ATHENA Leadership Program

weVENTURE WBC is proud to partner with ATHENA International for a tenth year in 2026! Today, the ATHENA Leadership Model® can help individuals transform their leadership skills and empower them to step up when a challenge or opportunity presents itself and train them to be the courageous leaders our world needs them to be.  While the program began as a women's leadership program, the content and classes offer valuable lessons that will benefit aspiring leaders from all backgrounds, men and women. 

Meets April through November* on the fourth Thursday of the month (3rd Thursday in November).  All sessions are from 8:30am-10:30am at Florida Tech's Enterprise Building, 1050 W. Nasa Blvd, Melbourne.  

*Due to federal holidays, the class will meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month, not the 4th, in May and November.  

Session #1

4/23/2026

Session #2

5/21/2026

Session #3

6/25/2026

Session #4

7/23/2026

Session #5

8/27/2026

Session #6

9/24/2026

Session #7

10/22/2026

Session #8

11/19/2026

 

Dr. Kathryn Rudloff, weVENTURE Executive Director and Certified ATHENA International trainer will be facilitating.  While in-person attendance is suggested, accommodations to participate via Zoom are always available, making this fantastic program accessible to the busiest of working women. 

Program cost: $1,000 ($100 discount if you register and pay by April 1st)

Participants in the program are also invited to join us at our 2026 IMPACT Summit Business Leadership Conference in October at no extra cost. 

A limited number of scholarships are available, thanks to generous support from the Zonta Club of Melbourne and private donors.  Please inquire with weVENTURE WBC to learn more

Please contact us if you are interested.  weventure@fit.edu  

Graduate Testimonials 

Mel Thomas
Client & Project Development Executive Hedrick Brothers Construction

ATHENA was a transformative experience. Despite my busy schedule, the low time commitment of the course made it incredibly manageable to balance alongside my other commitments. As course instructor, Kathryn Rudloff was not only knowledgeable but also engaging, providing insights that were both enlightening and applicable to real-world scenarios.

One of the most valuable aspects of the ATHENA course was its focus on practical professional applications. Each lesson was structured to equip us with skills and strategies that could be immediately implemented in our respective fields. Additionally, the connections made with fellow classmates proved to be invaluable. Through collaborative discussions and networking opportunities, I was able to forge meaningful relationships with like-minded professionals, fostering a supportive community that continues to inspire and motivate me even after the course was over.

ATHENA surpassed my expectations, offering a convenient and enriching learning experience. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to enhance their skills, expand their network, and advance their career.

Christina Brown

Owner, Roses Are Red and Violets In Bloom Florists

The ATHENA program is a comprehensive review of leadership principles that is good for anyone starting or far along on their leadership journey. It definitely reminded me of many things I needed to get back on track with on running my small business.

Caeley Looney
Founder & CEO of Reinvented Magazine

“I went into the ATHENA program just hoping to absorb as much knowledge, tips, and leadership advice as I could; and I left not only with a diverse range of new skills to bring back to my organization but with a community of incredible, empowering women that I know I can continue to turn to and ask for help.

The level of empowering collaboration I witnessed in this program, even in a virtual setting, truly was something I never experienced before. I honestly believe that I am a much better leader today than I was when I first started in the ATHENA program, and I know that my organization is going to benefit from my ability to now make a bigger impact towards our mission.”

Robyn Hattaway
Attorney, Lacey Lyons, Rezanka

The ATHENA program is the perfect dose of professional and personal development for this working mom! I was able to invest in myself and build my network within the busy confines of school drop-offs and work meetings. The program balanced networking opportunities, engaging speakers, and reasonable exercises in your personal time to get the most out of the program. Like any course or conference, you get out what you put in. I encourage you to take time to meet everyone and be your courageous self!