weVENTURE WBC is proud to partner with ATHENA International for a ninth year now with both a Space Coast and a Treasure Coast Cohort! 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.
Based on the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ identified by ATHENA International, this course is designed to help emerging leaders grow in confidence and clarity of purpose. Each class session is a dedicated deep dive into one of the principles with engaging discussion and activities that cultivate participants on their personal growth journey while inspiring them to connect and share with others.
LIVE AUTHENTICALLY LEARN CONSTANTLY
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS FOSTER COLLABORATION
ACT COURAGEOUSLY ADVOCATE FIERCELY
GIVE BACK CELEBRATE
Now more than ever, businesses to equip emerging leaders with the tools they need to rise into management roles.
This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in their professional development, gain a greater sense of self-confidence, and understand their unique leadership style.
Participants will learn how to lean into their natural strengths or adjust in different situations. They learn to better understand their motivating needs, resulting behaviors, and gain the ability to work more effectively with others. Application of this knowledge assists participants in amplifying their authentic strengths, while improving company culture at the same time.
Traditional leadership development is focused on teaching people operational management. However, we know management is very different than true leadership. Management-focused programs don’t teach individuals how to foster personal growth and development in themselves and others, or walk them through the process of self-discovery. ATHENA bridges this crucial gap.
Sponsoring an emerging leader from your business is a great way to invest in her career development and connect them to the weVENTURE WBC and ATHENA International network of community leaders. This provides supplemental ongoing enrichment opportunities during and after participants in the ATHENA Leadership Program learn core curriculum competencies.
This leadership training empowers our next generation of leaders by inspiring college-age participants (undergraduate and graduate) along their journey of self-discovery helping them to cultivate their authentic leadership style. It serves as a springboard for dynamic discussions and activities focused on cultivating vital interpersonal skills, including effective communication, interviewing, presentation, networking, and negotiation.
This unique blend of self-reflection, skill refinement, and mentorship opportunities aims to equip participants with essential workforce skills, preparing them to thrive in their future pursuits. By encouraging these individuals to embrace and assert their voices, the training empowers them to make a positive impact on their surroundings.
Each year, Zonta of Melbourne provides two scholarships to Florida Tech students to participate in the Athena Leadership Program. If you are interested in sponsoring a student scholarship, contact weVENTURE@fit.edu today. Or, sponsor a student cohort (10 participants) and help expand this impactful program throughout campus.
2025 Treasure Coast Cohort: Dr. Kathryn Rudloff, weVENTURE Executive Director and Certified ATHENA International trainer, will be facilitating each class. The cohort will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
We will alternate between meeting in St. Lucie County (St. Lucie EDC Office, 1790 SW Gatlin Blvd, fl 202, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953) and Martin County (Palm City Community Center, 2701 SW Cornell Ave, Palm City, FL 34990), to make the program accessible to women from both communities. The schedule will be the following:
January 23rd - St. Lucie County – optional informational session for prospective participants.
February 27th - Martin County – Session One: Build Relationships
March 27th - St. Lucie County – Session Two: Foster Collaboration
April 24th - Martin County – Session Three: Act Courageously
May 22nd - St. Lucie County - Session Four: Live Authentically
June 26th – VIRTUAL - Session Five: Advocate Fiercely
August 28th - Martin County - Session Six: Learn Constantly
September 25th - St. Lucie County - Session Seven: Give Back
October 2nd - IMPACT Summit - Session Eight: Celebrate
While in-person attendance is suggested, accommodations to participate via Zoom are always available upon request, making this fantastic program accessible to the busiest of working women.
Program cost: $1,000
ATHENA participants will have access to:
Participants in the program are also invited to join us at our 2025 IMPACT Summit business leadership conference in October at no extra cost.
2025 Space Coast Cohort: In this 8-month program, the cohort meets on the fourth Thursday of the month: Apr. 24; May 22; Jun. 26; Jul. 24; Aug. 28; Sep. 25; Oct. 23 and Nov. 20. All sessions are from 8:30am-10:30am at Florida Tech's Center for Aeronautics and Innovation (CAI), 1050 W. Nasa Blvd, Melbourne. Dr. Kathryn Rudloff, weVENTURE Executive Director and Certified ATHENA International trainer will be facilitating each class.
While in-person attendance is suggested, accommodations to participate via Zoom are always available, making this program accessible to the busiest of working professionals.
Program cost: $1,000 ($100 off if you register before the first class)
Limited number of scholarships for Space Coast Cohort are made available by 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
Invest in your personal growth and development for the equivalent of $100 a month.
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About Athena Leadership Program
Thank you to the following organizations for sponsoring scholarships for deserving women in the community and Florida Tech students:
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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.
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.
“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.”
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!
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