Who We Are
Our Founder
Founded in 2009, our organization addresses economic mobility and self-esteem building for at-risk teen girls, areas that are critical to breaking the cycle of poverty. Through a partnership with Cross Keys High School, one of the most diverse schools in Georgia, we have identified key challenges faced by at-risk girls including gender, race, socioeconomic status, and lack of documentation.We serve junior and senior high school girls, whom are typically first-generation Americans or immigrants, a portion without documentation or a pathway to citizenship. On average, the highest level of education for households is a high school diploma; it is not uncommon to learn that for some families elementary school is the highest level of education.With a population of nearly 78% Hispanic, Cross Key students trail other Georgia schools, graduating only 42.4% of students in 2012 compared to the state average of 71.5 percent. According to the 2010 Georgia graduation report, Hispanics are on average less likely to graduate high school (58% compared to the state average of 69.7 percent in 2010).Research indicates that youth who participate in after school programs are less likely to drop out of school and less likely to engage in high-risk behavior such as drinking, smoking, drug usage, sex, cutting and eating disorders. Our organization provides a safe space to address key teen issues, resulting in reports of increased self-esteem and reduced at-risk behaviors.
Our Executive Director
While Dia is on an indefinite sabbatical, due to her house burning down at the beginning of 2026- no interruptions have occurred with programming.
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.
Our Board
Our Board is a Working Board
Our board of directors are young professionals and former program participants who are dedicated to assisting the Executive Director with program evaluation and implementation.
We have multiple executives leading the organization to balance power as well as to provide support at every level. Our Board Chair, Vice Chair, Executive Director, President and Treasurer share equal power and control over the organization. The President is also the Chief Executive Officer who examines the retention and recruitment of program attendees and volunteers. The Executive Director is also the Chief Financial Officer she oversees fundraising, grant writing, and budget development for all programs & projects.
Our members have a financial commitment commiserate with their income. But most importantly they each have a set number of volunteer hours each year that they dedicate towards a program of their choosing! An individual must be under the age of 45 to be part of our Board of Directors.
Our community advisory board has an annual “give or get” which is also commiserate with their income however there is no age limit for those who would like to join our Community Advisory Board. Advisory Board members can be as young as 5 years old as the youth we serve are invited to participate in our advisory board and serve on committees. Each committee corresponds to a program housed here at Athena’s Warehouse Inc. like our Prom Project or our Celebrate Success programs. Advisory Board members don’t need to attend quarterly board meetings but are encouraged to do so.