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Our organization facilitates connections and conversations between Central Florida women business owners and executives who are on the path to leadership roles and those who have already reached the top of their careers.
ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership, Inc. is a nonprofit organization offering three core programs in Central Florida, including the ATHENA NextGen Thought Leadership Series, the ATHENA Women’s Leadership Luncheon, and the ATHENA Leadership Award. Our programs are centered around the ATHENA Leadership Model® and ATHENA’s Eight Leadership Principles: Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Advocate Fiercely, Act Courageously, Foster Collaboration, Build Relationships, Give Back and Celebrate.
This site is the best place to find the latest information about our ATHENA NextGen Thought Leadership Series. ATHENA NextGen is the only professional development and leadership training program of its kind in Central Florida with the backing of female leaders who have paved the way and are deeply committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of women leaders.
Consisting of eight sessions, each focusing on one of ATHENA’s Eight Leadership Principles, the sessions are facilitated by established women leaders in the Orlando community who exemplify leadership excellence.
Central Florida female business professionals who are ready to advance their career path and embrace an open dialogue about the future of women’s leadership should consider applying. Visit our application page to learn more.
What is ATHENA?
ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership, Inc. is part of ATHENA International. This incredible organization strives to support, develop, and honor women leaders. Their initiatives for female business professionals inspire women to achieve their full potential and create balance in leadership worldwide. ATHENA International fulfills its mission through various programs, including the ATHENA Leadership Award, ATHENA PowerLink®, ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Day and ATHENA Forums in more than 600 communities in eight countries.
Alumni
ATHENA Leadership Model®
ATHENA'S Eight Leadership Principles
ATHENA Leadership Model® and ATHENA’s Eight Leadership Principles developed by Martha Mayhood Mertz, a successful entrepreneur and business leader who authored the empowering novel Becoming ATHENA: Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership.
1. Live Authentically
2. Learn Constantly
3. Advocate Fiercely
4. Act Courageously
5. Foster Collaboration
6. Build Relationships
7. Give Back
8. Celebrate
“If you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with amazing women in Central Florida, while learning to become the best version of yourself, the ATHENA NextGen program is it! I learned so much about the importance of advocating fiercely and acting courageously. The relationships that were formed during the program have turned into personal friendships and hopefully lifelong ones. The program goes by very quickly, but to maximize your time in the program, I would suggest showing up to each class session with an open mind and heart.”
“If you’re looking for leadership development, networking, personal and professional growth, ATHENA is the best program I’ve found in the Central Florida community. You form a bond with incredible women – with your class and also across the ATHENA alumni community. It was worth every penny and more. If we, as alumni, could do the program over again, we would. Soak up every minute of your experience – it flies by!”
“I joined ATHENA because I wanted to connect with inspiring women in our community. Thanks to ATHENA I’ve had a common bond with many of the women I meet. The minute I mention ATHENA, most say that they have been a part of it. It immediately connects us on another level. ATHENA taught me just how much relationships, and nurturing those relationships matter. I have formed deep friendships as a result. I recommend ATHENA for women who want to learn, grow and become more powerful leaders in the community. Through ATHENA I usually know most of the women in the room at most events I attend!”
Our Sponsors and Supporters
We at ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership, Inc. are proud to have built partnerships with movers and shakers at leading community organizations from the very start. Over the years, many amazing organizations have stepped up to support the ongoing development of women in the Central Florida community, from sponsoring events to serving as supporters for our NextGen programming.
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors!
Seacoast Bank
Orlando Health
If you’re interested in learning more about our sponsorship opportunities or ways to partner with us, please contact us here.