A Leadership Conference for Women & Allies: Itinerary
Tailored for our ATHENA leadership development alumni & ATHENA Award Communities, our inaugural conference will “sail” the 7 C’s to Foster Collaboration: Curiosity, Compassion, Creativity, Courage, Consciousness, Coherence, and Calm.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Gavriella Schuster
ALLIES in Action: Surviving, Growing and Thriving
After more than 3 decades in technology, I have learned the value of being and building my ALLIES. I have also built my non-linear career on a path of continuous learning and a journey to authenticity. Join me as I share my experiences and choices through the good, the bad and the ugly on the bumpy path to leadership from the mail room to the board room.
Check out Gavriella’s TEDx, podcast, book, and other initiatives at her website: gavriellaschuster.com
FEATURING
with Mo Barrett & Katy Stevens
Clear Your Cache
Are you ready for a personal reboot? Just like clearing your computer's cache, it's time to refresh and rejuvenate your mind. Join TEDx Talk’s Mo Barrett and Katy Stevens for this interactive workshop designed to help you clear mental and emotional clutter, gain clarity and set the stage for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Learn more about Mo & Katy at www.unforgettableexperiences.com>>
Living Life on the Right Side of the But
In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and success, the act of giving back stands out as a powerful force for positive change. It is a concept we can apply in our day to day lives to create an encouraging and more productive life for those around us. Join Michelle, as she explores how to turn giving back into a powerful tool that helps us live on the right side of the but.
with Michelle Massey
Breaking the Barrier at Mile 26.1
with Cari Kenzie
Cari will share her harrowing journey through the devastation of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing to finding resilience and empowerment. This speech explores the intense challenges of overcoming deep-seated fears and imposter syndrome by embracing the raw power of vulnerability. She will explore how to embrace chaos and have “Blind Courage” to lead through change with curiosity to find clarity on PURPOSE.
Authentic Leadership for Women in Business
Authenticity is the bedrock of becoming an ATHENA Leader, but what gets in the way of you showing up personally and professionally as your authentic self, especially in your leadership? In this highly interactive program, Debbie will help you discover what authenticity means to you in your life and career so that you show up as who you are, regardless of circumstances.
with Debbie Peterson, CSP
Workshops, Wellness Activities, Panels & more!
Plenary
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In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement and success, the act of giving back stands out as a powerful force for positive change. As ATHENA guided individuals, giving back is a concept we can apply in our day to day lives to create an encouraging and more productive life for those around us. In this session, we will learn a little and have a little fun. Come explore how to turn giving back into a powerful tool that helps us live on the right side of the but.
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Are you ready for a personal reboot? Just like clearing your computer's cache, it's time to refresh and rejuvenate your mind. Join Mo Barrett and Katy Stevens for this interactive workshop designed to help you clear mental and emotional clutter, gain clarity and set the stage for a more balanced and fulfilling life.
In this dynamic and engaging session, Mo and Katy guide you through a series of thought-provoking activities that encourage reflection, self-discovery and strategic planning. With their unique blend of humor and insight, they create an environment where learning feels effortless and enjoyable.
Gain clarity on past experiences and future aspirations.
Develop actionable strategies to manage life's challenges and opportunities.
Participate in fun and interactive exercises designed to stimulate reflection and growth.
Enjoy a safe and supportive space to share, learn and connect with others.
Mo and Katy bring their unique backgrounds and dynamic chemistry to create an unforgettable experience. Their humor, relatability and genuine approach make complex concepts accessible and enjoyable. This workshop isn’t just about learning; it's about transformation. Take the first step towards a refreshed, more focused and balanced you.
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The ATHENA Difference: Authentic Leadership for Women in Business Authenticity is the bedrock of becoming an ATHENA Leader, but what gets in the way of you showing up personally and professionally as your authentic self, especially in your leadership?
In this highly interactive program, you’ll discover what authenticity means to you in your life and career so that you show up as who you are regardless of the circumstance. We’ll explore what gets in the way of you showing up as your true self and strategies to bring you back to center.
As a Participant, You Will:
• Understand what it means to be true to YOURSELF and not be derailed by others.
• Develop an inner clarity of direction centered in your CORE beliefs.
• Discover your CORE values and how to make better choices aligned with who you are and what you want to create in your career and life.
• Explore your sense of purpose so it can develop as part of your authentic leadership.
• Uncover how to uplevel your interactions with others, so you show up as honest, genuine, and approachable at home and work.
Regardless of where you are in your leadership journey, just starting in your career or as a high-level executive, learn the tips, tools, and techniques of authenticity as an ATHENA Leader.
