Athena Communications’ latest webinar, Centering Healing in Systems Change, brought together Tammy Belton-Davis and Dominique Samari for a thoughtful conversation on the relationship between personal healing and sustainable systems change work. The discussion challenged participants to rethink healing not as separate from leadership or transformation work, but as essential to it. Dominique Samari shared how…
Every campaign, conversation, partnership, and strategy we develop is rooted in a larger purpose: creating meaningful change that strengthens communities, elevates organizations, and moves visions forward. While visibility and engagement matter, true impact is measured by the difference the work makes long after the moment has passed. Impact happens when people feel seen, when voices…
What If Joy Is the Strategy? In systems change work, we’re often conditioned to believe that impact requires constant urgency, pressure, and sacrifice. But what if that’s incomplete? What if joy isn’t a break from the work, but part of how the work actually sustains itself? That was the focus of a recent conversation hosted…
Transformation isn’t just about change. It’s intentional, strategic, and rooted in purpose. For Athena Communications, transformation is at the core of our partnership with organizations, leaders, and communities, helping them move from vision to measurable impact. The first step for us is to listen to and understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the communities…
Internships are often viewed as a stepping stone, a short-term experience designed to introduce students to the workforce. But the truth is, internships are far more than that. They are the foundation for leadership, the beginning of professional identity, and in many cases, the first opportunity someone has to see what’s possible for their future.…
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of women who have shaped our communities, industries, and institutions. While honoring these accomplishments is essential, the month also presents an opportunity to reflect on how each of us can actively support and uplift the women around us. Being an ally…
Every March, Women’s History Month invites us to pause and reflect on the contributions, leadership, and legacy of women who have shaped our communities, industries, and world. From trailblazers who challenged barriers to the women leading today’s movements for equity, innovation, and opportunity, this month is both a celebration and a call to continue building…
In this timely conversation, Tammy Belton-Davis and Beth Ridley explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the modern workplace and what that means for leaders. While AI is accelerating decision-making, increasing efficiency, and expanding what’s possible, it is also raising important questions around ethics, trust, identity, and human connection. Beth emphasized that the biggest barrier to…
Black History Month is often framed as a moment to look back, to honor the leaders, movements, and milestones that shaped our past. We believe it is equally important to recognize Black history as something still being written, lived, and built every day in our communities. Black history is not static. It lives in the…
When we talk about thriving communities, the arts must be part of the conversation. Arts and culture are often framed as enrichment or entertainment, like a “nice to have” once other needs are met. But in reality, the arts are foundational to community wellbeing. They shape identity, preserve history, fuel local economies, and create spaces…
At Athena, engagement is not a tactic. It is a relationship. And like any meaningful relationship, it is built on trust and sustained through transparency. Without these two elements, engagement risks becoming performative or transactional. With them, it becomes a powerful tool for credibility and long-term impact. Trust is the currency of engagement. Let’s say…
During International Quality of Life Month, we pause to reflect on what quality of life truly means, not just as a concept, but as a leadership responsibility. Quality of life goes beyond economic indicators, performance metrics, or program outputs. It is about how people experience their lives in their communities, workplaces, schools, and homes. Quality…
Leadership is often celebrated as individual achievement, but in reality, no leader grows alone. Behind every confident decision, resilient response, and strategic pivot is a network of guidance, lived wisdom, and shared experience. That is the power of mentorship. During National Mentoring Month, we reflect on the critical role mentorship plays in shaping leaders, strengthening…
Winter arrives quietly, inviting us to pause, breathe, and take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re headed. The first day of winter is more than a shift in the seasons; it’s a moment to ground ourselves before stepping into a new year full of possibilities. As the air grows crisp and the days…
On December 2, CDA brought partners, funders, community members, and local officials together at Denizen MKE for a joyful holiday celebration. The gathering reflected the spirit that has guided Milwaukee’s housing efforts this year, collaboration, shared leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening opportunities for families across our city. Among the attendees were the owners…
Leadership has a way of testing us in quiet places, especially when disappointment shows up uninvited. It’s one thing to lead when everything is flowing; it’s another to lead when your heart is heavy, your efforts feel unseen, or the outcome you prayed and worked for doesn’t materialize. I’ve learned your “suddenly” often arrives right…
In a year defined by powerful storytelling and community transformation, we pause to extend our heartfelt thanks to the journalists, editors, producers, hosts, and media teams who helped amplify the voices of our client partners. Your commitment to sharing authentic, community-centered stories has made a real difference in how our region sees and supports the…
Tammy Belton-Davis and Athena Communications was proud to co-host “Backstage Pass: Milwaukee’s Leaders of Color” with the Milwaukee Rep. The evening was an exclusive behind-the-scenes event offering Milwaukee’s changemakers an early look inside the Rep’s transformative new home, the Associated Bank Theater Center. Held inside the stunning new Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center, the…
