Athena San Diego Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Athena, dedicated to accelerating women’s leadership and economic impact across the STEM economy. We mobilize scholarships, mentorship, and workforce training so more women can access opportunity, grow their careers, and power innovation.
Our Mission
To expand access and advancement for women in STEM by funding scholarships, skills training, AI-readiness, and high-impact programs connecting emerging leaders with mentors, networks, and career opportunities.
What We Do
Scholarships
Tuition support to remove financial barriers for students pursuing STEM education.
Mentorship & Career Pathways
Mentoring and executive guidance that translate ambition into advancement.
AI & Future-Skills Training
Practical learning that equips women with the tools and confidence to lead in fast-moving tech environments.
Community Partnerships
Collaborations with schools, universities, and employers to widen pathways into high-growth STEM roles.
Why It Matters
When more women lead in STEM, teams outperform, products serve more people, and economies thrive. The Foundation turns community generosity into measurable career mobility—one scholarship, one skill, one promotion at a time.
How You Can Help
Give
Co-develop initiatives that align with your organization’s DEI, innovation, and leadership goals.
Sponsor
Empower your peers and emerging leaders through direct support of Athena’s leadership development and AI programs.
Mentor
Fund access to the Lifting While Climbing Summit or AI training cohorts for high-potential professionals.
BOARD OFFICERS
SARA ZAKNOEN
PRESIDENT
Principal | Zed Strategic Consulting
SUE EBNER
TREASURER
Principal | Ebner Consults
FOUNDATION BOARD
TRACY LAWHON
Strategic Development and Operations Consultant
AMY ROMAKER
Director, Client Service |
Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLP
VICKI MARION
President | The Marion Group
GWEN ROSENBERG
Vice President of Global Corporate Communications |
Integrated DNA Technologies