Leading Industry Experts Join Athenian’s Board to Advance Underrepresented Female Students Seeking Skills, Training, and Employment in STREAM Careers.

Athenian welcomes new board members to advance mission of empowering girls in middle and high school to follow career paths into Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art and Math related to high income transportation-sector jobs.

Huntsville, AL – June 4, 2024 - With the nonprofit’s headquarters relocation to the Southern Region including Huntsville, Nashville, and Atlanta, and the transportation focus expanding to include all modes of making the world move…from racecars to rockets, Athenian is thrilled to announce the induction of new Board Members. With the company’s latest strides in student outreach and education including digital training and a published book series spotlighting skills and careers, significant milestones and data support the ongoing mission to empower and inspire young girls in STREAM fields (Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Arts, Math).

"I am deeply honored to join the Board of Directors at Athenian, and excited to support and advance the organization’s mission to empower and inspire girls in STREAM,” said Zachary Sharpell of Qualcomm. “It is a passion of mine to share the amazing opportunities that exist in the transportation sector, and I am committed to helping Athenian's aspiring inventors, scientists, engineers, and astronauts achieve their dreams. Programs like the Discovery Zone masterclasses and the hands-on excitement of FABcamp are instrumental in building confidence and skills, allowing girls to create impressive portfolios and, quite literally, reach for the stars. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to contributing to Athenian's continued success."

The new Board of Director inductee, Zach Sharpell of Qualcomm brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Athenian’s vision of fostering a thriving network and talent pipeline into careers in aerospace, automotive, maritime, and motorsports.

The new Board of Advisors creates a web of connections across the USA providing the backbone of support that Athenian members receive to build their high school resume and prepare them for training and/or college studies beyond high school. As Dana Kirchmar of Smart Sky Networks states, “Joining the Athenian team and speaking at FABcamp is a fantastic opportunity for me to mentor young girls, sparking their interest in aviation, engineering, and other STREAM fields, and guiding them toward successful and fulfilling careers. I am honored to be a Board Advisor, supporting Athenian’s mission to inspire and elevate young girls and help them to achieve their dreams."

Along with the Board of Directors President, Loxley Browne, this diverse group of professionals will play a crucial role in furthering Athenian's mission to empower young women in STREAM fields through innovative programs, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. But Athenian would not exist had Ms. Browne not recognized the disparity in the workforce and the shortage of women in engineering, design, fabrication, and business roles in both small businesses and large corporations surrounding the transportation industry. Leading by example she is inspiring young girls in middle and high school to follow their passions related to everything that moves the world… from racecars to rockets.

Leading as the 2024-25 Student Advisory President is Anjali Mohan, a student at the Innovation Academy in Alpharetta, Georgia focusing on healthcare and engineering. “I'm honored to be your Athenian Club President,” states Miss Mohan. “Since joining last August, I've been amazed by the incredible support, experiences, and opportunities Athenian has provided for me. Now, as President, I want to take this a few steps further. We'll build on Athenian's amazing work by inspiring girls of all ages, across states, to experience the wonder of STREAM, especially engineering.  Together, we'll ensure every girl gets a special introduction to this world, equipping them with the resources and confidence to chase their dreams and create new opportunities for themselves. It's time for girls to get their hands dirty building their own driver’s seat in STREAM!”

The Athenian Board of Directors includes:

Zachary Sharpell: From Advisor to Director

Zachary Sharpell , who has been a vital part of Athenian’s Board of Advisors since 2021, is advancing to the Board of Directors. Sharpell, an engineer in Qualcomm's Automotive Division in San Diego, has been instrumental in supporting Athenian’s initiatives and looks forward to contributing even more in his new role.

Loxley Browne: The Backbone of the Organization

Loxley A. B. is a designer, business strategist, and PR expert. Her leadership and vision have been instrumental in Athenian’s growth and success. As a Renaissance Woman, Browne’s multifaceted skills and dedication to empowering young women in STREAM continue to drive Athenian’s mission forward.

