DeAnna “Dia” Parker
Executive Director & CFO 2019- Present
(She/Her)
As the Executive Director, and a former participant in our “Discover Your Inner Warrior” program, Dia is working, daily, to foster space where our girls feel the power in their own voices. Dia has a B.S. in Biology from Oglethorpe University and a M.A. in Social Innovation at Agnes Scott College. She is also the co-founder of Los Vecinos de Buford Highway.
Adriana Smith-Vargas
Faculty Advisor Cross Keys HS
(She/Her)
Mrs. Adriana Smith-Vargas was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and immigrated to the United States as a young child. Raised in Los Angeles, California in a thriving latinx community she was inspired by latinx teachers and principals who mentored her in high school.
Adriana chose to become the faculty adviser for Athena's Warehouse because of the challenges she faced as a young woman in high school. She recalls the fortune of having female mentors to help guide her through many moments that her parents were unable to understand. Mrs. Vargas wants the young women at Cross Keys high school to know they always have a safe place and a group of women who will support them.
Linda Chen
Yoga Instructor 2019- Present
(She/Her)
As a yoga instructor and storyteller, Linda finds purpose and power in guiding others toward self-acceptance. She believes all people have within them a powerful story and inspires others by sharing her own journey of growth and healing. As the daughter of two immigrants, she was raised in the back kitchen of Chinese restaurants in the Georgia suburbs. She knows firsthand the lack of resources available to young women of color and is passionate about Athena’s Warehouse’s dedication to educate, inspire, and empower young women.
She completed the 15-hour Trauma Informed Outreach Training from the Connection Coalition through at Yellow Mat Wellness Collective in Decatur, GA in 2020.
Linda holds a BA in journalism from Emory University and has worked as an NPR journalist and producer. Now she helps organizations uncover and activate their Purpose at Edelman, a creative consultancy in Atlanta, GA.
Jess Pfeffer
Yoga Instructor 2023- Present
(She/Her)
Jess Pfeffer is a master’s level mental health therapist, yoga teacher, and entrepreneur. She is on this planet to serve her community by making real connections and teaching yoga on and off the mat. Jess is passionate about health and wellness and prides herself on being authentic and open to everyone she meets. As a professional conscious consultant and holistic event planner Jess works 1 on 1 with individuals looking to enhance their professional or personal lives. She also offers group yoga sessions to small and big companies.
Nicky Herranz
Outreach & Advocacy Intern
(They/She)
Marian Vu
Family Services Program Intern
(She/Her)
Our first program intern from the University of Florida, Marian Vu. Marian is in her final year, completing her Bachelors of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. To complete her program she's decided to do an internship with us where she will earn her final course credit as part of her practicum requirement.
Bee Nguyen
Founder
Executive Director 2009-2019
Bee Nguyen founded Athena's Warehouse in 2009. The organization is a product of her love for women and girls and entrepreneurship. Her prior experiences include work with Boat People SOS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and most recently the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. She graduated from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies with a Master of Public Administration in 2012. In addition to having served as the Executive Director for Athena's, Bee is a member of the Atlanta Regional Board Millennial Committee, a mentor for the Wren's Nest, and a fellow with the 2015 Georgia Women Policy Institute program. She also hosts and facilitates a series of racial justice conversations What We Talk About When We Talk About Race. Outside of community work, Bee spends her free time running, biking, and hiking with her family and friends.