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How to embrace chaos and have 'Blind Courage' to lead through change with curiosity to find clarity on PURPOSE.
Join Cari in this transformative keynote, "Breaking the Barrier at Mile 26.1," as she shares her harrowing journey through the devastation of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing to finding resilience and empowerment. This speech explores the intense challenges of overcoming deep-seated fears and imposter syndrome by embracing the raw power of vulnerability.
In her talk, Cari emphasizes the concept of 'Blind Courage'—the courage to face unpredictable life changes with openness and without attachment to outcomes, which paves the way for clarity in purpose and leadership. She discusses how trusting one's intuition and inner wisdom are crucial in navigating through confusion and chaos.
Program Takeaways:
✔ Navigate Through Uncertainty: Master the art of resilience by leveraging your vulnerabilities as pivotal strengths.
✔ Harness 'Blind Courage': Cultivate the boldness necessary for finding clarity and leading through change with a curious and open mindset.
✔ Trust in Your Intuition: Acknowledge and trust your inner voice as a guide through life’s challenges and a catalyst for transformation.
✔ Empower Authentic Leadership: Learn how personal healing and trusting yourself can inspire and uplift others, enhancing creativity and unity.
Experience "Breaking the Barrier at Mile 26.1" with Cari and unlock the secrets to not just surviving but thriving through adversity and change. Rediscover your purpose and lead with conviction and authenticity.
Wellness Activities
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Deb Hart will lead a session of iRest Meditation, a style rooted in ancient traditions, updated for our current times. This session offers the opportunity to practice greeting each moment of your life, no matter how challenging, with peace and calm. You are welcome to be seated or lying down. Potential benefits include decreases in anxiety and stress, as well as enhanced emotional regulation, body relaxation, calm and peace.
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Led by Somatic Practitioner, Carlene Kanellis, this workshop combines ancient breathing techniques with modern science to create a unique and impactful experience tailored to the needs of women in leadership.
This interactive session combining theory and practical exercises followed by guided meditation focused on mindset & empowerment. Participants will feel empowered, inspired, and equipped with practical tools to enhance their leadership skills and well-being. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to themselves and their leadership journey. -
Deb Hart will facilitate a trauma informed, beginner friendly yoga-style class. You’ll be invited to notice your body, your breath and make choices about how you choose to move and explore the practice. Potential benefits include relaxation, lower stress level, and enhanced flexiblility.
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Soul Jam is a space of vocal exploration and reclamation where participants are guided to bring forward their authentic voice and let go of self-limiting narratives that have held them back. With courage and grace this is a space for speaking ones truth and remembering our vital contribution to the collective voice.
Workshops
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Description:
Step into the world of self-discovery with our “Discover Your Inner Superpowers” session. This 2-hour introduction to the Predictive Index (PI) is designed to unveil your natural, hard-wired strengths, behaviors, and motivators. Perfect for executive professionals and welcoming to all, this session will ignite your path to becoming a more effective leader through enhanced self-awareness.
What to Expect:
• Unlock Your Potential: Dive into the science-backed Predictive Index and learn what makes you tick in the workplace.
• Self-Awareness Boost: Gain deeper insights into your natural behaviors, communication needs, and how others perceive you.
• Leadership Insights: Discover how to leverage your strengths to enhance your leadership and collaboration skills.
• Team Dynamics: Understand team functions and learn how to adjust your behavior to improve team performance.
Takeaways:
• Personalized PI Behavioral Assessment report
• Self-coaching tools and a Personal Development chart
• A Participant Guide with a simple action plan
Join us on this voyage of self-discovery and come away with the tools to light your path to leadership success. Don’t miss this chance to blend vacation, self-care, and professional growth. Sign up now and sail into your future!
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Description:
Ready to take your leadership skills to new heights? Our “Mastering Leadership with the Predictive Index” session is your next step. Over 2 hours, this advanced course will show you how to implement the Predictive Index within your organization to drive results and cultivate a thriving leadership culture.
What to Expect:
Best Practices: How Companies are using PI now and in the future
Advanced PI Techniques: Learn how to use PI to ask great coaching and development questions that drive growth and accountability.
Decision Making and Communication Styles: Enhance your ability to work with others and conduct effective 1:1s as well as hold difficult conversations with confidence.
Real-World Applications: Apply PI to real-world scenarios and transform your leadership approach.
Takeaways:
Detailed strategies for using PI in leadership roles
Enhanced skills for managing teams and driving organizational success
Practical tools and action plans to implement immediately.
This session is your opportunity to integrate professional development seamlessly into a unique cruise experience. Network authentically, grow purposefully, and become the leader you were meant to be. Register and set sail towards leadership excellence!
