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.

You've probably already seen it: 

Athena and it's the same, but it's a new year so it's not.

We're inviting all students -- seasoned Athena pros, new community members, and everyone in between -- to drop by for our very first Q&Athena of the year. At this open house, you can meet with Athena staff, learn about this year's programs, or just tell us about your summer: all are welcomed to attend! 

Join Najam Haider, professor and chair of Religion, for lunch and a chat about the tensions between protest, power, and political transition especially in matters associated with Islam or the Middle East. Drawing on the idea that many ideas and beliefs that we consider "normal", "mainstream," or "modern" are in fact a manifestation of Protestant Christianity and Settler Colonialism, Prof. Haider will discuss why it is so difficult to imagine the creation of a different world. You might even get to ask him why he was politely asked to leave multiple human rights organizations about his inadvertent smuggling activities in Yemen.

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, October 14, on the Upper West Side. 

The topic :: Voting

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 supporting plan and run this perennial event. 

In Fall 2023, Athena partnered with the Women in Energy Initiative at Columbia’s Center for Global Energy Policy (CGEP) to create Take the Mic, Take Action! Read about why collaborating on communities of practice like this one is so important! 

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.