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.

Join the Athena Student Advisory Board to kick off the holiday season at the Athena Center, located on the 4th floor of Milstein! On Wednesday, October 30th, from 1 to 3 pm, dive into pumpkin painting, bedazzle keychains, sip on hot apple cider, and enjoy a screening of a fall favorite. Costumes are welcome but not required—just bring your Halloween spirit for some spooky fun! No RSVP necessary. 

The Athena Center is looking for the next cohort of Athena Fellows. Fellows identify problems in the world and work closely with a faculty advisor (and an amazing cohort!) to develop interventions to address their challenge. Fellows also receive a $1500 stipend and the opportunity to share their work with the Barnard community. Interested? Register for an information session on November 6 at 1 pm to learn more before applying. Ready to apply? Submit your application here by November 10th! 

Alums and current students, please join us for Dinner and Dialogue, a series of delicious dinners and quality conversations about topics that we don't often find ourselves having the right time, space, or conditions to discuss. 

Each dinner will take place at the NYC home of a Barnard alum and will bring together up to 5 students and 5 alums of different perspectives for a lively, facilitated conversation that we hope will leave you feeling like you have a new understanding of the topic and like you're part of an amazing community - because you are. 

The next dinner will take place from 6:30-8:30 PM on Monday, November 18, on the Upper West Side. 

The topic :: Government

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.