Welcoming Two New Leaders to the ATHENA International Board
ATHENA International is proud to welcome Sandra Corey-Knight and Carrie Rathbun Hawks to its Board of Directors. Each brings a distinct and highly valuable perspective, and together they strengthen the Board's ability to continue guiding ATHENA with wisdom, accountability, and deep commitment to its mission.
Their appointments reflect the kind of leadership ATHENA champions: values-centered, service-driven, and focused on creating meaningful impact for leaders and the communities they serve.
Sandra Corey-Knight: Strategic Oversight, Financial Stewardship, and Governance Strength
Sandra Corey-Knight
Sandy brings extensive executive leadership experience spanning the education, nonprofit, legal, and public sectors.
She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, where she oversees financial management, operations, compliance, and organizational effectiveness for a school district in California. Her career also includes executive leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, financial oversight positions, and legal practice. This breadth of experience gives Sandra deep expertise in governance, risk management, strategic planning, fiduciary responsibility, and operational leadership.
Sandra's professional background includes service with Girls Inc., reflecting a longstanding commitment to advancing opportunities for women and girls. That alignment with ATHENA's mission makes her perspective especially meaningful as the organization continues to expand its impact.
She is widely recognized for her integrity, sound judgment, and service-oriented leadership. Sandra brings a thoughtful and highly accountable approach to board service, grounded in stewardship, ethics, and long-term organizational health. She is the kind of leader who helps organizations make strong, well-informed decisions while staying focused on mission and responsibility.
As ATHENA grows, Sandra's expertise in financial stewardship, compliance, governance, and strategic oversight will be an important asset to the Board and to the future of the organization.
Carrie Rathbun Hawks: Deep ATHENA Experience and Mission-Focused Leadership
Carrie Rathbun Hawks
Carrie brings an exceptional blend of ATHENA knowledge, communications expertise, and governance experience to the Board.
As a Certified ATHENA Facilitator, graduate of the ATHENA Leadership Institute, and ATHENA Award recipient, Carrie already has a deep understanding of ATHENA's mission, leadership principles, and culture. She has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to the organization through her work developing and supporting leaders in ATHENA programs.
Professionally, Carrie is an accomplished communications strategist with more than 30 years of experience in public relations, stakeholder engagement, writing, editing, and organizational leadership. Her background includes leading her own public relations firm, teaching at the university level, and serving in leadership roles across nonprofit and professional boards. That combination gives her both strategic vision and practical governance insight.
Carrie is especially known for her ability to offer thoughtful, honest, and mission-focused counsel. She brings clarity to complex issues, and does so in a way that strengthens collaboration and trust. Her leadership style reflects a strong balance of accountability and relationship-building, qualities that are essential for effective board service.
She also brings strengths that complement organizational growth: process discipline, attention to detail, operational follow-through, and a commitment to excellence. As ATHENA continues to evolve, those qualities will support strong governance, sustainable systems, and effective decision-making.
A Stronger Future for ATHENA International
The addition of Carrie Rathbun Hawks and Sandra Corey-Knight reflects ATHENA International's ongoing commitment to building a Board with the experience, judgment, and passion needed to support its next chapter.
"I am thrilled to welcome Carrie Rathbun Hawks and Sandra Corey-Knight to the ATHENA International Board of Directors. Carrie brings a deep understanding of ATHENA's mission and culture, along with thoughtful leadership and strong governance experience. Sandra brings outstanding expertise in finance, operations, and strategic oversight, paired with a deep sense of integrity and service. Both women are highly respected leaders, and I am confident their insight and commitment will strengthen ATHENA as we continue to advance, support, and celebrate women leaders around the world."
- ATHENA President & CEO, Traci Costa
ATHENA International is honored to welcome both of these outstanding leaders to the Board of Directors. Their experience, character, and dedication will help shape a strong future for the organization and the leaders it serves.