Risk, Reinvention & Rising Women | Athena CEO on the Future Nonprofit Podcast
- Athena Staff
- Jun 17
- 2 min read
Athena CEO Holly Smithson recently joined host Ted Vaughn on the Future Nonprofit podcast for a candid and inspiring conversation about what it means to lead boldly, navigate disruption, and remain deeply connected to those you serve.
The episode traces Smithson’s journey from a news-loving child watching World News Tonight with her father, to a Capitol Hill lobbyist and presidential appointee, to a breast cancer survivor leading a global movement to fast-track women in STEM leadership. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the personal and professional moments that have shaped her approach to leadership—rooted in advocacy, authenticity, and innovation.
“So many people are not voicing their power,” Smithson shared, recounting a lifetime of being told to “settle down” or “tone it down.” Her message to women in STEM—and to leaders everywhere—is clear: “Just be authentically you.”
As the CEO of Athena, Smithson leads a global platform dedicated to advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Under her leadership, Athena has grown from a San Diego-based incubator into what she calls a “global confidence lab”—serving women in 178 countries and partnering with companies like AWS, Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, and RippleNami to strengthen executive pipelines, foster inclusive workplace cultures, and accelerate workforce readiness.
The organization’s bold goal: to advance 1 million women into STEM leadership by 2030.
Key Themes from the Episode:
Vulnerability as a Strength: Smithson speaks openly about her breast cancer diagnosis and how it shattered her confidence—and ultimately transformed her. “That armor that once served you,” she says, “sometimes needs to come off.”
Innovation as a Necessity: With 90% of nonprofits failing within the first few years, she emphasizes that strategic innovation—not just passion—is what keeps a mission alive. “Resisting what is… that’s not innovation. That’s stagnation,” she says. “Ride the wave you’re on.”
Staying Connected to the People You Serve: Smithson pushes back against the idea that higher-level leaders should be removed from day-to-day engagement. “That doesn’t interest me at all. I want to stay close to the customer.”
Amplifying Voices: Whether through Athena’s leadership development programs, male allyship initiatives, or student partnerships, Smithson’s message is consistent: the voices that have been silenced or sidelined must now be heard—and honored.
The episode also recounts Athena’s origins as a grassroots initiative launched by biotech and public policy trailblazers like Barbara Bry, Tina Nova, and Lynn Schenk, and how it has evolved into a performance-driven partner for global STEM employers. Through strategic innovation, expanded access, and an unwavering commitment to equity, Athena has continued to adapt to each moment—from the MeToo movement to a pandemic to a political climate that challenges inclusion efforts.
“This isn’t about putting women in a room to solve the problem by themselves,” Smithson said. “It’s about co-creating solutions, scaling allies, and building a future-ready workforce.”
As the nonprofit sector navigates its own transformation, Smithson’s leadership offers a timely reminder that growth, relevance, and resilience require courage—and a deep relationship with the unknown.
🎙️ Listen to the full episode here:
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