OUR MISSION & VISION

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Ignite, Amplify, and Celebrate Women Leaders

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AT ATHENA INTERNATIONAL, WE ARE A CATALYST FOR DEVELOPING DIVERSE, TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERS WORLDWIDE THROUGH EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMS THAT IGNITE, AMPLIFY AND CELEBRATE GIRLS, WOMEN AND ALLIES — FROM YOUNG SCHOLARS TO SEASONED PROFESSIONALS.

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A large indoor event hall set up for a ceremony with round tables covered with white tablecloths, each with teal glowing centerpieces, wine bottles, and place settings. The stage is decorated with purple and blue lighting, drapes, and screens displaying 'Welcome to the 2024 ATHENA International Awards Ceremony.' White fabric drapes hang from the ceiling, and there are lighting and sound equipment overhead.

The ATHENA Leadership Institute™ offers inspiring, empathy-based programs that meet individuals where they are along their leadership journey and usher them into a new paradigm of self-discovery. Individuals, corporations, and organizations gain the tools and knowledge needed to sustain and grow a global community of transformative leaders.

A pattern of orange outlined triangles, arranged in a grid with some triangles inverted. Represents the network of communities, award recipients, and program participants, donors, and supporters that make our work possible. We are stronger together.

Ignite

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Amplify

We leverage our vast network to amplify emerging leaders with the support and resources they need to thrive and reach new levels of success. We support women entrepreneurs through our Community Program and ATHENAPowerLink®, a national mentoring program that connects selected women business owners with an advisory board tailored to fit their needs.

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Celebrate

We recognize outstanding women, pioneering leaders, and organizations with global, national and community ATHENA Leadership Awards. With 8,200+ recipients from world-renowned icons to community champions, our prestigious awards celebrate those who embody the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ and open doors of opportunity to women and girls around the world.

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THE EIGHT PRINCIPLES OF ENLIGHTENED LEADERSHIP™

Live Authentically & Learn Constantly

Build Relationships & Foster Collaboration

Act Courageously & Advocate Fiercely

Give Back & Celebrate

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OUR STORY

More than 40 years ago, our founder, Martha Mertz, was told that women are not leaders. She obviously felt otherwise and believed that if women were recognized for their leadership achievements, they could no longer be dismissed. In this vision, ATHENA International has honored 8,200+ trailblazers and change makers, who are opening doors of leadership opportunities for women and girls around the world.

While celebrating these women, it was noticed that they embodied many shared traits. With funding from the WK Kellogg Foundation, ATHENA International began research into the nature of these characteristics. We found distinct ways in which women lead; a different type of leadership, one that is diverse, inclusive, and collaborative. Different from the all-too-common “command and control” style. In addition, extensive - external research also demonstrates that having a diverse range of voices in leadership positions have positive results on overall organizational success.

From these findings, the ATHENA LEADERSHIP MODEL was born!

Since ATHENA International began honoring these change-makers, we have grown into a catalyst for developing and training them as well. ATHENA’s experiential programs, empower everyone to discover and ignite the authentic leader within by amplifying, and celebrating girls, women, and allies. ATHENA leaders know that for women to rise, all of us must come together to shatter the glass ceiling.

Four women standing together, with the second woman holding a bouquet of flowers and a trophy, all dressed in white with cheerful expressions, against a white curtain backdrop.
A pattern of orange outlined triangles, arranged in a grid with some triangles inverted. Represents the network of communities, award recipients, and program participants, donors, and supporters that make our work possible. We are stronger together.
A woman with long brown hair, wearing a black blazer and white skirt, speaking at a podium with the Indiana Country Club logo, holding a microphone and gesturing with her right hand, in a room with elegant lighting and a beige wall.
A large banquet hall hosting a conference or event with many round tables covered in white tablecloths and people seated. A speaker is on stage giving a presentation, with two large screens displaying her on either side of the stage. The room is decorated with white drapes and dim lighting.

Photos by Jess Kamens Photography, Melonhead Photography