<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Athena]]></title><description><![CDATA[Powering the Leadership Journey for Women in STEM]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/all-posts</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:22:48 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.athenaglobal.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[2.19.26 | Allyship Townhall | The Future of Allyship]]></title><description><![CDATA[And what I often see is, and I was actually speaking at an all boys boarding school recently to the faculty about the responsibility that faculty have as role models for young men. But one of the bullets that I had is in my slide was that systems, masculinity is often shaped more by systems than beliefs and value systems. And by that I mean that systems often tell us what is acceptable, what is not acceptable in terms of how we can show up as men. The flip side, these systems were created by...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/2-19-26-allyship-townhall-the-future-of-allyship</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6998cc9e9183e7d0019264e2</guid><category><![CDATA[Transcriptions]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:05:40 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[San Diego Business Journal: Athena’s AI Academy Looks Through a “Workforce Lens”]]></title><description><![CDATA[Athena is featured in the San Diego Business Journal  for the launch of its new AI Academy , developed in partnership with the San Diego Cyber Center of Excellence (SDCCOE). The article highlights Athena’s approach to AI adoption through a clear workforce lens—prioritizing leadership readiness, talent development, and responsible implementation. CEO Holly Smithson underscores that conversations about AI must include cybersecurity and workforce strategy, positioning the Academy as a natural...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/san-diego-business-journal-athena-s-ai-academy-looks-through-a-workforce-lens</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69978f087b02767d8665d029</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:36:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0fea59_92c84703e9ee412d908dcdaf47f445a3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[11.20.25 | The Ask &#38; Offer Formula: Mastering Networking That Drives Outcomes]]></title><description><![CDATA[Well, hi, everyone. Welcome to the Ask &#38; Offer formula, Mastering Networking that drives Outcomes. I'm so excited you were all able to join us this evening. I'm May Goodjohn, Athena's program manager. I'm responsible for bringing our portfolio of programs to market each year. Before we begin, I just wanted to go over a couple of housekeeping items. First, Judy mentioned this for those who were here, but just if you can please make sure that your name on Zoom states your actual name. That will...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/11-20-25-the-ask-offer-formula-mastering-networking-that-drives-outcomes</link><guid isPermaLink="false">698b80bec54aab42f41f6b09</guid><category><![CDATA[Transcriptions]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:02:32 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Safety Net, Together | Choosing Leadership Over Fear]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dear Athena Community,   Like many of you, I am wrestling with a deep sense of grief and helplessness in the wake of Alex Pretti and Renee Goode’s murders in Minnesota. It’s heart wrenching to witness such inhumane violence against our neighbors—especially when it unfolds in full view, amid a sea of bystanders, leaving many wondering how our world could feel this unsafe and this close to home.   Please know this: you are not alone and this intense fear is natural.   However, when fear takes...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/creating-a-safety-net-together-choosing-leadership-over-fear</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697bbabc8cc916c78320062a</guid><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:56:53 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Athena Announces Strategic Partnership with the Cyber Center of Excellence]]></title><description><![CDATA[This Academy is built on a simple belief: AI leadership isn’t about mastering technology, it’s about advancing people and designed for those who thrive when learning in community.]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/athena-ai-academy-in-strategic-partnership-with-the-cyber-center-of-excellence</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6970fe426582220b65f29b34</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 17:08:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8fa066_ab4fbfb2e00e490b824dc32aa323f945~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_972,h_337,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Athena's Vision for 2026: Empowering Women in STEM Leadership]]></title><description><![CDATA[“This board is purpose-built for this moment. Their combined business and technical leadership will help Athena scale practical AI upskilling while strengthening the community-driven learning experiences that make Athena distinctive—ensuring women remain competitive, confident, and visible in the future of work.”]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/athena-announces-2026-board-of-directors-to-advance-ai-driven-leadership-and-workforce-upskilling</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693ca1ab055df7302e920121</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:23:18 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[NASDAQ Lights Up Athena’s Mission | Powering the AI-Ready STEM Workforce]]></title><description><![CDATA[What happens when you combine the pulse of Times Square , the power of STEM leadership , and a 26-year mission  to advance women leaders? Athena celebrated at NASDAQ ….. closing the bell, widening new pathways, and ringing in a future where innovation and inclusion rise in tandem. SCROLL TO SEE ALL OF THE HIGHLIGHTS A Milestone Moment in the Heart of New York’s Times Square On October 21, 2025 , Athena convened Fortune 500 partners, startup founders, and STEM leaders to celebrate a defining...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/nasdaq-lights-up-athena-s-mission-powering-the-ai-ready-stem-workforce</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68ffff69e3b0149559d23a72</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 23:28:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0fea59_f51c00eab9b0463497abea586b463924~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[End the Year Strong with Athena | Leadership, Learning &#38; Connection | ]]></title><description><![CDATA[As 2025 draws to a close, Athena invites you to end the year strong  — together. This fall, we’re turning momentum into mastery with four high-impact programs designed to sharpen your leadership edge, deepen your connections, and remind you why community is the ultimate accelerator. Whether you’re climbing toward the boardroom, building human-centered skills for the AI era, or reconnecting with the women who lift as they climb — Athena is where it all comes together. Athena on Boards Cohort...