Returning as Board of Advisors Members

Sabrina Reyes-Dods – Anduril

With a degree in aerospace engineering and as a former Naval Submarine Officer, Reyes brings a wealth of knowledge in defense contracting and engineering. She has been a dedicated Board Director since 2020, inspiring young women to pursue careers in STREAM.

John Hayes – Dexcom

An engineer known for his innovative contributions and passion for racing, Hayes has been a pivotal part of Athenian's Board of Directors since 2020. His continued involvement underscores his commitment to mentoring the next generation of female engineers.

Sean Yoder – Nemesis Simulators 

Yoder, an engineer and software writer, has been on the Advisory Board since 2022. His expertise in simulation technology provides invaluable insights into the technological aspects of Athenian programs.

Michael Konig – Motivo Engineering

As an engineer and innovator, Konig has been contributing to Athenian’s mission since 2022. His experience in engineering and passion for inventing make him a vital part of the Advisory Board.

Dave Marek – ACURA Executive Creative Director at Honda R&D

Marek, a renowned auto designer and instructor at the ArtCenter, has been with Athenian since 2022. His creative vision and industry expertise continue to inspire young women to explore careers in automotive design.

New Additions to the Board of Advisors

Dana Kirchmar – Vice President at Smart Sky Networks

Joining the Board in June 2024, Kirchmar is excited to use her three decades of knowledge in the aviation and aerospace industry to coach girls forward into their careers.

Dave Power – Owner of AllVan

Power, who brings extensive experience in management and mergers & acquisitions, joins the Board in June 2024. His strategic insights will be crucial as Athenian works toward sustainability and growth.

Gayla Suddarth – JRC Integrated Systems

Suddarth, an engineer specializing in business processes and project management, joins the Board in June 2024. Her expertise as a super-connector is already bringing Athenian to the forefront of Huntsville’s engineering and space industry.

Madeleine D. – B777 First Officer, Cargo Airline

Dillon, a human factors engineer and pilot, brings practical aviation experience to the Board. Her role at Kalitta Air and her passion for mentoring on the Board with Air Race Classic will enhance Athenian’s programs.

Ennis Bragg – CTO propelling companies on SaaS platforms

Bragg, with his deep knowledge of technology and building high-performance teams, joins the Board in June 2024. His experience will support Athenian’s digital initiatives and technological advancements.

Makayla Galler – Arizona State University Student, US Navy ROTC 

Galler, a standout student with a full-ride scholarship, brings fresh perspectives as a young leader in aviation and engineering. Her involvement in her NASA internship, drone piloting, and as the Founder of Pilot Prodigies will inspire peers to explore similar paths.

Athenian’s programs, such as the Mission to Mars Contest, FABcamp, and Discovery Zone masterclasses are designed to build confidence and skills, allowing girls to create impressive portfolios and, quite literally, reach for the stars. These programs are instrumental in helping young women realize their potential and prepare for successful careers in the highly skilled and high-income STEM fields in the transportation industry.

With the addition of Zach Sharpell to the Board of Directors, along with the continued support of returning Advisors and the fresh insights from new Advisors, Athenian is poised to expand its impact and reach even more girls across the country. The expertise and passion these new board members bring will be pivotal in advancing Athenian’s mission and helping young girls achieve their dream careers.

About Athenian:

BeAthenian.org is a leading organization in STREAM education (science, technology, research, engineering, arts and math), dedicated to inspiring the next generation of female innovators and problem-solvers. Through immersive programs that span from racecars to rockets, Athenian aims to bridge the gap between various STREAM careers, preparing girls for the challenges and opportunities of the future. With a focus on getting #GirlsinSTEM into the transportation sector, Athenian strives to create a world where female students have access to the opportunity to pursue highly-skilled, high-income career fields.

Athenian is a registered 501(c)3  public charity nonprofit organization #84-2096687.