and visible in the future of work.”

What happens when you combine the pulse of Times Square , the power of STEM leadership , and a 26-year mission  to advance women leaders? Athena celebrated at NASDAQ ….. closing the bell, widening new pathways, and ringing in a future where innovation and inclusion rise in tandem. SCROLL TO SEE ALL OF THE HIGHLIGHTS A Milestone Moment in the Heart of New York’s Times Square On October 21, 2025 , Athena convened Fortune 500 partners, startup founders, and STEM leaders to celeb

As 2025 draws to a close, Athena invites you to end the year strong — together. This fall, we’re turning momentum into mastery with four high-impact programs designed to sharpen your leadership edge, deepen your connections, and remind you why community is the ultimate accelerator. Whether you’re climbing toward the boardroom, building human-centered skills for the AI era, or reconnecting with the women who lift as they climb — Athena is where it all comes together. Athena o

Hundreds of members of Athena’s powerful STEM community came together under one roof at ResMed Headquarters in San Diego for the 5th Annual Lifting While Climbing Summit — a night that was more than an event. It was an experience . From the moment attendees arrived, the energy was unmistakable — alive with conversation, curiosity, and connection. As Athena CEO Holly Smithson took the stage, she looked out at a sea of bright minds and opened the evening with both conviction

Kristeen Barth I'm going to take this off. I think your audio is going to be through that camera. Holly Smithson Okay, great. Hello, everyone. Hello, hello. Welcome and good evening to the fabulous world of Pfizer. Pretty nice digs here. Really delighted to have all of you come here this evening. My name is Holly Smithson. I'm a Athena's President and CEO, and we have a really exciting agenda tonight, which is obviously why you're all here. But I want to talk to you a little

Katy Temple ( 00:04:30.00 ) . Hey, everyone. Holly Smithson ( 00:04:39.18 ) We are going to kick off tonight's program, How to Present...

Athena CEO Holly Smithson recently joined host Ted Vaughn on the Future Nonprofit  podcast for a candid and inspiring conversation about...

Athena announces a strategic alliance with Biotech CEO Sisterhood to deliver custom executive leadership programs designed to equip...

PART 3: ATHENA MENTORS & SPONSORS BLOG SERIES While mentors advise you, sponsors bet on you. A sponsor uses their reputation to endorse...

PART 2: ATHENA MENTORS & SPONSORS BLOG SERIES Mentorship doesn’t start with a formal request. It starts with curiosity and connection....

PART 4: ATHENA MENTORS & SPONSORS BLOG SERIES The greatest leaders lift others as they climb. And they know the difference between...

PART 1: ATHENA MENTORS & SPONSORS BLOG SERIES In the modern workplace, mentorship and sponsorship are often used interchangeably. But...

PART 4: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES You don’t need to code to lead in an AI-powered workplace. But you do need fluency—the ability to...

PART 3: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES With great power comes great responsibility. AI’s potential is massive—but so are the risks of bias,...

PART 2: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES AI isn’t just about ChatGPT or code. It’s being used today to accelerate drug discovery, personalize...

PART 4: ATHENA ALLYSHIP BLOG SERIES Let’s be honest. Allyship often sounds like sacrifice. Give up space. Give up power. Take a step...

PART 1: ATHENA ALLYSHIP BLOG SERIES Inclusion is not just a values-based initiative—it’s a performance imperative. According to 2023...

PART 3: ATHENA ALLYSHIP BLOG SERIES The number one hesitation men cite in Athena’s allyship cohorts? “What if I mess this up?” Let’s...

PART 2: ATHENA ALLYSHIP BLOG SERIES The most powerful motivation for allyship isn’t found in corporate policy—it’s found at home. It...