Member in the Spotlight: Gemma Storey – Winchester Central

We love to hear of a member who truly embodies ‘The Athena Way’. Someone who doesn’t simply attend meetings, but actively embraces the power of relationships, collaboration and generosity within the network.

We are delighted to shine the spotlight on Gemma Storey, a valued member of Joanne Sumner’s Winchester Central Athena group.

Gemma has been a wonderful advocate for Athena for several years, not only within her own group but across the wider network through her thoughtful use of PASS+. Rather than taking a scattergun approach to networking, Gemma has been intentional and strategic: choosing the groups she visits, building genuine relationships with Regional Directors and members, and deepening her connections wherever she goes.

One of those relationships is with Lara Lauder, who recently shared this lovely reflection on Gemma’s contribution to the wider Athena community.

Gemma has been a regular PASS+ visitor to West Berkshire meetings and events and has consistently shown up as a supportive and engaged member. Last year, while holidaying on the Isle of Wight, she even took the opportunity to cross over for a cream tea and a 1-1 with Lara: a small moment that beautifully captures the spirit of Athena and the relationships that develop within the network.

More recently, Gemma travelled to support Lara’s Cappuccino Connections visitors event at Audley. During the meeting, a panel discussion invited members to share their experiences of Athena. Gemma stepped forward and spoke brilliantly about how she uses PASS+ as part of her networking strategy.

She explained how being selective about where she invests her time has allowed her to build strong, trusted relationships across the network. Through these connections, she knows that not only her own Regional Director Joanne Sumner, but also other Athena leaders such as Lara and the local members actively recommend and promote her.

As Gemma shared with the room, it’s a little like having two Athena memberships for the price of one.

Her insight was inspiring for both visitors and members, demonstrating how Athena membership can become even more powerful when women actively engage with the wider community and build relationships beyond their home group.

Following the meeting, Gemma stayed on for lunch with Lara and another member, and the conversations continued in the relaxed way they often do when Athena women spend time together beyond the meeting itself.

It was a lovely opportunity for connections to deepen, shared interests to emerge and ideas for collaboration to begin forming. Plans were soon being made to meet again and explore working together further.

Gemma also encouraged her fellow member to visit additional Athena meetings, continuing that ripple effect of support, confidence and opportunity that flows so naturally through our community.

This is Athena in action, women connecting, relationships deepening, and opportunities unfolding through generosity and trust.

As if that weren’t enough, Gemma also recently received well-deserved recognition for her work, winning the Marketing Maven category at the Maven Awards in February.

Gemma, thank you for being such a wonderful ambassador for Athena — thoughtful in your networking, generous in your support of others, and a true champion of the relationships that make this community so special.

We are very lucky to have you.

Photo Credit:  Phillipa Gedge Photography