From left: Karen Keene, Chianna Collins (Ray), Traci Smith and Jennifer Johnson

Karen Keene

Founder and Chief Strategic Advisor, ATHENA Orlando Women’s Leadership, Inc. ATHENA NextGen

It’s Karen Keene’s business to support women. Hers is the only leadership program in Central Florida designed by professional women for professional women, Keene says.

“We launched the nonprofit organization 12 years ago and developed it through the lens of a startup business,” says Keene. “I guess you could say I embodied an entrepreneurial spirit back when very few women were being recognized locally for their success as business owners.”

Keene’s experience spans more than 28 years as the senior marketing executive and public policy expert for corporate law firms. Today, she focuses her time on bridging the gap between established women leaders and their younger, female counterparts.

“I’m known in the Central Florida community as a connector,” says Keene. “I learned a long time ago the best thing we can do for others is to facilitate relationships that will help them grow their business. Most people never forget how you helped them, and they’ll naturally look for opportunities to reciprocate.”

ATHENA NextGen offers an eight-month master class series facilitated by top women leaders who have paved the way in their fields, including Dr. Kathleen Plinkse, Annetta Wilson, Congresswoman Val Demings, Sandy Hostetter, Diane Sears, Suzanne Worthington, Maryann Barry, Gaby Ortigoni, Orange County Chief Judge Lisa Munyon and Elisha Gonzalez.

“I’ve often said my mother’s inspiration was the wind beneath my ATHENA wings,” says Keene. “She was an elementary school teacher in Seminole County and was widowed at the young age of 39. She always told me I could do anything I set out to do if I was willing to do the work. She taught me the importance of resilience, integrity and compassion. These traits have carried me through many of the greatest moments and darkest days of my life.”

Keene encourages all women to learn how to fiercely advocate for themselves.

“Women are great at taking care of everyone else, but we also need to prioritize ourselves. Self-care is not selfish. It’s empowering! When we carve out time for ourselves consistently, studies show we’re better equipped to handle tough experiences that are bound to come up.”

Chianna Collins (Ray)

CEO, BLK Room Project

A college internship at a magazine inspired Chianna Collins’ love of event production. But Collins took it a step higher and made that love a vehicle for social change.

As CEO of the BLK Room Project, she’s made it her mission to create valuable community partnerships.

“The projects I have been able to produce for the Florida Department of Health have been so fulfilling,” says Collins. “The past two years we’ve been working to highlight underserved populations with HIV, one of them being Black women. In 2021, Black women were 13 times more likely to contract HIV than their counterparts.” 

“BLK Room Project has created several events to educate and highlight these findings while providing them with prevention methods, testing and giving them information to access care,” she adds. 

Collins is motivated by a strong sense of purpose and social responsibility. Her mobile “Creating the Juice” high school tour traveled to schools throughout Florida and Georgia from 2013 to 2020. It gave scholarships to economically disadvantaged schools and exposed students to different career paths and opportunities.

Having a strong sense of self is also important to Collins.

“Stay true to your character, morals and values,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to walk away from opportunities that are not in line with your spirit. What is meant for you will be for you.”

Traci Smith

Co-founder and Strategic Advisor, ATHENA NextGen  |  Director of Treasury Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Cogent Bank

Traci Smith found her path in the banking industry while in college. Her grandfather mentioned that banking might be a nice career to investigate, and since Smith needed a part-time job, she applied at First Union Bank, the same bank her grandfather used. After she graduated, Smith got promoted to commercial banking, where she found her joy.

“I love being a connector for my clients and for those I help in the community,” says Smith.

As the director of treasury sales and strategic partnerships at Cogent Bank, Smith builds out vertical strategies for targeted business lines, identifying strategic partnerships along the way. At ATHENA NextGen, an eight-month master class series she founded with Karen Keene and Jennifer Johnson, she helps women form strategic partnerships.
Smith is motivated by helping others and fostering collaboration. She stresses that one must show up to be seen.

“We live in a world of virtual meetings and working remotely,” says Smith. “It is even more important to make an effort to go to the after-hours networking event or show up to the office for the optional in-person meeting to continue building connections and relationships. The old saying is very true, ‘out of sight, out of mind.’”  

For those starting out in the banking industry, she offers this advice: “People want to do business with people they like and trust. Become comfortable with yourself and learn to listen. When we listen, we learn and your clients, co-workers and community partners will feel heard.”

Jennifer Johnson

Co-founder and Strategic Advisor, ATHENA NextGen
Senior Curriculum Manager, Florida Institute of CPAs

Jennifer Johnson is passionate about the accounting industry and focuses on learning and development for CPAs. Together with Karen Keene and Traci Smith, she founded ATHENA NextGen, what she considers her greatest moment thus far.

“My most significant professional achievement is reaching the 10-year milestone of ATHENA NextGen in Central Florida with nearly 500 graduates,” says Johnson. “Additionally, I am proud that the organization has established a fully funded $150,000 endowment at the University of Central Florida to support women in graduate studies.”

“Young professionals inspire me with their drive and determination,” Johnson adds. “I value the mutual mentorship dynamic that we share, as we both learn and grow together.” 

Johnson believes that women today should be fearless.

“In today’s interconnected world, opportunities for rapid learning and growth abound,” she says. If you find yourself unsatisfied in your current position, embrace the possibility of change without fear.” 

She also echoes Keene’s sentiment about prioritizing ourselves. “Focus on your own path and overcome distractions by concentrating on your goals rather than comparing yourself to others,” Johnson says.

Back to Orlando Magazine’s 2024 Women of the Year Honorees ➥