SAN DIEGO— Athena, a San Diego–based global leadership organization advancing women in science and technology, added two new members to its board of directors, strengthening its position at the intersection of workforce development, life sciences and the rapidly evolving AI economy.
Athena’s board announced the appointments of Karine Wenger, managing partner of Fragomen’s San Diego office, and Dr. Julien Willard, head of research and investments at BioPalace.
The board expansion comes as Athena continues to scale its leadership programs and AI workforce training initiatives across a global member base spanning more than 170 countries.
Karine Wenger — Fragomen
Wenger brings more than two decades of experience advising high-growth companies and multinational organizations on immigration strategy and global workforce planning. Her work centers on helping companies navigate policy complexity while building competitive, future-ready teams — a growing priority for San Diego’s life sciences and technology sectors.
She has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America for several consecutive years and named a Woman of Influence in Law by the San Diego Business Journal. In addition to her legal practice, she has held board roles with the San Diego French-American Chamber of Commerce and the American Immigration Lawyers Association and maintains an active pro bono practice.
“Athena’s mission aligns closely with my experience on global workforce planning strategies and intentionally developing leaders over the last two decades,” said Ms. Wenger. “I am delighted to bring that perspective to this board.”
Dr. Julien Willard — BioPalace
Dr. Willard brings deep experience in life sciences strategy, capital formation and large-scale transformation. He advises biopharma executives and boards on mergers, licensing and investment strategy and has held senior roles at IBM Consulting and Accenture Strategy.
His background includes structuring more than $1 billion in cross-border partnerships at the World Bank and advancing access to medicines through his work with Oxfam. His experience spans both the commercial and policy dimensions of healthcare innovation — a dual lens increasingly relevant to the biotech ecosystem.
“Athena has spent more than two decades proving that talent is evenly distributed while opportunity is not,” said Dr. Willard. “The work of closing that gap belongs to all of us.”
“Karine brings critical expertise in global talent strategy at a time when workforce mobility and policy are shaping growth. Julien brings deep experience in life sciences, capital strategy and transformation. Both perspectives strengthen our ability to serve companies building for what’s next,” said Holly Smithson, President and CEO of Athena.
About Athena
Athena is a San Diego–based global leadership organization advancing women in STEM and cultivating allies through leadership development, mentorship and workforce training programs. Its members span more than 170 countries, with a strong presence across Southern California’s technology and life sciences sectors.
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