UCSD Athena, Organization for Executive Women in Science, Technology and Healthcare Becomes Part of the Rady School of Management

Media Contact: Keri Peckham, 858-534-0855 or kpeckham@ucsd.edu

June 21, 2006

The University of California, San Diego today announced that Athena, the premier organization for executive women in the science, technology, healthcare and business communities, will join the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego effective July 1, 2006.

The Rady School’s focus on educating leaders for innovation-driven organizations makes the school a natural home for Athena. Athena’s mission focuses on empowering women in the technology, life science and healthcare industries in San Diego and in mentoring the next generation of women leaders and executives.

Athena grew out of the CONNECT program in the 1990s, founded by a dozen high tech women executives led by Barbara Bry. For the last five years, it has been a highly visible membership organization within UC San Diego Extension. Athena has, and will maintain, its own board of directors which sets the strategic direction for the organization.

"Athena has always been an asset to UC San Diego, a campus known for its quality programs in science, technology and healthcare," said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. "As a female scientist myself, I know the importance of Athena in building a career in these industries, and look forward to the impact that Athena will have on students and the business community."

"We are thrilled to have Athena join the Rady School at UC San Diego," said Rady School Dean Robert S. Sullivan. "Athena’s strong ties to the science and technology business communities and its focus on women’s leadership provide natural synergies and advantages for the Rady School."

"We have enjoyed our partnership with Athena and are enthusiastic about the transition to the Rady School in light of Athena’s business leadership focus," said Dr. Mary Walshok, dean of University Extension and associate vice chancellor of public programs.

"The missions of Athena and the Rady School are closely aligned, and the two organizations already have a close working relationship. Rady MBA students often attend Athena events, and Athena co-sponsors an annual FlexMBA scholarship in conjunction with DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary," said Athena’s incoming President Lisa Haile. "We look forward to exploring new strategic initiatives as part of the Rady School."

Athena is an organization for executives with a vision to foster personal and professional change through inclusion, risk-taking, education, recognition, and diversity of thought, thereby enhancing competitiveness and opportunity in the San Diego business community.

Established as part of the University of California, San Diego, the Rady School of Management (www.rady.ucsd.edu) is on the forefront of educating leaders for innovation-driven organizations. Situated within one of the top institutions in the U.S. for higher education and research in the fields of science and technology, the Rady School offers a full-time MBA program, a FlexMBA program for working professionals and executive education programs. The Rady School faculty draw upon their research and passion for innovation to educate the next generation of leaders who will shape the practice of business globally.