Being ATHENA™

As an extension of our existing affiliation with ATHENA International + the ATHENA Leadership Award Program, the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its newest leadership development program, Being ATHENA™. Cohort 2 begins August 12, 2026.

Read more about the ATHENA Awards.

About ATHENA™ Leadership Programs

ATHENA International is a catalyst for developing diverse, transformative leaders worldwide through experiential programs that ignite, amplify and celebrate girls, women and allies — from young scholars to seasoned professionals. At the heart of everything we do are the Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership™ (ATHENA Leadership Model®):
- Live Authentically, Learn Constantly
- Build Relationships, Foster Collaboration
- Act Courageously, Advocate Fiercely
- Give Back and Celebrate.

ATHENA is driven to bring empathy based, compassionate, and inclusive leadership culture to the workplace, educational institutions, and individuals. ATHENA Leadership Programs are superior to traditional programs focused on people-management. ATHENA Leadership Programs teach individuals how to foster personal growth and development in themselves, and others, by guiding them through the process of self-discovery and operationalizing personal insights. Ultimately, participants unlock new heights of achievement and accomplishment.

The Being ATHENA™ Leadership Participants Experience

Participants embark on a profound journey of self-discovery, acquiring knowledge, engaging in self-reflection, and fostering meaningful relationships within the alumni community. Remarkable women experience substantial growth in self-understanding, leading to unprecedented levels of achievement and success. Through the program, they develop newfound confidence, empowering their inner self-advocate. Their accomplishments are recognized and rewarded with promotions, higher salaries, additional responsibilities, and recognition.

In each session, Michelle Ledford, an ATHENA certified facilitator guide and ATHENA Leadership Award Recipient, will lead participants through learning modules including self-reflection activities, breakout sessions, conflict resolution, guest speaker Q and A, group discussions, current events and content relevant to “enlightened leadership”, corresponding to the eight principles.

An in depth behavior assessment including motivational needs by Predictive Index™
A personalized action plan for achieving their leadership goals
Successful negotiations for salary increases, promotions, and increased responsibilities
A supportive space and atmosphere for sharing career challenges and insights
A greater sense of self, confidence, and understanding of their unique leadership style
Meaningful new relationships within the alumni community

Hear From Past Participants

“The Being Athena Leadership Program was a profound and transformative experience. It pushed me to reflect deeply, face discomfort, and grow in ways that I didn’t expect. I leave the program feeling more self-aware, confident, and better equipped to lead and advocate, for myself and for others. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience, the empowering journey, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking and ready to grow both personally and as a leader.”
- Lori Martini, GiveWell Community Foundation, past chamber board chair

“I'm so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to participate in this program. The women in my cohort were authentic, insightful, and inspiring. Being a woman in leadership can often times be lonely. It was encouraging to hear from other successful women their struggles and successes along the way. Our diverse group offered different perspectives and allowed all of us to learn from each other and discover or affirm our values, strengths, and weaknesses. It was a great experience!”
- Candace Moss, Bank of Central Florida

Registration Opens Soon - Click Here to Join the Waitlist

Meet Your Facilitator

Michelle is a Being ATHENA Certified Facilitator and will lead the Lakeland Chamber cohort.

Recognition

2024 Leadership Award – ATHENA International
2023 Florida Trend People to Know
2023 University of South Florida Fast 56
2022 University of South Florida Fast 56
2021 University of South Florida Fast 56
2021 Businesswoman of the Year – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
2020 Rising Business of the Year – Lakeland Chamber of Commerce
2020 Hall of Fame Award – The Lakeland Rotary Club
2018 Forum Leader of the Year Award – Southeastern University
2017 Silver Medal Award – American Advertising Federation

Michelle Ledford
CEO & Founder, Michelle Ledford Consulting

"I've built my career and reputation by leading with vision and purpose. During my 30 years of marketing and advertising experience, I've helped businesses create effective strategies and strong brands. My dedication to the industry earned me the distinguished American Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award.

