“Let me remind all women that we live longer and better lives when we have sisters we love, not necessarily born in our bloodline or of our race. Sisters.” – Maya Angelou

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we recognize that leadership is not just about individual success—it is about collective strength, shared wisdom, and the power of lifting one another. Maya Angelou’s words remind us that our greatest progress comes when we stand together, across generations, industries, and backgrounds.

In our last program, Ages & Stages of Athena, we explored with both laughter and tears how our relationships as women and our leadership evolves through the years, shaped by experience, resilience, and the support of those who walk with us. The authenticity and sharing on that stage was the best reminder of why we are here, together. We know that leadership is not a fixed destination—it is a lifelong journey, one that requires courage, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to making space for others. Through the times that make us laugh to the times that impact our lives in the biggest of ways. I am so grateful to have this sisterhood.

Yet, even as we celebrate our progress, we must acknowledge the challenges that remain. The barriers to equality persist—in the workplace, in policy, and in the dynamics of power. Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, and too often, our voices are absent from critical conversations that shape our world. There was a study done by Laurel Stone called “Women Transforming Conflict: A Quantitative Analysis of Female Peacemaking” International data from 1989-2011 shows that when women are involved in peace agreements, those agreements are 35% more likely to last 15+ years. Gender balance is not just a moral imperative—it is a strategic necessity. When women lead, communities are stronger, economies are more resilient, and lasting change becomes possible. This is why our work matters.

As we reflect on this moment in time, we must ask ourselves: How do we, as Athena, continue to push for progress? How do we ensure that the next generation has more opportunities, more representation, and fewer barriers to success? The answers lie in our commitment to mentoring, advocating, and showing up—not just for ourselves, but for each other. Athena works to this end every day. Our CAC is hard at work monitoring the activities of our legislative session and changes at the Federal level. We will be honoring our Young Women of Promise in April and our Career Assistance Grant recipients in May.

Leadership is not about going it alone; it is about forging pathways, extending hands, and recognizing that our strength is amplified when we walk together. I’m excited about this week’s program highlighting amazing women in sports and breaking barriers along the way.

To every woman leading in her own way—whether in the boardroom, the community, or the home—your impact is felt, your voice matters, and your story is shaping history in real time. We see this in the accolades of our members and the impact they have and continue to have not only in our community, but across the world.

Let us continue to lead, support, and champion the power of women—not just this month, but every day. And, with that, let’s celebrate the women who are being honored this month: Maruchi Azorin at the Girl Scout’s Women of Distinction Luncheon on March 12; Marsha Rydberg and Doris Weatherford at the Hillsborough County Women’s Hall of Fame Luncheon on March 26; Adri Colina, Kimberly Guy, Marlene Spalten and India Witte at  Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2025 Business Women of the Year on March 28.

With love and gratitude,
Jessica

PS. Athena’s new website is shaping up and coming soon! Stay tuned for details.