"Ladies, we are natural leaders. The world needs our mojo, our "essential coolness," our groove. And it does take a village. So we've created one." Ā ā Kelly Pratt, Founder, Athena Village
In her book,Ā Becoming Athena,Ā Martha Mertz states that womenās natural leadership is "...not codified in business schools or mandated in corporate manuals; [it is] drawn, unselfconsciously, from centuries-old practices learned at grandmothers' knees...so second nature that...the principlesĀ went with them, shaping and guiding all we do.ā
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Action | What action, however small, can you take? Do what you say you're going to do: I said I would + I did! Question assumptions. Speak the truth. Take action consistent with your values - even it's not comfortable.Ā
Give First. Be Curious. | Curiosity, asking questions and generosity is the core of relationship building in Athena Village. We believe women supporting women leads to personal, business and leadership growth. See our "Give First" policy.Ā
Gathering + GratitudeĀ | The age-old practice of gathering to mark important times. Strengthening bonds of unity through creative expression, rituals and traditions. Memorializing moments, triumphant or tragic. Share your successes! Giving thanks to what we have and who we cherish.Ā
Nourish | Let's explore different facets of nourishment: food, spirituality, mental and emotional health---what brings you alive? What not only sustains but strengthens you? This is about nourishing ourselves, our bodies, minds and souls.Ā
Invest | How do you invest your resources? This is about more than finances. It's about intention. Invest originally meant "to clothe." Investing can mean to endow with a power or quality. Your time and energy in a project. Your hopes or emotions in a person or a dream. Let's go deep!
Advocacy + Devotion | What in your life receives your devotion? What deeply matters and invokes your passion? How can we use our devotion for advocacy? It's about living audaciously. Acting with unswerving commitment tempered by respect and compassion. Generating a powerful force for good.
Create + InnovateĀ | We are all creative! Creativity challenges status quo. Is there a better way? How can this work? Why? Why not? If insanity is doing the same thing over & over, expecting different results, creativity is about doing things differently, and discovering possibility.Ā
Collaboration | How can partnerships and collaboration enhance your life? We value coopetition. We seek global, inclusive perspectives. We strive to deepen understanding, awareness, and knowledge through diversity, while actively encouraging participation from those who are often overlooked.Ā
Authenticity + AlignmentĀ | Be your whole self. Let's get grounded. Exploring core values and beliefs and living in alignment with them. Embodying our uniqueness. Embracing lived experience. Discovering purpose. Being authentic is the single most important quality of leading a fulfilled life.Ā
PlayĀ | "Frivolum Est Bonus" (Latin for "Silly is Good!") Sometime after childhood, we stopped playing. Carve out time for fun, rejuvenating play like we did as kids. "If it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I won't grow up! Not Me!" ā Peter PanĀ
Wisdom + Discernment | Always Learning: Ancora Imparo. Employ "beginner's mind," regardless of your level of achievement. Understanding built on experience, intuition and self-directed learning. The art of listening and the ability to pick and choose what is right for you. Setting boundaries.Ā
EquityĀ | 100 Years ago we "took" the right to vote. The 1st ā & the only ā right that the U.S. Constitution specifically affirms and applies equally to women & men. "We shall not be safe until the principle of equal rights is written into the framework of our government." ā Alice Paul.