Page 21 - LRCC 2025 October FOCUS Magazine

The Power of Showing

Up: Building Your Network JOIN US FOR

Through ATHENA WIN dinner

hen it comes to building meaningful
connections, sometimes the hardest part
Wis simply showing up. In a world of packed
calendars and competing priorities, it can be easy to put
professional development and networking on the back
burner. But as many members of ATHENA Women’s
Interest Network (WIN) will tell you, showing up is often
where the magic begins.

ATHENA WIN is more than a series of events—it’s a vibrant
community of women leaders and allies who are committed
to advancing one another. Whether you’re stepping into
your first networking event or are a longtime member, each
gathering offers an opportunity to expand your circle, gain
new perspectives, and be inspired by the energy of others
on their own leadership journeys.

Recent gatherings, like the ATHENA WIN Summer Social,
showcased the power of this network in action. New TRY OUR NEW FALL MENU
faces mingled with long-time members, sharing stories, go.msu.edu/stateroom
encouragement, and career insights. Many attendees Tuesday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
walked away with fresh ideas, new collaborators, and even
new friends. These connections often grow into lasting
mentorships, partnerships, and support systems that
strengthen our entire region.

Looking ahead, there are plenty of opportunities to get
involved—including the upcoming Professional Growth &
Development Program on October 9, featuring a panel of
dynamic women which will offer practical tools, insights,
and inspiration to help you thrive in your career. Events
like this are more than just calendar entries—they’re
investments in your personal and professional growth.

As you map out your goals for the coming year, consider
where showing up could take you. Join us for an event,
volunteer as a mentor, or simply connect with someone
new at your next ATHENA WIN gathering. You never know
which conversation will spark your next big idea—or your
next big opportunity.

Because the truth is, your network can’t grow if you don’t
show. And when you show up with ATHENA WIN, you’re not
just building a network—you’re joining a movement. u

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