Athena's Council

?? The #1 Thing Holding You Back on LinkedIn? Fear of Video. Athena's Council member Liz Short breaks it down in this short clip. We see it all the time—so many incredible women leaders in #financialservices hesitate to use video on LinkedIn. And we get it. ?? It feels uncomfortable. ?? We don’t like how we look or sound. ?? We worry about being judged. But here’s the truth: Video is one of the most powerful ways to build visibility, credibility, and real connections. And inside the LinkedIn Squad, we’re helping each other push past the fear together. In today’s 60-second LinkedIn Squad clip, we’re tackling why overcoming this hesitation is so important—and how having a supportive community makes all the difference. ?? Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gtkFB--P ?? 8 days until our next LinkedIn Squad Meetup! On March 18 at 8PM ET, we’ll be working together to amplify each other’s voices, grow our networks, and build the confidence to show up—on video and beyond. ?? The LinkedIn Squad is exclusively for members of Athena’s Council, our private community for women in financial services. If you’re ready to level up your LinkedIn presence with the support of a powerhouse group, now is the time to join us. ?? Join here: https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY ? What’s your biggest fear about using video? Drop it in the comments—we’re in this together! #LinkedInSquad #AthenasCouncil #WomenWhoSupportWomen #Video #StrongerTogether #women

Tomorrow! March 11 Meetup of Athena's Council. If you're looking for a circle of leading women in financial services, this is your place. If you're not a member yet, join the Council here: https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY The Monthly Membership Meetup is a casual google meet to catch up and see how we can help each other. Monthly Membership Meetup! ???? Join us for a fun + relaxed virtual happy hour where we’ll connect, share ideas, and support each other in our careers. Whether you need guidance or just want to chat with brilliant women who get it, this is your space. ?? Date & Time: March 11, 6pm ET ?? Vibe: Casual, supportive, and full of good energy Drop in with a drink, your wins, your challenges—let’s catch up and help each other move forward. See you there? ??

?? Counting Down: 9 Days Until the Next LinkedIn Squad Meetup! ?? The LinkedIn Squad inside Athena’s Council is where we come together to amplify each other’s voices, build connections, and grow with confidence—because LinkedIn is easier (and more powerful) when we do it together. To give you a glimpse of what happens in our meetups, we’re sharing one 60-second clip per day for the next 9 days. These insights are the kind of strategies that make a real difference when it comes to showing up and standing out on LinkedIn. ?? Today’s clip: What is the LinkedIn Squad, and why should YOU be part of it? ?? Watch this quick 60-second clip to hear how this collaborative approach is changing the game. Then, make sure you're in the room for our next meetup on Tuesday, March 18 at 8PM ET— exclusively for members of Athena’s Council. ?? Not a member yet? Athena’s Council is a private community for women in financial services looking to expand their network, strengthen their presence, and support one another in their professional journeys. If that sounds like you, it’s time to join us! https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY ?? Watch now: https://lnkd.in/gBDeHWGH Drop a ?? in the comments if you're planning to join the March 18th session, and tell us, what's the biggest thing you'd like to change about your LinkedIn presence? #LinkedInSquad #AthenasCouncil #WomenWhoSupportWomen #LinkedInGrowth #StrongerTogether Dana Georgiou, CPLA, CFM Molly Dowdy Liz Short

?? LinkedIn Squad Reminder! ?? Athena’s Council members, mark your calendars! Our next meetup is Tuesday, March 18th at 6 PM ET. This is your chance to: ? Join a group of powerful women working together for results ? Get feedback on your posts ? Boost engagement through collaboration The LinkedIn Squad is where we come together to amplify each other’s voices and make LinkedIn more effective for all of us. Experts Liz Short and Dana Georgiou, CPLA, CFM, thank you for leading! ?? Not yet part of Athena’s Council? This is just one of the powerful ways we help women in financial services build visibility and connections that matter. ?? Join us inside Athena’s Council to be part of the Squad! https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY Brooke Anderson Tompkins Molly Dowdy ?? Kelly Yale Kristie Unger Laura Lasher Suha Zehl, CMB?, AMP, CCP, CPM Melissa Peregord #women #leadership #financialservices

?? In Honor of International Women's Day, We’re Breaking Barriers & Opening Doors ?? At Athena’s Council, we believe that career transitions shouldn’t mean isolation. This International Women’s Day, we’re taking action. We’re launching Athena’s Open Door—a Pay-What-You-Can, Pay-It-Forward membership designed to keep women in financial services connected, even during tough times. If you’re between jobs or facing financial uncertainty, you can now join Athena’s Council for three months at whatever amount works for you—even if it’s $0. Once you’re back on your feet, we invite you to pay it forward—helping keep the door open for the next woman in need. ? Because no woman should have to navigate career transitions alone. ? A big thank you to our generous and thoughtful member, Deborah Pulsfort for suggesting this! ?? Know someone who could benefit? Learn more here https://lnkd.in/g8QXGber #women #financialservices #internationalwomensday #mortgage #leadership #careers

?? How do you define your value, power, and impact? In our next Mentor Workshop, Julie Bauke will help us own our professional worth and leverage it for real career success. ?? Thursday, April 3 at 6PM ET Julie has coached thousands of professionals through career transitions, promotions, and pivots. In this small-group session, you’ll get direct insights into: ? Clarifying your unique value ? Owning your power in professional conversations ? Making a bigger impact—without burnout ?? And this is just ONE of the upcoming events inside Athena’s Council! ? What’s coming up next: ?? Virtual Happy Hour – March 11 (small-group networking & collaboration) ?? How to Build a Powerful Network with Sue Woodard – March 20 ?? LinkedIn Squad Meetup with Liz Short & Dana Georgiou, CPLA, CFM – March 18 (collaborate to amplify your voice!) ?? Slay the Interview with Cindy Smaney – May 13 ?? AI Lab Meetup with Suha Zehl, CMB?, AMP, CCP, CPM – April 16 ?? These Mentor Workshops and meetups are designed for REAL conversations and REAL impact. If you want to build deep connections and work alongside powerhouse women in financial services, join us in Athena’s Council today. https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY ?? Tag a friend who should be here!

