Athena Center for Leadership

Don't have time to take on a specific project, or to explore a specific method of changemaking — or don't feel ready to do that yet? That's okay! SPARK, our event series, and the Athena Film Festival will inspire you and ignite your thinking about what's possible and what you might do. They're open to everyone and you can take part in whatever way works for you.

This year, our theme for SPARK is transition. Be sure to tell us what you'd like to see in this series! And save the date for the 15th Anniversary Athena Film Festival, which will take place March 6 - 9, 2025.

Communities of practice are where we roll up our sleeves and get to work here at Athena. Our communities of practice provide (1) meaningful connections with students who share your interests, (2) mentorship and guidance from experts and experienced changemakers, (3) an ungraded space to try something new, take a risk, get it wrong, and try again, and (4) funding or help accessing funding from external sources so you can dedicate the time and attention. 

Read about how these work and find information about eligibility and application deadlines. 

Not sure what community of practice is right for you? Or if you even want to join one? Or maybe you do want to join one, but the timing isn't working for you right now? Maybe you want to join one, but aren't seeing it on the list?

Whatever your reason, we'd love to get to know you so that we can identify ways to help you with your individual needs.

Our team members hold office hours and we welcome drop-ins too. Our space is open from 10-5 pm every weekday, and if the CoLab isn't in use, you're welcome to use it to collaborate with others.

Do you have an interest in interning with a government agency, policy organization, think tank, or elected official? The Williams Program for Women in Politics is a ten-week summer program for students interested in having a more expansive understanding of the inner workings of government and the policies that impact our lives. Program participants will receive a $5000 stipend to support their summer internship while attending weekly virtual meetings to learn from their peers and guest professionals.

Ready to apply? Submit your application here by December 1st! (Deadline extended!)

Join us as an Athena Center Applied Learning Student Lead and help run Athena’s Communities of Practice. You’ll gain hands-on experience in event coordination, community engagement, and creative outreach. Apply on Workday (Job Req ID JR4339) by December 1st.

In this dense —but delightful! — document, you’ll find some highlights from the past academic year, along with snapshots of the experiences of a few of our most recent graduates. I hope you feel inspired and encouraged while reading their stories about the ways they were impacted by their work with Athena, and like a better world really is possible. 

Follow Wynne's project through multiple Athena Center's programs, from inception to how to transition through her graduation in May 2024.  

The fourth annual Startup Summit featured seven experts leading five modules and was followed by a networking reception with Barnard alums and entrepreneurs. Read Athena Intern Lilly Montelle's '27 reflection on helping plan and run this perennial event. 

Meet three of Barnard’s most recent graduates—Grace Schleck ‘24, Ana Eveleigh ‘24, and Silvana Navia ‘24—as they reflect on their Laidlaw experiences and how the program launched them as researchers.

Athena alum Reni Calister '11 shares her Lessons From Leading, from starting her career to mentorship. Read about her insights and how to get connected! 

Check out the Field Notes Archive

Learn about the Social Change Ecosystem framework and how Athena students discovered how to best use their skills to create change.