Our Team & Board of Directors

Traci Costa

PRESIDENT & CEO

Traci Costa is a leading figure in women’s leadership, earning the 2018 ATHENA Leadership Award and subsequently becoming President and CEO of ATHENA International in 2021. Prior to this, she served as the Founding Director of the Olivet College Women’s Leadership Institute, initiating impactful programs for over 1,500 women. With a fundraising background as North Central Regional Manager for the Arizona Community Foundation, Traci was recognized as the 2009 Northern Arizona new fundraising professional of the year.

Traci's leadership journey began as an NCAA volleyball coach and athlete at California State University Fresno, excelling as a two-time team MVP and three-time scholar-athlete. Later, as the founding head volleyball coach at Belmont University, she secured a conference championship title and earned TCAC conference coach of the year.

Drawing from diverse experiences, Traci passionately envisions ATHENA as a force for global leadership balance, inspiring leaders worldwide to contribute to a more inclusive narrative. Her deep commitment lies in nurturing individuals to discover and embrace their authentic leadership strengths and voices.

Board of Directors

  • Executive Committe - Chair

    Carrie Harbinson - Chair

    Strategic Partnerships and Accelerator Program Director - SAS | Raleigh Durham, NC

  • Kimberli Green - Chair - Elect

    Vice President, Business Services-Development, Military Affairs, Chamber Relations - American First Credit Union | Ogden, UT

  • Pam Sansbury - Treasurer

    Alliance Enablement Director - KPMG | Atlanta, GA

  • Paula Farmer - Secretary

    Founder & President - pmfaith & Associates, Human Resource Development | Nashville, TN

  • Kimberley Bates

    Global Brand & Product Marketing - Executive Consulting | San Diego, CA

  • Michelle Massey

    VP Community Outreach and Customer Support – TechSmith | Founder – M2 Speaks | Lansing, MI

  • Natasha Price

    CVP, Deputy General Counsel, Global Ethics & Compliance - Blue Yonder | Kaneohe, HI

  • Hellena Pugh

    Entrepreneur, Owner - Iola Marie Corp & Founder of Zahara Veterans Network, Inc. | Hurst, TX

  • Michele Reister

    President, Global Marketing - Anecdotes | Raleigh-Durham, NC

ATHENA INTERNATIONAL FOUNDING LIFETIME MEMBERS

Adrianne Henderson, Aimee Mills, Barbara Moore King, Andrea Conner, Angela Dash, Cathy Harris, Ann Playter, Barb Hodel, Barbara Dzur, Billye Proctor Shaw, Bonnie Benkula, Bridget Glavaz, Candace Wagner, Carla Carstens, Carla Michelotti, Cheryl Ward, Christine Brown, Chuck Spadafora, Colleen Moore Mezler, Crystal Swann Blackdeer, Debra Adams Simmons, Debra Dellaposta, Deirdre Joy Smith, Dianne Dinkel, Donna Waltz-Jaskolski, Dr. Katherine Y Brown, Dwain Deville, Ellen Ruddock, Eloise Childers, Florine Mark, Gabriella Spadafora, Genie Kutchins, George Lemon, Giavanna Spadafora, Gladys Wright Knox, Heather Paquette, Ilene Shapiro, Jackie D'Escoto, James F Anderton IV, Jan Davies McDermott, Jan Maddox, Jane Blain Gilbertson, Janet Fry-Cappy, Janet Green, Janine Janosky, Joan Bump, Joanne Osmond, Jocelyn Davey-Hawreluik, Judith Lancaster, Karalin G. (Alsdurf) McKain, Kathi Bond, Kathryn Lima, Kathryn Michael, Kay Feagles, KL Daly, Laurie Zuckerman, Lee Anne Doyle, Linda Ackley, Linda Furgason, Linda Spadafora, Linda Stevenson, Lisa Pierce, LoLita Toney, Lynn Myers, Margaret Goatcher, Margaret Mullen, Mari Kay Scott, Marian Carrington, Marie Covington, Mark Coe, Marlene Kowalski-Braun, Martha Mertz, Marti Morfitt, Mary Ann Jones, Ph.D., Mary Katherine Krause, Mary MacLaren, MaryLee Davis, Megan Agyeman, Mia-Ann Spadafora, Michelle Mertz, Naomi Stutzman, Norma Rist, Pamela Kiltau, Patricia Hallberg, Patricia Pierce, Patricia Shultz, Paula Giovacchini, Paulette Synegal Law, Rita Shisler, Robin Shabazz, Sam Childers , Sandi Saksena, Sarah Jennings, Sheri Jones, Terri Hedges, Tina Boone, Todd Popham, Tori Farmer, Yolanda Crittenden, Yvonne Wood.