Fireside Chats
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Join President & CEO Traci Costa and other remarkable individuals from the ATHENA Enlightenment Tour as we share behind-the-scenes stories. Covering over 27,000 miles and nearly 60 ATHENA community visits, this tour aimed to energize the ATHENA base and build stronger community relationships. Hear about the authentic, engaging, and vulnerable conversations, the community insights and local solutions to improve ATHENA, and the success stories as ATHENA showcases community and individual accomplishments.
Learn about the impact from this grassroots effort aims to expand ATHENA and how it's creating a dynamic network to accelerate gender parity and leadership diversity globally. Hear all the inspiring stories and lessons learned from this journey to boost awareness and make a positive impact within the ATHENA International community. -
ATHENA International upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of amplifying Indigenous women's voices as recognized in the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Join our engaging conversation featuring Karen Bird, Ojibwe woman and ATHENA International's Certified Facilitator, for an empowering conversation intertwining traditional wisdom and cultural roles of Indigenous women, and their alignment with ATHENA's Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership. Explore the unity among women globally and the strength of all our collective voices. This session exemplifies authentic thought leadership, offering participants innovative insights, ways to connect, and build stronger relationships.
Panel Discussions
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Join us for an engaging and interactive panel on allyship in the workplace. Designed to help you understand the role of being an active ally and how to support and be a fierce advocate for your colleagues.
Key Highlights: Participants will learn what it means to be an ally and why it’s important in creating an inclusive workplace. Develop skills to listen effectively and empathetically to the experiences and challenges of others. Discover practical ways to support and advocate for colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Identify and challenge unconscious biases in yourself and others. Explore strategies to foster a culture of inclusion and equity within your organization. You will gain valuable insights and tools to become a more effective ally, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.
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How might being differently abled (e.x. physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.) impact one’s ability to build meaningful relationships? What if others cannot tell if the other person is differently abled? Join us as we learn and seek to understand the different prospectives and experiences in order to build stronger and more authentically relationships.
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Anything but a boring session! Panel will entertain you with real life board meeting experiences. You won't want to miss out on the laughs as we turn frustrating and challenging experiences faced in board meetings around the world into learning and laughter!
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In today's dynamic workplace, leaders must navigate the complexities of managing a multigenerational team. This panel will explore practical leadership strategies to harness the unique strengths of each generation, fostering an inclusive and high-performing culture. We will delve into the role of authenticity and relationships in leadership and how it intersects with intergenerational dynamics to drive innovation, trust, and respect.
Attendees will gain insights into enhancing collaboration, understanding intergenerational challenges, and creating resilient workplaces poised for long-term success.
Our extraordinary speakers will inspire, empower, and ignite your passion for leadership and personal growth.
Cari Kenzie: Speaker, coach, strategist, and co-founded iShft, a leadership and personal empowerment company dedicated to disrupting traditional approaches to how we live, love, and lead. Her compelling journey through adversity and her mastery in transforming challenges into strategic opportunities have made her a sought-after speaker on resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
Carlene Kanellis: Founder of Soulography®️, combines photography, shamanic practices, and energy work to help women heal and transform. Carlene’s holistic approach to personal growth encourages women to embrace their authentic selves.
Carrie Harbinson: Strategic Partnerships and Accelerator Program Director - SAS, With 17 years of expertise in business development, sales leadership, strategic partnerships, and program management, Carrie is currently at SAS, contributing to the future of analytics alongside leading companies and brands.
Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski: Gordon Food Service Corporate Executive Chef, North America, Kurt, a culinary expert and former Senior Executive Chef at MSU, he is renowned for building strong teams and is committed to training future leaders. Kurt is known for his inclusive leadership and advocacy for diversity in leadership roles.
Christine Bongard: President of The WIT Network, is a champion for women in technology. Christine leads a global community across 80 chapters in 40 countries. Her work focuses on creating inclusive environments and advancing women’s careers in tech, making her a powerful advocate for gender equity in the industry.
Deb Hart: iRest Meditation Teacher and trauma-sensitive yoga instructor, Deb, a dynamic public speaker and former rock radio morning show personality, leads sessions designed to promote peace and calm. Her unique blend of entertainment and mindfulness creates engaging and impactful experiences. As a co-host of the Morning Blend on WSYM FOX 47 in Lansing, MI, Deb brings her expertise to the stage, delivering compelling talks that captivate and inspire.
Debbie Peterson: Certified NLP Trainer and CSP, Debbie shares her journey from corporate disillusionment to clarity and purpose. Debbie provides practical tools for career success and leadership development, leaving audiences motivated and engaged.