?? Your Network = Your Net Worth ?? One of the biggest determining factors in your career? The strength of your network. And who better to guide us on building an impactful, authentic network than Sue Woodard? Sue has done it all—top-producing loan originator, fintech executive, industry thought leader, and board member of organizations making a real impact, and now Chief Customer Officer at InGenius. She’s also a powerhouse speaker known for delivering real, actionable insights. (Oh, and she’s even cage-dived with great white sharks! ??) ? Join us in 2 weeks! ? ?? Thursday, March 20 ? 6 PM ET ?? Athena’s Council Mentor Workshop: "How to Build Your Network" This is more than just a workshop—it’s a chance to connect, learn, and grow with a community of powerhouse #women in financial services. If you’re already part of Athena’s Council, don’t miss this. And if you’re not yet a member, this is just one of many exclusive opportunities we offer to help you grow your career. ?? Want in? Join us and start tapping into real relationships with women committed to helping each other succeed. https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY #AthenasCouncil #Networking #WomenInFinance #Mentorship #Leadership #CareerGrowth #womenhelpingwomen

?? Calling Women in Financial Services – The LinkedIn Squad is Back in March! ?? Our first LinkedIn Squad meetup was a powerhouse of connection and visibility, and we’re keeping it going every month! Join us on March 18th and together, we'll help you elevate your voice, expand your network, and increase your impact on LinkedIn. ?? What is the LinkedIn Squad? Athena's Council members have formed this circle of women in financial services committed to strategic visibility and career growth. We follow and engage with each other, amplify our messages, and share content in ways that drive real opportunity and recognition. ?? Why join us? ? Position yourself as a thought leader in financial services ? Build relationships with like-minded, ambitious women ? Get your posts seen and engaged with by key industry professionals ? Learn expert LinkedIn strategies from our amazing moderators, Liz Short and Dana Georgiou, CPLA, CFM ? Support and be supported—because we rise higher together ?? The LinkedIn Squad is just one of the many exclusive benefits of being a member of Athena’s Council! Athena’s Council is a private community for women in financial services to connect, collaborate, and grow. Our mission is to provide a powerful network where women support each other, share opportunities, and gain access to industry insights and leadership development. ?? Membership includes access to: ? LinkedIn Squad – Elevate your LinkedIn presence and amplify your voice ? AI Lab – Stay ahead of industry trends and learn how to leverage AI ? Mentor Workshops – Gain career insights from top leaders in financial services ? An incredible network of powerhouse women in the industry Join today and take your career to the next level! ?? https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY Drop a ?? in the comments if you’re in for the next LinkedIn Squad meetup! #WomenInFinance #AthenasCouncil #VisibilityMatters #Networking #CareerGrowth Brooke Anderson Tompkins ?? Kelly Yale Laura Lasher Kristie Unger Molly Dowdy Suha Zehl, CMB?, AMP, CCP, CPM

1 week! ???? Mark your calendars for the March 11 Meetup of Athena's Council. If you're looking for a circle of leading women in financial services, this is your place. If you're not a member yet, join the Council here: https://lnkd.in/g9HMspmY Next week's Monthly Membership Meetup is a casual google meet to catch up and see how we can help each other. ?? Next Week: Monthly Membership Meetup! ???? Join us for a fun + relaxed virtual happy hour where we’ll connect, share ideas, and support each other in our careers. Whether you need guidance or just want to chat with brilliant women who get it, this is your space. ?? Date & Time: March 11, 6pm ET ?? Vibe: Casual, supportive, and full of good energy op in with a drink, your wins, your challenges—let’s catch up and help each other move forward. See you there? ????

?? Ready to Connect with the Powerhouses of Financial Services? Athena’s Council is building a super bridge between early and mid-career women and the executive legends who have game-changing insights to share. Join us here https://lnkd.in/gV6gQu3k ?? Our Mentor Workshops are intimate, high-impact conversations where you can ask candid questions, get strategic guidance, and expand your network—all in a small-group setting. Best of all? These workshops are complimentary for members. ? Upcoming Live Meetings: ?? How to Build a Powerful Network – with Sue Woodard ?? Value, Power & Impact – with Julie Bauke ?? LinkedIn Squad Meetup – with Liz Short & Dana Georgiou, CPLA, CFM ?? AI Labs – with Suha Zehl, CMB?, AMP, CCP, CPM & Brooke Anderson Tompkins ?? Slay the Interview – with Cindy Smaney ?? Who should join? Women in #financialservices, #mortgage, and related industries who want to level up their careers through meaningful conversations with industry experts. ?? Mentors: Do you have insights to share? We’re always looking for powerhouse women to guide the next generation. Let’s talk! ?? Drop a comment or DM to reserve your spot or explore mentorship opportunities! Molly Dowdy