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/end-the-year-strong-with-athena-leadership-learning-connection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f7abcb32ef022fab113a46</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:52:17 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lifting While Climbing: Accelerating STEM Leadership in the Age of AI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hundreds of members of Athena’s powerful STEM community came together under one roof at ResMed Headquarters in San Diego  for the 5th Annual Lifting While Climbing Summit  — a night that was more than an event. It was an experience . From the moment attendees arrived, the energy was unmistakable — alive with conversation, curiosity, and connection. As Athena CEO Holly Smithson  took the stage, she looked out at a sea of bright minds and opened the evening with both conviction and warmth: “I...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/stem-leaders-gather-for-athena-s-5th-annual-lifting-while-climbing-summit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f7a7ab606d6d6a2e7481ac</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2025 15:33:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0fea59_73c464d25a424af5bd0d97358692c515~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[8.28.25 | From Self-Doubt to Self-Growth | Conquering Imposter Syndrome]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kristeen Barth I'm going to take this off. I think your audio is going to be through that camera. Holly Smithson Okay, great. Hello, everyone. Hello, hello. Welcome and good evening to the fabulous world of Pfizer. Pretty nice digs here. Really delighted to have all of you come here this evening. My name is Holly Smithson. I'm a Athena's President and CEO, and we have a really exciting agenda tonight, which is obviously why you're all here. But I want to talk to you a little bit about this...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/8-28-25-from-self-doubt-to-self-growth-conquering-imposter-syndrome</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68f2aab466d082d71b3634d0</guid><category><![CDATA[Transcriptions]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 20:44:44 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[9.25.25 | Present Like a Pro: The Art of Powerful Presentations]]></title><description><![CDATA[Katy Temple ( 00:04:30.00 ) . Hey, everyone. Holly Smithson ( 00:04:39.18 ) We are going to kick off tonight's program, How to Present...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/9-25-25-present-like-a-pro-the-art-of-powerful-presentations</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68d6f70aa1c77a481244d1d8</guid><category><![CDATA[Transcriptions]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 20:27:38 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Risk, Reinvention &#38; Rising Women | Athena CEO on the Future Nonprofit Podcast]]></title><description><![CDATA[Athena CEO Holly Smithson recently joined host Ted Vaughn on the Future Nonprofit  podcast for a candid and inspiring conversation about...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/leading-through-change-athena-ceo-on-the-future-nonprofit-podcast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">68518f3116a1f588221eeee9</guid><category><![CDATA[Newsroom]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2025 15:54:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0fea59_5758839c62564c2cb863edd57247ecd8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_631,h_192,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Athena &#38; Biotech CEO Sisterhood Join Forces to Foster Resilience &#38; Excellence Among STEM CEOs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Athena  announces a strategic alliance with Biotech CEO Sisterhood  to deliver custom executive leadership programs designed to equip...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/athena-biotech-ceo-sisterhood-join-forces-to-foster-resilience-resolve-among-stem-ceos</link><guid isPermaLink="false">683dbbb813b054eec397ef5d</guid><pubDate>Fri, 06 Jun 2025 15:03:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/0fea59_4398234248d849ec84d5081351cf2f7f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_618,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Athena Staff</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Sponsors Do (That Mentors Don’t)]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 3: ATHENA MENTORS &#38; SPONSORS BLOG SERIES While mentors advise you, sponsors bet on you. A sponsor uses their reputation to endorse...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/what-sponsors-do-that-mentors-don-t</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837b2ce4adf81dd55f060dd</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Find (and Keep) a Great Mentor]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 2: ATHENA MENTORS &#38; SPONSORS BLOG SERIES Mentorship doesn’t start with a formal request. It starts with curiosity and connection....]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/how-to-find-and-keep-a-great-mentor</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837b2572bb50bcaebba3230</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Becoming the Mentor or Sponsor You Wish You Had]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 4: ATHENA MENTORS &#38; SPONSORS BLOG SERIES The greatest leaders lift others as they climb. And they know the difference between...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/becoming-the-mentor-or-sponsor-you-wish-you-had</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837b3c49932f8646b4ccb26</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mentors vs. Sponsors—Why You Need Both]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 1: ATHENA MENTORS &#38; SPONSORS BLOG SERIES In the modern workplace, mentorship and sponsorship are often used interchangeably. But...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/mentors-vs-sponsors-why-you-need-both</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837b1649932f8646b4cc387</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building Your AI Fluency—Without a Computer Science Degree]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 4: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES You don’t need to code to lead in an AI-powered workplace. But you do need fluency—the ability to...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/building-your-ai-fluency-without-a-computer-science-degree</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837aa5282d9fb86fab0c647</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Responsible AI—Leading with Ethics and Inclusion]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 3: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES With great power comes great responsibility. AI’s potential is massive—but so are the risks of bias,...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/responsible-ai-leading-with-ethics-and-inclusion</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837a9b39932f8646b4caad4</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AI in Action—Stories from the Frontlines of Innovation]]></title><description><![CDATA[PART 2: ATHENA AI BLOG SERIES AI isn’t just about ChatGPT or code. It’s being used today to accelerate drug discovery, personalize...]]></description><link>https://www.athenastemwomen.org/post/ai-in-action-stories-from-the-frontlines-of-innovation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6837aadc2bb50bcaebba1b1f</guid><category><![CDATA[Athena Blog]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2025 23:00:14 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Holly Smithson</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>