2. About ATHENA International: About ATHENA International: Vision: Balance in the voices and faces of leadership worldwide Mission: Support, develop and honor women leaders Inspire women to achieve their full leadership potential
3. About ATHENA International: About ATHENA International: Non-profit Women’s Leadership Organization Supports, develops and honors women leaders Meets mission through programs it administers in partnership with host organizations in local communities Established in 1982 in Lansing, Michigan Headquartered in Chicago
4. ATHENA Leadership Model History Nearly 6000 women leaders across professional sectors and around the globe have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award for what they give back to their professions, communities, and, perhaps most importantly, other women.
5. ATHENA Leadership Model History In an extensive study to determine what inspires and guides ATHENA leaders and informs their individual and collective brands of leadership, hundreds of them were interviewed. Eight core principles of leadership emerged and gave rise to the ATHENA Leadership Model.
7. LIVE AUTHENTICALLY. Being true to yourself. Internal harmony, clarity of purpose, trust in your core beliefs; integration of mind, body and spirit. Authenticity is the single most important quality of leadership. Leaders know, accept and respect themselves
8. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS. Connecting genuinely with those around you. A willingness to bond with others, profoundly and productively, without regard for status. Leaders engage, empower and trust.
9. GIVE BACK. Leaving a worthy legacy. Offering committed service to colleagues, community and the world. Driving toward the greater good without concern for your own success or fame. Leaders serve.
10. FOSTER COLLABORATION. Valuing the gifts each individual brings. Encouraging those who are frequently unheard to share their views. Deepening knowledge and awareness through diversity. Leaders welcome others to the work of leadership.
11. ACT COURAGEOUSLY. The willingness to stand alone and speak up, to challenge the status quo, to follow your heart’s convictions. The determination to act honorably and faithfully, even in the face of fear and loss. Leaders dare.
12. LEARN CONSTANTLY. Life-long openness to continue learning no matter how highly placed you are. The art of listening and the ability to learn from role models, bad as well as good. Leaders seek knowledge.
13. ADVOCATE FIERCELY. Passionate, personal Devotion to something that matters deeply. An unswerving commitment that drives your behavior. Refusing to be dissuaded or distracted from what you believe is necessary. Leaders champion what is right.
14. CELEBRATE. The age-old practice of gathering to mark important times. A chance to create rituals, enjoy traditions and build a history. Setting aside time for reflection and gratitude; for sorrow and, especially, joy. Leaders rejoice.
15. AWARD Criteria ATHENA Recipients: Demonstrate excellence, creativity & initiative in their business or profession Provide valuable service by contributing time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community Actively assist women in realizing their full leadership potential
