To the women ready to lead with confidence let’s help you step into your power.
71% of women in business have said that mentorship is critical to their success.
Now, just imagine what you could achieve with the right programs and resources by your side.
Leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about having a support system that fuels your confidence, amplifies your strengths, and connects you with the people and resources you need to bring your vision to life.
That’s why we created a series of programs designed to help both budding and established leaders grow, thrive, and lead confidently. Think of our programs as the foundation for your next big move—the stable ground to stand on while you build something incredible.
Your Next Step In Leadership Starts Here

ATHENA PowerLink
One of our key business mentoring programs, ATHENA PowerLink® is designed to increase the growth and profitability of women-owned businesses.
With the support of a volunteer advisory board of dedicated experts, the mentorship program strives to help women business owners navigate hurdles and barriers to growth that may have previously been unavailable to them.
Eligibility Requirements
- Business must be at least 51% owned and actively managed by a woman
- Minimum of two (2) years in operation
- Minimum of two (2) full-time employees (including the owner)
- Annual revenue of at least $250,000 for retail or manufacturing business
- Annual revenue of at least $100,000 for service businesses
- Clearly defined company objectives/goals with explicit reasons for seeking ATHENA PowerLink’s® assistance in meeting those objectives and goals

ATHENA Circle of Trust
If what you need most is the expertise, support, and accountability from other local women, then ATHENA Circle of Trust (ACT) is for you.
Made up of 3 distinct cohorts of emerging female leaders, typically ranging from early career to midlife(I, II, and III), ACT’s members empower each other to develop executive and leadership skills and advocate for one another as leaders in the Erie community.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an emerging female leader between the ages of 24-34
- Must live in the Erie County, PA area

Being ATHENA
Created by our parent organization, ATHENA International, the Being ATHENA leadership training program deep-dives into the transformative world of empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive leadership culture.
The program, led by an ATHENA-certified facilitator, consists of ten two-hour sessions, each offering valuable insights and practical strategies tailored to the needs of emerging women leaders.
Eligibility Requirements
- Passionate about the cultivation of an empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive leadership approach
- Seeking inspiration and support from a diverse community of driven women leaders
- May be navigating a period of transition in your professional journey and are eager to continuing developing and refining your leadership skills
At ATHENA Erie, we know the last thing you want is to waste time on programs filled with generic “tips and tricks” or “how-to” advice that you’ve probably heard before. Your time is valuable, and when it comes to growing your business and expanding your leadership potential, every moment counts.
That’s why our three signature programs were created by women, for women—because we know that what we really need to become the best leaders and move the needle is access to real-world mentorship, authentic connections, and practical resources. With the support of our dedicated volunteers (both professional men and women), we’re proud to offer meaningful programs that make a lasting impact on local women in business.
Honoring the Legacy of Past ATHENA Program Participants

Rebecca Cornish Scholarship
Rebecca Cornish was a fierce advocate and volunteer for the ATHENA Erie program who worked in many capacities to support, develop, and honor women leaders.
Sadly, Rebecca passed away in 2015 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. To continue her mission of uplifting women leaders, Rebecca’s memorial funds were contributed to ATHENA Erie and dispersed to women who embodied her spirit and drive.
ATHENA Connections
Designed to prepare college women for leadership in higher education and beyond, the ATHENA Connections College Leadership Initiative taught student participants:
- how to “be” a leader with a focus on quality and character
- how to gain the leadership competence necessary for success in college and beyond
- about the personal leadership attributes relative to the ATHENA® Leadership Model
- how to apply ATHENA® leadership principles through experiential learning
- to map out a pathway for leadership growth in college and career
- how to build bridges across professional sectors and generations
Words From Our Members
As an ATHENA Committee Member, I have the privilege of working alongside incredible, well-known local leaders who share my passion for empowering women to reach their fullest potential. The ATHENA Leadership Luncheon truly captured that spirit—a community dedicated to uplifting each other and fostering both professional and personal growth.
Kayla Fatica
Marketing Manager – MacDonald Illig, Jones & Britton, LLP
The ATHENA Women’s Leadership Luncheon was incredibly inspiring. It was wonderful to connect with other professional women and emerging leaders in the community. Sharing knowledge, fostering relationships, exchanging ideas, and feeling truly understood…no wonder this event always sells out!
Ashley Megat
Ready to step into the next phase of your leadership Journey?
We can't wait to meet you!
Mailing Address
ATHENA Erie
3208 Georgian Ct
Erie, PA 16506
info@ATHENAErie.org
Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Phone
(814) 504-6362