During my most recent venture as Co-founder and President of MADE, I mastered business operations while managing countless decisions daily. During my tenure, I led the agency to industry recognition, earning accolades including the 2020 Rising Business of the Year, 2021 Businesswoman of the Year from the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce and multiple appearances in the USF Fast 56 Class.

Beyond my business success, I have been deeply committed to leadership development and community involvement. I've served in pivotal roles with organizations such as the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Lakeland, The Lakeland Rotary Club and Polk State College Foundation.

With Michelle Ledford Consulting, I’m embracing my passion—helping businesses and professionals grow through strategic development and the process of reimagining their potential. I believe in creating opportunities for growth, mentorship and enablement. This is about sharing my experience and helping others step into their full potential."

Click here to read more about Michelle.

How to Register

The Lakeland Chamber Being ATHENA™ 2026 cohort is limited to the first registered 30 participants. Registration must be completed through the ATHENA International platform. Complete registration instructions can be found on Michelle Ledford Consulting's website by clicking on the button below. Account creation with ATHENA International will be required.

Participation Cost

Program Fee: $1,000 / participant (due at registration)
Fees must be paid via the ATHENA international website. Creation of a username and password will be required.

Registration Opens Soon - Click Here to Join the Waitlist

Lakeland Chamber Being ATHENA 2026 Cohort Program Dates & Attendance Requirements

Five (5) half-day sessions from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Every other Wednesday, beginning 8/12/26 and ending 10/7/26.
Classes will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church (301 N. Florida Ave., Lakeland, FL, 33801)
Graduation ceremony will take place during the 2026 ATHENA Awards Luncheon at Haus820 on October 7, 2026.
Attendance at all sessions is recommended, although you may be absent from one session and still qualify to receive your completion certificate.

Wed., August 12, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 1

Wed., August 26, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 2

Wed., September 9, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 3

Wed., September 23, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 4

Wed., October 7, 2026
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Session 5

Wed., October 7, 2026
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Graduation during ATHENA Awards

Key Benefits to Companies and Community Organizations

✓ Operationalize Behavioral Insights: Results from the Predictive Index™ behavioral assessments help maximize performance by empowering teams to make more data-driven decisions about people, optimize team dynamics and satisfaction, and predict exceptional results.

✓ A Strong Leadership Pipeline: Being ATHENA helps identify and develop leadership capabilities in all employees within the organization. By investing in their development, companies can build a strong pipeline of empowered and inclusive leaders who are prepared to drive the organization's success into the future.

✓ Increased Employee Engagement and Retention: Being ATHENA’s holistic approach to professional growth and development increases confidence, engagement, and satisfaction. These employees are more likely to feel valued and invested in their careers, leading to higher retention rates and lower turnover costs for the company.

✓ Improved Organizational Performance: Effective leadership is essential for achieving business objectives. Being ATHENA equips employees with the skills, knowledge, and empathetic tools they need to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and drive results while mentoring the next generation of leaders.

✓ Fostering a Culture of Continuous Learning and Development: In a professional culture that values learning, growth, and development, employees are more likely to embrace new challenges, seek out more responsibility, and continuously improve their skills and capabilities. Being ATHENA helps companies stay agile, innovative, and competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.

✓ Enhancing Succession Planning and Risk Management: By developing a diverse pool of talented leaders, companies mitigate risks associated with leadership transitions, succession gaps, and unexpected departures.

✓ Building a Positive Employer Brand: Current and prospective employees value employers committed to investing in their professional development and growth. This enhances the company's employer brand, making it more attractive to top talent.

✓ Driving Innovation and Adaptability: Strong leadership is essential for cultivating innovation and driving organizational change. Being ATHENA teaches the skills and mindset leaders need to challenge the status quo, think creatively, and adapt to new challenges, enabling companies to stay ahead of the curve.

** Need a summary to provide to your employer? Download the PDF below. **

Questions?

Reach out to Being ATHENA Facilitator, Michelle Ledford, at [email protected]
or Dr. Takiyah Dixon, Director of Business Resources, at [email protected].