We open the morning with the Athena Leadership team, to look back at almost 10 years since the first Athena and a bit of reflection on the container we’ve worked to create for this year’s Athena.

72 years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law, women still have not reached pay parity with men for equal work. And that’s just one piece of a much larger picture.

We open the morning with Jen Euell, who will walk us through key findings on the status of women—nationally, globally, and right here in the room today.

Stop living by other people’s “shoulds” and start leading in a way that feels natural, powerful, and truly yours. In this energizing session, you’ll discover your unique leadership values, tap into your Leader Within, and leave with the tools—and confidence—to lead with alignment, purpose, and unapologetic authenticity.

Author, “30 Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the first all women's ascent of Denali”  Too often in our cultural narratives, women have only been allowed to play the narrow, one-dimensional roles we’ve been historically assigned. Think lone heroine, damsel in distress, princess, witch. When we need new stories for new eras, it can be hard for society to deviate from the habitual paths on which we send our characters. 

We’re in a new era now, in need of new narratives. As the hero(in)es of our own stories,we’re in charge of how we tell them, what roles we get to play (shocker: they’re three-dimensional ones), and how we get to leverage them in our lives and for our goals. Cassidy walks us through historical and recent examples of complicated women changing narratives and how we might do that in our own lives and communities.

In past Athena's, we've covered "The Messy Middle", and after sitting with it for 2 years, we're back to discuss that maybe the Messy Middle doesn't exist. Maybe it's always messy and maybe it's not a middle. We'll unpack the concept of Life Pivots: when they're thrust upon you when you're not ready, and when you listen to the whispers and know you need to make one. We'll hear from three women who have done just that, and we'll also close the session with a personal workshop on our journey, pivots, and the possible fallacy of thinking we’ll ever arrive. 

Joy isn’t self-care fluff—it’s a leadership strategy. How small moments of joy (and noticing) sustain big work.

How does change happen at the local and national level? Ty walks us through a short workshop and reflection on change, and gives us a chance to reflect on something we might want to change in our personal, family, or community lives and how we might go about that. 

Meg Whicher, Ty Miranda, and a surprise guest discuss lived experiences from the field of activating around joy.

In today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, women face unique financial challenges and opportunities. This empowering presentation provides practical strategies to build financial security and resilience, even as we navigate economic uncertainty, technological disruption and an ever-changing job market. You’ll leave this session with actionable steps, downloadable resources, and the confidence to make financial decisions that protect and grow your wealth no matter what the economy throws your way.

The most powerful insights come from real women living real lives. This high-energy, interactive session puts the spotlight on YOU and your brilliant ideas, turning our audience into the expert panel. 

How It Works: Women from the audience take the stage for lighting-fast 5-minute shares, bringing their best financial tips, career hacks, negotiation and life strategies that have made a real difference. No slides, no scripts- just authentic wisdom from women who’ve figured something out and want to pay it forward. 

Perfect for: Anyone ready to learn from the collective wisdom in the room and brave enough to share their own breakthrough moments. 

You’ll leave with: A journal full of notes, new connections, and probably a few “why didn’t I think of that?” moments that coil change everything. 

Because the best teachers are often sitting right next to you.