ATHENA of the Triangle

10/13/2026

The relationships we build can change lives, open doors, and create opportunities we never imagined. 💜

For ATHENA of the Triangle Board Member Adair Takikawa Salgado, CDFA®, building relationships has always been about more than networking.

“Build Relationships is top for me because I am a relationship person who values every person I choose to be in my life. I enjoy helping (and connecting) others, and ensuring everyone is included.”

Adair reminds us that some of the most meaningful things we can do as leaders are also the simplest: make an introduction, invite someone into the conversation, offer encouragement, or take the time to really listen.

✨That's the Power of Us.✨

No matter where we are in our leadership journey, there's always someone new to learn from, someone we can support, and a connection worth making.

Who has made a difference in your life simply by taking the time to connect?

🏷️ Tag them below and let them know.

10/07/2026

14 speakers. 1 morning. 1 center full of future scientists, engineers, coders, and innovators. 💜🎉

The 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

We're excited to welcome 300 high school students from schools across Wake and Durham school districts for an immersive experience connecting them with STEM careers, educational opportunities, and women who are helping shape the industries of tomorrow.

Check out our presenters:
✨ Aynsley Szczesniak
✨ Carnela H.
✨ Elena Lewis, M.A., PCC
✨ Jalonda N. Thompson, M.Ed, MBA
✨ Dr Joeletta Patrick
✨ Lauren Wattenbarger
✨ Leigh B.
✨ Melissa Coloton
✨ Narkie Nartey
✨ Robert Walker-Smith
✨ Rupali Patil
✨ Tamara Polge
✨ Teniqua Denise Kennerly
✨ Nikki Turner

Between them, they bring decades of experience in STEM. On Oct. 23 they're bringing it to the McKimmon Center at NC State for girls in grades 9–12.

🙏 A huge thank-you to our sponsors who make it possible: Merck, Lenovo, The Limitless Leader, North Carolina State University College of Education & the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, Burt's Bees, 4imprint, and Wegmans Food Markets. 💜

👉 Want in?
There are lots of ways to get involved with ATHENA of the Triangle:

👉 Volunteer at the conference or a future program
👉 Sponsor or partner with us to grow the next generation of women leaders
👉 Join one of our programs, like ATHENA Enlightened Leaders or ATHENAPowerLink®
👉 Share this post & Follow Us
👉Learn more and get involved: athenatriangle.org

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10/05/2026

Leadership grows stronger when we stay curious, build meaningful relationships, and create space for others to contribute. 💜

Our ATHENA Enlightened Leaders recently welcomed Andora Gandy Hinton for a powerful virtual session centered on two ATHENA Leadership Principles: Build Relationships and Foster Collaboration.

Andora challenged our leaders to think beyond their own experiences and perspectives, sharing a reminder from Simon Sinek:

“Curiosity is essential for progress. Only when we look to worlds beyond our own can we really know if there’s room for improvement.”

Our ATHENA Enlightened Leaders are creating stronger connections, expanding perspectives, and building a community of women who are equipped to lead with intention and bring others with them.

🙏 We are grateful to Andora for investing her time, experience, and wisdom in our leaders.

📣 And we’re grateful to the partners and sponsors who make experiences like this possible.

KPMG | | Lenovo

When you invest in ATHENA of the Triangle, you’re creating a ripple effect across our leaders' workplaces, communities, and the Triangle.

That’s the Power of US. 💜

10/01/2026

The countdown is on! 🎉

We’re officially preparing for the 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference on October 23 at NC State University's McKimmon Center

Today, some of our incredible student volunteers from Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Men’s Leadership Academy came together to assemble swag bags and prepare the special touches that will help make the day memorable for our student attendees.

Events like this take a community. 🙌

🙏 We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors whose support makes it possible to create a day where 300 young women can explore STEM careers, connect with inspiring leaders, and see the possibilities ahead of them.

Merck | Lenovo | The Limitless Leader | North Carolina State University The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation | 4imprint | Wegmans Food Markets | Dress for Success Triangle NC | Burt's Bees.

Thank you for investing in the next generation of women in STEM. We can’t wait for October 23! 💜

09/29/2026

3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Students. 2️⃣2️⃣ Schools. 1️⃣ Day to see what’s possible.

We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference, happening October 23 at The McKimmon Center, North Carolina State University!

This year, ATHENA of the Triangle's ATHENA in STEM Girls Conference will bring together approximately 300 high school girls from across Wake and Durham school districts for a day of STEM career exploration, leadership, learning, and connection.

Our goal is simple: help the next generation of young women see themselves as the scientists, engineers, technologists, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. 💜

We’re incredibly grateful to the sponsors, educators, community partners, and volunteers helping us make this possible.

Merck | Lenovo | Limitless Leadership | NC State University The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation | 4imprint | Wegmans | Dress for Success Triangle NC | Burt's Bees.

Read the full announcement

👉 https://athenatriangle.org/athena-of-the-triangle-to-bring-300-high-school-girls-together-for-2nd-annual-athena-in-stem-girls-conference/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

09/28/2026

✨ What does a future in STEM actually look like? Sometimes, you have to see it for yourself.

Our ATHENA in STEM Mentoring Circles took learning beyond the classroom with an incredible visit to Pendo, where ninth-grade students from Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy got an inside look at the people, possibilities, and career paths behind a leading tech company.

Through an interactive scavenger hunt, students explored Pendo’s culture, values, customers, and careers. Then, conversations with employees and the Femmengineers panel brought those possibilities to life.

One message stood out: growth often starts when you’re willing to do something that scares you.

The panelists shared stories about taking brave opportunities, stepping outside their comfort zones, navigating career decisions, and learning to see fear not as a stop sign, but as part of growing.

💜 Thank you to Pendo and everyone who shared their time, experiences, and encouragement with our students.

Experiences like these help young women see that there is a place for them in STEM, and that their future can be bigger than they imagined.

09/23/2026

Great leadership doesn’t happen in isolation.

When we surround ourselves with people who challenge us, encourage us, share their strengths, and bring new perspectives to the table, everyone rises.

That’s the heart of Foster Collaboration, our ATHENA Leadership Principle. 💜

Who is someone who has lifted you higher?

🗨️🏷️Tag them below and celebrate the people who make you a better leader.

09/22/2026

We are excited to kick off our partnership with our new ATHENA in STEM school at Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies! Stay tuned to see how the afternoon unfolds.

09/22/2026

09/22/2026

Giving back is leadership in action. 💜

ATHENA in STEM students from Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy recently partnered with Lenovo to build Baskets of Hope, benefiting the nonprofit A Doorway to Hope and families in our community.

It was an opportunity for our students to see that leadership is about more than developing skills. It’s about working together, serving others, and using those skills to make a meaningful impact.

The event also earned local media attention, with CBS 17 featuring the ATHENA in STEM event across five broadcasts, including an interview with one of our students.

A huge thank you to Lenovo for creating this hands-on opportunity for our students to learn, lead, and give back. 💜

ATHENA of the Triangle