Finding strong mentorship and a supportive professional community remains a challenge for many women in business world—particularly in industries such as banking and finance that have historically been male-dominated. During National Mentoring Month each January, organizations across the country spotlight the importance of creating pathways for women to grow, lead, and succeed.

In Central Florida, one organization has been doing exactly that for more than a decade: ATHENA NextGen, the leadership development program of ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership Inc.

For Charissa Smith, a Commercial Relationship Manager with Cogent Bank, that journey began in 2014 when she joined the very first cohort of ATHENA NextGen’s Thought Leadership Series. The eight-month program was designed to give women a safe, supportive space to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and grow their professional networks.

Smith was fortunate to be introduced to ATHENA NextGen by Traci Smith, Cogent Bank’s Senior Vice President and Director of Treasury Sales and Strategic Partnerships, who also serves as a cofounder and current President of ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership Inc.  

“I was very lucky to have an amazing mentor when I first got into banking,” Smith said. “It’s a very male-dominated industry, and sometimes you feel like you need to look the same and act the same as your male counterparts. My mentor showed me that you can be wicked smart, have a fun personality, be compassionate—and still get a lot of work done. That belief is at the heart of ATHENA.”

Building Leaders Through Authenticity

ATHENA NextGen is structured around eight leadership principles: Live Authentically, Learn Constantly, Advocate Fiercely, Act Courageously, Foster Collaboration, Build Relationships, Give Back, and Celebrate. Each cohort meets monthly for eight sessions led by accomplished women across Central Florida.

Since its launch, the program has graduated more than 500 women across 11 cohorts, creating a powerful alumni network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives.

“One of the principles that resonated most with me was living authentically,” Smith said. “So many of us feel like we have to put on a mask and act like everything is fine. But being authentic leads to better relationships, stronger client connections, and a much more fulfilling professional life.”

Smith now serves as ATHENA’s Director of Alumnae Relations and Engagement, helping keep graduates connected and engaged long after they complete the program.

“I went through this program 11 years ago, and I saw firsthand how much it helped me grow as a leader and as a person,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that same transformation happening for women in today’s classes.”

A Network That Creates Real Opportunity

Women from all industries and stages of life participate in ATHENA NextGen. Some are looking to expand their networks within their current fields, while others are exploring entrepreneurship or career pivots.

As a banker who works closely with business owners, Smith says many women doubt their own readiness to take the leap.

“Starting or growing a business can feel incredibly intimidating,” she said. “But when women see others who have done it—who look like them, who have faced the same doubts—it changes what they believe is possible.”

That sense of possibility is reinforced by ATHENA’s expansive alumni network.

“When you have more than 500 women who are connected and supportive, and someone says, ‘I’m opening a business,’ there are hundreds of people ready to support her,” Smith said.

One powerful example is Sydney Moeller, a 2017 NextGen participant who went on to launch Sydney Moeller Consulting and Paperly Goods LLC after years in architecture and interior design. In 2025, Moeller was named to the Orlando Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business list.

“Through ATHENA, she gained not just confidence, but a network,” Smith said. “She took that leap, built her businesses, and earned major recognition. That’s exactly what this program is designed to do.”

Helping Women Find Their Voice

Another core principle of ATHENA NextGen is acting courageously, especially in professional environments where women may hesitate to speak up.

“Many women grow up being polite, not wanting to take up too much space,” Smith said. “But your voice matters. Your ideas matter. Employers want people who listen, think critically, and contribute.”

The program encourages participants to push past self-doubt and use their voices in meetings, leadership discussions, and strategic conversations.

“Even if you don’t have every answer, you don’t have to do it alone,” Smith said. “Learning constantly means being open, asking questions, and allowing others to help you grow.”

A Community Built on Mentorship

ATHENA NextGen also serves as a powerful mentorship hub, connecting women with facilitators, board members, and alumni who offer guidance and insight.

“If you’re looking for a mentor, you have to be intentional,” Smith said. “Think about who inspires you. Reach out. Ask for coffee. Be clear about what you’re hoping to learn. ATHENA makes those connections possible.”

For women across Central Florida, ATHENA NextGen has become far more than a leadership program—it is a community.

“Finding a place where women can learn about themselves, build relationships, and grow professionally changes everything,” Smith said. “ATHENA is where that begins. Women leave stronger, more confident, and better equipped to lead—not just in their careers, but in their lives.”

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