About ATHENA Erie

The place where women leaders come together for community, networking, and driving their goals forward.

Welcome to ATHENA ERIE

You want to lead with impact. But deep down, you’re also craving a community that supports your journey—no matter where it takes you.

You’re here because you know authentic leadership goes beyond titles. CEO, Partner, Director—ultimately, these mean nothing if they don’t drive real change, inspire others, or contribute to a greater purpose. At ATHENA Erie, we recognize the unique perspectives women bring to their teams and communities. That’s why we’re here to nurture your strengths, encourage your confidence, and help you trust your own abilities.

Because it’s not just about being in charge. It’s about becoming a leader who inspires, uplifts, and leaves a lasting mark on everything you touch.

The Values That Drive Our Mission

Live Authentically

Leaders know their values and remain true to them.

Learn Constantly

Leaders seek knowledge.

Build Relationships

Leaders engage, empower and entrust.

Foster Collaboration

Leaders welcome others to the work of leadership.

Act Courageously

Leaders dare.

Advocate Fiercely

Leaders champion what they believe is right.

Give Back

Leaders serve

Celebrate

Leaders remember and rejoice.

Meet Linda Stevenson

ATHENA Erie Chair

The Visionary Behind Our Organization

My goal has always been simple: to create opportunities for women in business to connect, grow, and thrive. The challenges women often face, including the lack of access to mentorship, networks, and resources that can propel them forward, can easily lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. I wanted to change that, which is precisely why I brought ATHENA PowerLink (APL) to Erie 25 years ago.

I’m proud to say that over the years, we’ve supported nearly 70 women business owners and leaders, many of whom now run successful businesses, serve on boards, and mentor others. Alongside them, over 500 professionals have joined our mission as champions and supporters of ATHENA. Watching the community grow has genuinely been one of the most significant rewards of my career.

Seeing the ripple effect of ATHENA’s work continues to drive me forward in our mission each and every day.

Whether it’s helping volunteers understand the unique challenges women face or celebrating the successes of the incredible women we serve, every moment of my time with ATHENA reinforces why I started this journey. I’ll never forget introducing APL to Erie’s community leaders for the first time. When I shared my vision, the mayor and audience—primarily men—stood and applauded. That moment affirmed my mission and fueled my passion to continue building our meaningful organization.

As I look to the future, my dream is for ATHENA Erie to have a permanent home, a dedicated staff, and the resources to serve our community with outstanding professionalism and care. Even more, I want us to continue honoring those who give so generously to this work and ensure that ATHENA’s mission inspires generations to come.

ATHENA Erie's Governing Body

Comprised of dedicated leaders who selflessly support ATHENA Erie’s mission, our governing body guides our programs and initiatives with expertise and a shared commitment to empowering women in business and leadership.

Linda Stevenson

Chair
ATHENA Powerlink®

Janel Bonsell

CPA, CFF, CFE
Schaffner, Knight & Minnaugh

Jordan Fuller

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Jingze Jiang

Ph.D.
PennWest Edinboro

Jennifer Geertson

Erie Insurance

Michelle Hartman

PSU

Maggie Horne

SBDC

Debra Hayes

Northwest

Thomas Brennan

Erie Federal Credit Union

Bob Paris

FNB

Jennifer Schade

Citizens Bank

Kristine Rilling

Diocese of Erie

Colleen Stumpf

MIJB

Katie Jones

Erie Bank

Katrina Vincent

Marquette Savings Bank

Katherine Bool

UPMC Health Plan

A Word About ATHENA International

The History Behind The Organization

Founded in 1982 by Martha Mayhood Mertz, ATHENA International is a non-profit organization that seeks to support, develop, and honor women leaders. On a deeper level, the goal is to inspire women to reach their full potential and strive to create balance in leadership worldwide.

Mertz developed her vision for ATHENA International while serving on the Lansing Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. As the only woman on the Board, she quickly recognized that the Chamber’s boardroom did not reflect the reality of the business community.

The more Mertz observed, the more convinced she became that if women’s strengths and contributions as leaders were publicly acknowledged, they could no longer be dismissed. In 1982, in Lansing, Michigan, Mertz spearheaded a new leadership award program: The ATHENA Award®, named for the strong, enlightened goddess. The award would go to individuals who excelled in their professions, gave back to their communities, and helped uplift other leaders, especially women.

What Mertz conceived more than a quarter-century ago is now a global movement. Since the program’s inception, over 6,000 awards have been presented in over 500 communities in the United States, Canada, China, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

During an ATHENA International Leadership Conference, Martha noted:

Think about Rosa Parks, who, from the authenticity of her core, refused, once again, to go to the back of the bus.

Consider Mother Teresa, who expressed her leadership by the touch of her hand, by the healing of her voice, and by the power of her presence—always giving hope.

These are but two examples, albeit great examples, of women’s ways of leading that have changed the world.

Martha Mertz

Founder, ATHENA International