Athena AI Academy Announces Strategic Partnership with the Cyber Center of Excellence
- Athena Staff
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Building AI-Ready Leaders—Responsibly, Confidently, Together
As artificial intelligence radically reshapes how organizations operate, leaders are being asked to move faster—often without clear guardrails, shared language, or confidence in long-term impact. Athena, in partnership with the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE), is proud to launch the Athena AI Academy—a transformative, community-centered curriculum preparing you to use AI responsibly, creatively, and inclusively.
This AI 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.
The Power of the Collaboratory
“When leadership, technology, and security come together in service of people, innovation becomes stewardship. This alliance strengthens San Diego’s standing as a global STEM hub while preparing leaders to shape AI with responsibility and purpose.”
— Holly Smithson, President & CEO, Athena
Why This Matters Now
AI adoption is no longer a future conversation. This moment calls for leaders who understand both AI’s potential and its responsibility. It is a present-day leadership responsibility as organizations are navigating:
Rapid AI deployment with unclear governance and ROI
Rising cybersecurity, regulatory, and trust concerns
Workforce disruption and skills gaps
Pressure to innovate without compromising integrity or security
“The future of AI belongs to leaders who understand not just its power, but the responsibility that comes with it. This partnership with Athena is about more than adoption—it’s about giving organizations the confidence to lead with intention, security, and trust in a moment that demands all three.”
— Lisa Easterly, President & CEO, Cyber Center of Excellence
ATHENA AI ACADEMY OFFERINGS
Beyond the Fear | Leading the Age of AI
B2C | LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATION
6-week certification program
Launches February 24
Designed for those responsible for people, strategy, and outcomes
No technical background required
Ideal for: Business leaders, operators, functional leaders, and decision-makers navigating AI adoption
B2B | CUSTOMIZED ORGANIZATIONAL CERTIFICATION
Company-specific AI certification by function
8-week program delivered on your timeline
Focused on governance, risk, adoption, and execution
ATHENA AI NETWORK
A curated ecosystem connecting trusted AI solution providers with organizations seeking responsible, execution-ready AI pathways.
Exclusive CCOE Member Benefit
As part of this partnership, CCOE members receive a preferred member rate of $2,000 for the 6-week Athena AI Academy certification (Beyond the Fear | Leading the Age of AI).
CCOE Members Use Coupon Code: CCOE500
A Shared Commitment
Athena and CCOE share a commitment to:
Responsible and secure AI adoption
Strong governance and leadership accountability
Workforce readiness in the AI era
Advancing STEM leadership across the region
Together, we’re ensuring leaders don’t face the age of AI alone—but in community, with clarity and confidence.
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