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 2026 Athena Film Festival, which will take place March 5 - 8, 2026.

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.

Are you a Barnard-affiliated entrepreneur who is in the process of starting a venture based on an idea, or currently working on a venture and in need of support?

On June 6, 2025, the Athena Center for Leadership and Barnard Entrepreneurs Network (BEnet) are hosting the 2024 Barnard Startup Summit: an in-person training program in NYC from 10:30-5 pm followed by a reception from 5-7 pm. 

Please submit your info here by Friday, May 23rd at 5 pm ET and we'll be in touch.

The Athena Film Festival has announced the dates for 2026! Mark your calendars for March 5-8, 2026 for another weekend of women leaders on the screen. 

The Athena Film Festival Programming Fellowship is now accepting applications, and we're saving a spot for a current Barnard student!

This paid, hybrid fellowship is a chance to join our team, help curate powerful stories of women's leadership, and get a real look at what goes into building a film festival from the ground up. You'll screen films, work closely with our Programming Directors, and help shape our 2026 short film lineup.

Olivia Martinez '25 moderated a Debate Watch Party, hear her takeaways from the jam-packed event! 

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.