Gavriella Schuster: Former Microsoft C-Level Executive, 2020 ATHENA Global ATHENA Award Recipient, Gavriella advocates for gender equity in tech, and founder of the Women in Cloud. Gavriella’s powerful message on allyship and action offers a roadmap for driving change in the tech industry.
Hellena Pugh: Founder of Zahara Veterans Network, Inc., a distinguished leader and speaker with a rich background as a military officer, corporate leader, and national volunteer. She founded the Zahara Veterans Network to support women veterans, led a 30-person unit in the US Marine Corps, and forged international collaborations for Iola Marie Corp.
Isadora "Isa" Maria Mendes de Souza: Program Manager at Microsoft AI Cloud and the first Brazilian ATHENA Certified Facilitator. Isa's work in technology and community leadership highlights her commitment to diversity and empowerment. Additionally, she is playing a pivotal role in supporting ATHENA International’s efforts in getting the ATHENA Leadership Institute translated into multiple languages.
Karen Bird: An Ojibwe woman and advocate for Indigenous inclusion, Karen offers a unique perspective on business and cultural leadership. As the first Indigenous ATHENA International Certified Facilitator, Karen’s work supports women in business and beyond. She has 26 years of experience in the business and financial industry, business plan writing, startup coaching, wealth management, and corporate cultural training.
Keith Williams: Former Michigan State University Alumni Association Director, his extensive experience in leadership includes serving as Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, showcasing his ability to effectively manage complex programs and lead diverse teams. A skilled public speaker, Keith's infectious enthusiasm and dedication to fostering inclusive leadership make him a valuable ally.
Kimberley Bates: Global Brand & Product Marketing - Executive Consulting, With over 15 years in brand and product marketing, Kimberley excels in storytelling and creative direction. Her expertise has driven significant engagement across industries.
Kimberli Green: Vice President at America First Credit Union. Kimberli and ATHENA Award Recipient, and recognized for her strong leadership, honed through managing teams across 5 states. By overseeing Chambers of Commerce, Military Affairs, and the Business Services Department, she drives significant growth while fostering an inclusive leadership culture.
Michele Reister: Vice President of Global Marketing at Anecdotes, brings 25 years of leadership experience. She excels in building scalable teams, strategies, and achieving aggressive revenue goals. Her success stems from strong collaboration across teams, a deep commitment to the voice-of-the-customer, and a relentless focus on metrics and optimization.
Michelle Massey: VP Community Outreach and Customer Support. Michelle is a leader in IT and community engagement, with accolades including the ATHENA Leadership Award. Michelle’s passion for empowering youth in STEM and women in leadership shines through her dynamic presentations.
Mindwire Predictive Index Workshops: Facilitated by Predictive Index (PI) experts, these workshops provide valuable insights into behavioral assessment and talent optimization. Attendees will learn how to leverage the PI for improved team dynamics and leadership effectiveness.
Mo Barrett and Katy Stevens: The duo behind Unforgettable Experiences, bring humor and insight to their transformative workshops. They blend storytelling and creativity to inspire audiences to navigate life's challenges with courage.
Nicole Noll-Williams: President and CEO of the Capital Region Airport Authority, a dynamic speaker and ATHENA Award Recipient, Nicole exemplifies leadership in aviation and community service. Her story of breaking barriers and mentoring women in her field is inspiring. Her strategic initiatives have successfully expanded air services, travel policies, and collaborative leadership.
Nina Grae: Talented singer-songwriter, captivates audiences with her soulful voice and meaningful lyrics. Nina's music and storytelling are inspired by her journey of self-discovery and healing, making her performances deeply moving and inspiring.
Paula Farmer: President of pmfaith & Associates, Inc., With over two decades of experience, she is impactful as an executive coach, community leader, and speaker. Paula specializes in strategic HR consulting and coaching, and champions diversity, inclusivity, and belonging in the workplace.
Tash Price: CVP, Deputy General Counsel, Global Ethics & Compliance - Blue Yonder. A distinguished leader in legal and compliance, with a proven track record in labor and employment law, ethics, and global governance. Her leadership roles at Walmart and Avnet, including Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer and Chief of Staff & Managing Counsel, showcase her expertise in shaping and implementing strategic global initiatives.
Traci Costa: President/CEO - ATHENA International. With 35+ years of leadership experience, and known for her innovative, agile, and passionate leadership style. Focused on energizing the ATHENA base, building stronger community relationships, highlighting local success stories, and furthering ATHENA’s mission to accelerate gender parity and leadership diversity.