---
title: Lakeland Chamber Being ATHENA 2026 Cohort Coming Soon
description: Join the waitlist for the 2027 ATHENA Leadership Circle and learn more about this enlightened leadership program designed for women in the workplace.
image: https://www.michelleledford.com/hubfs/ATHENA%20header%20image%201%20copy-1.png
---
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# ATHENA Leadership Circle™
Women-focused leadership program for professionals in the workplace.
### 2027
#### Lakeland Chamber
#### ATHENA Leadership Circle
Don't miss out on the opportunity to register for the next ATHENA Leadership Circle. Please join our waitlist and be among the first to know when registration opens for the next cohort in 2027.
#### 2027 ATHENA Leadership Circle Schedule
Five (5) half-day sessions from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm culminating with graduation at the 2027 ATHENA Awards Luncheon. Exact dates for the 2027 Circle will be announced at the beginning of the year.
# 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.
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### The Eight Principles of Enlightened Leadership
###### Live Authentically & Learn Constantly
###### Build Relationships & Foster Collaboration
###### Act Courageously & Advocate Fiercely
###### Give Back & Celebrate
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“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
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“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
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“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.
Join our waitlist to be among the first to know when registration opens for our 2027 cohort.
---
© 2026 Michelle Ledford Consulting, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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