ATHENA Leadership Circle™
Women-focused leadership program for professionals in the workplace.
2026 ATHENA Leadership Circle
Five immersive half-day sessions, held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every other Wednesday, beginning August 12, 2026, and culminating with a special graduation celebration during the annual Lakeland Chamber of Commerce - ATHENA Awards Luncheon on October 7, 2026.
Program Fee: $1,000/participant due at time of registration
- Session 1: August 12, 2026 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Session 2: August 26, 2026 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Session 3: September 9, 2026 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Session 4: September 23, 2026 | 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Session 5 & Graduation: October 7, 2026 | 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Attendance at all sessions is strongly recommended, although you may be absent from one session and still qualify to receive your completion certificate.
The number of cohort participants is limited.
Please follow the step-by-step instructions to complete your registration and payment by clicking the button below.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2026
The ATHENA Difference:
An empathy-based and introspective approach to leadership and personal development that celebrates the transformational power of enlightened leadership in the workplace.
Michelle Ledford Consulting is proud to bring the ATHENA Leadership Circle program to Lakeland, Florida in collaboration with the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce.
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 & A, group discussions, current events and content relevant to “enlightened leadership”, corresponding to these eight principles.
The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership
Live Authentically & Learn Constantly
Build Relationships & Foster Collaboration
Act Courageously & Advocate Fiercely
Give Back & Celebrate
“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
“The 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
“This experience has been a powerful opportunity to grow, reflect, and lead with greater purpose and authenticity. As someone who values structure, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making, the program encouraged me to balance preparation with courage — to lean into opportunities that require both trust and adaptability.
The ATHENA principles reminded me that leadership is as much about listening and empowering others as it is about planning and precision. I’m leaving the program with deeper clarity around leading with empathy, fostering collaboration, and creating space for others to thrive.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired by so many AMAZING women. If you’re looking for a program that helps you lead with confidence, connection, and impact — I can’t recommend ATHENA enough.”
Raelyn Dessart Sport Event & Tourism Association
The ATHENA Leadership Circle™ 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.
- 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
Let’s grow together.
Program fee is $1,000/participant and is due at time of registration.
The number of cohort participants is limited.
Please follow the step-by-step instructions to complete your registration and payment by clicking the button below.

