As we settle into October, we also celebrate a significant month in the life of The Athena Network. Nineteen years ago this week, Jacqueline Rogers took the bold step which would transform the landscape of women’s networking. In 2005, not finding a network that resonated with her needs, she decided to create her own — a space where women could feel excited, informed, and confident enough to attend. This decision would lay the foundation for what has since become a thriving community of empowered women in business.
The Birth of a Gamechanger
In her early networking experiences, Jacqueline quickly learned one simple but crucial truth: women were more likely to skip an event if they didn’t know what to expect. To bridge that gap, she built The Athena Network with a unique approach—combining training, support, and collaboration, and engaging participants before meetings even began. This forward-thinking strategy set Athena apart and became a cornerstone of our success.
Over the past 19 years, The Athena Network has continuously evolved. We’ve embraced change, adapted to the times, and grown into a powerful resource for women in business across the UK and beyond. The move to online networking was another gamechanger, enabling women to connect across regions and boundaries in ways that were never before possible. This shift brought about new collaborations, fresh opportunities, and measurable business success for our members.
A Thriving Network of Empowered Women
Today, The Athena Network thrives as a dynamic blend of online and offline activity. Our regional directors, who lead groups with passion and purpose, are at the heart of this vibrant community. Each director is fully invested in the network’s mission, making a genuine difference in the lives of the women they work with. Through their leadership, they inspire and motivate members to achieve their goals, grow their businesses, and develop as leaders.
2024 has been an especially exciting year for Jacqueline and The Athena Network—her “Year of Yes!” This year has been all about saying “yes” to new opportunities, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact. We’ve welcomed talented new Regional Directors to our team, launched new groups across the UK, and successfully hosted our NetMind event — a true testament to the power of women supporting women.
Looking Ahead: Celebrating 20 Years of Athena
Next year, we will mark an incredible milestone: 20 years of supporting, empowering, and transforming the lives of women in business. As we prepare for our 20th anniversary, we reflect on two decades of connecting entrepreneurs, nurturing leadership, and fostering growth. The community we’ve built together is a source of immense pride and inspiration.
As we look forward to our special celebration event in October 2025, we invite you to stay tuned for exciting details about what promises to be a landmark occasion in the life of The Athena Network. This will be a celebration not just of our history, but of the incredible community of women who have made The Athena Network what it is today.
Here’s to Jacqueline’s Year of Yes—and to many more years of empowering women to thrive!
Recent Comments