Athena's Vision for 2026: Empowering Women in STEM Leadership

Advancing AI-Ready Leadership

Athena recently announced its 2026 Board of Directors, elected during the organization’s December board meeting. This new board reflects Athena’s strategic focus on advancing AI-ready leadership, accelerating workforce upskilling, and enhancing women’s sustained participation and influence in the global STEM economy.

The 2026 board unites senior executives from various fields, including data science, cybersecurity, enterprise technology, and professional services. Their collective expertise will guide Athena as it expands its AI training portfolio. This initiative aims to deliver leadership development grounded in applied learning, peer exchange, and real-world impact.

“As AI rapidly reshapes how work is performed and how decisions are made, leadership readiness is a core business imperative,” said Holly Smithson, Chief Executive Officer of Athena. “This board is intentionally designed for this moment. Its directors bring the technical fluency, governance experience, and operational insight needed to help Athena scale practical AI upskilling while preserving the power of learning in community.”

Leadership Transition

Athena also announced a leadership transition within its Board of Directors. Jaye Connolly, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RippleNami, has been elected Board Chair, succeeding outgoing Chair Susan Poser. Sara Hyzer, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer at WD-40, will serve as Vice Chair.

“Susan’s leadership strengthened Athena’s governance and positioned the organization to navigate an increasingly complex and polarized landscape,” Smithson added. “With Jaye Connolly as Chair and Sara Hyzer as Vice Chair, Athena enters 2026 with steady, values-driven leadership and a clear mandate to meet the urgency of workforce transformation.”

New Board Directors

Athena welcomes the following new Board Directors:

• Avnita Gulati, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer @ Data Prescient

• Tammy Hawkins, Vice President & Business Information Security Officer @Intuit

• Susan Miller, Senior Director of AI Security @Oracle

• Tiffany Rosik, Chief Executive Officer @TGR Management Consulting

  
  

Additionally, Athena welcomes Samantha Ahern, Director of Quality Operations at QuidelOrtho, who will serve a one-year term as Associate Director.

Strategic Direction for 2026

With a clear strategic direction from its annual board retreat and a growing demand for AI fluency across industries, Athena enters 2026 focused on execution. The organization is aligning its programs, platforms, and partnerships to deliver community-driven AI training and leadership development. This approach enables professionals to learn together, adapt together, and lead with confidence.

The Importance of Community in Learning

Community is at the heart of Athena's mission. By fostering an environment where women in STEM can share experiences and insights, we create a powerful network of support. This network not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens the entire STEM workforce. When we learn together, we build resilience and adaptability, essential traits in today’s fast-evolving landscape.

Embracing Change in the Workforce

As we look ahead, it's clear that the workforce is undergoing significant transformations. The rise of AI and other technologies is reshaping how we work. Embracing these changes is crucial for success. Athena is committed to ensuring that women in STEM are not just participants but leaders in this transformation.

The Role of Leadership in STEM

Leadership in STEM is more than just a title; it’s about influence and impact. Women leaders bring unique perspectives that can drive innovation and change. By advancing women into leadership roles, we can create a more inclusive and effective workforce. This is not just a goal; it’s a necessity for the future of STEM.

Conclusion: A Collective Effort

Together, Athena’s board, staff, and program committees are setting the course for a year defined by capability, conviction, and collective leadership as AI reshapes the future of work. We are on a mission to transform the STEM workforce, aiming to advance one million women into leadership roles by 2030. This goal is ambitious, but with our dedicated team and community, I believe we can achieve it.

Let’s embrace this journey together. Are you ready to be part of the change?