Last Tuesday, October 7, communications professionals gathered at ThriveOn King for the PRSA Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter, Athena Communications, and NABJ-Milwaukee’s “Meet the Media” Event, an evening dedicated to connection, insight, and storytelling. The event brought together an incredible lineup of media leaders who shared their perspectives on today’s evolving media landscape and how communicators can…
Milwaukee has endured storms before, but the recent flooding was different. Climatologists say it was a one-in-a-thousand year event. The waters came fast, leaving neighborhoods vulnerable and exposing the fragility of our city’s infrastructure. Yet in the midst of this crisis, something powerful emerged: the community rose to help itself. Without waiting for systems to…
We’re honored to recognize our colleague, Patrick McSweeney, APR, on receiving the 2025 Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Midwest District Platinum Award, the highest individual distinction awarded by the district. Patrick’s decades-long leadership, commitment to ethical practice, and dedication to mentorship and service exemplify the very best of our field. All of us at…
As we continue our celebration of International Quality of Life Month, Athena Communications is thrilled to highlight the incredible work of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation (GMF) and Laura Glawe, vice president, marketing & communications. With a deep commitment to equity and community engagement, Laura and GMF play a pivotal role in shaping narratives that inspire…
As we recognize International Quality of Life Month, Athena Communications highlights the transformative work of Radio Milwaukee and Jordan Lee, interim executive director. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to amplifying diverse voices, Jordan’s leadership supports Radio Milwaukee in playing a vital role in shaping Milwaukee’s cultural landscape. Join us in celebrating those…
In celebration of International Quality of Life Month, Athena Communications had the pleasure of interviewing Contessa Lobley, the founder and executive director of TBEY Arts Center. In our conversation, Lobley shared her insights on the invaluable role of the TBEY Arts Center in enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families in our diverse…
Athena Communications is proud to celebrate International Quality of Life Month by spotlighting leaders and organizations dedicated to building a stronger, healthier, and more connected Milwaukee. We’re thrilled to feature Bill Schmitt, the executive director of Rooted & Rising Washington Park. In this interview with Athena’s own, John Stumpff, Bill shares the impactful work being…
Impactful storytelling. Community transformation. Dedicated leadership. Join Athena Communications in celebrating 16 years of impact, excellence, and transformation! We continue to be dedicated to amplifying voices, creating and developing narratives, and establishing safe spaces for thriving communities. As we reflect on our journey, we’re filled with gratitude for our incredible client partners, friends, and supporters.…
By Tammy Belton-Davis https://www.prsa.org/article/how-to-help-build-equity-in-organizations-ST-Oct24 DEI 10 October 2024 STRATEGIES & TACTICS Today’s pushback against Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) did not start with last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions; instead, it’s an acceleration of an existing misguided movement. In the aftermath of this high court decision, Florida, Texas, North…
By Faithe Colas, Community Engagement Consultant, Athena Communications Our collective gifts in communications, brand marketing, storytelling, public relations, media relations, and community engagement are executed with joy and grace to impact the world. In an increasingly fragmented world, the significance of community engagement is more vital than ever. At its essence, community engagement is a…
We are thrilled to invite you to a special evening as Athena Communications celebrates 15 years of transformation, community impact, and growth! This event will bring together client partners, friends, and supporters of Athena for an unforgettable night of conversation, music, and reflection. The event begins with a reception and live music with the Sam…
As Athena Communications celebrates its 15th anniversary, we embark on a journey of reflection, gratitude, and excitement for the future. Over the past decade and a half, our company has evolved, innovated, and grown in ways we never imagined. Founding Years: It all began 15 years ago with a vision to make an impact in…
Milwaukee is filled with great people, rich culture and history, making it a beautiful city to live in. However, Milwaukee is also known as one of the most segregated cities in the country. This current crisis is linked back to the practice of redlining in the 1930s. Redlining is defined as the discriminatory action of…
An unseasonably warm February day. Sun shining throughout the Harambee neighborhood, making dappled shadows on the ground. And the unmistakable sound of shovels being pushed through dirt. On February 9, 2024, the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation (MLKEDC) held a groundbreaking for Five Points Lofts, which will provide quality, affordable housing for the neighborhood.…
In recent years within the field of diversity and inclusion, there has been an awakening to the realization that neither diversity among teams nor an inclusive workplace is enough to make a more just society.
In recent years within the field of diversity and inclusion, there has been an awakening to the realization that neither diversity among teams nor an inclusive workplace is enough to make a more just society.
In recent years within the field of diversity and inclusion, there has been an awakening to the realization that neither diversity among teams nor an inclusive workplace is enough to make a more just society.
In recent years within the field of diversity and inclusion, there has been an awakening to the realization that neither diversity among teams nor an inclusive workplace is enough to make a more just society.
We can likely all agree that 2020 was an extraordinary year. The good that can come out of the past 12 months is the knowledge gained from our experiences. Here’s what we learned.
February is Black History Month, a national recognition of the achievements and historical contributions made by Black people.
With the final page of the calendar turned, many are starting to think about New Year’s resolutions. But after the year we’ve had, it may be a good time for a break.
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