Hello dear Friends!

In 2020 and 2021 a virus changed our lives, and of course the entire world!

Periods of such extended crisis remind us how vulnerable and interdependent we are.

In 2019 we were planning to celebrate the work of exceptional women from around the world, as nominated by the public and then shortlisted by our panel of 58 independent judges.

We were hoping to do that in person, at a Forum and a Gala that would be hosted in London in April 2020. Alas!

The pandemic grounded everyone's plans. Resilience, endurance, hope had to be prioritised.  We had to brace ourselves and adapt to very difficult circumstances.

So, we decided that we would still celebrate and congratulate these women (nothing would stop us from that!). We would do it, online. Viva technology!

It is therefore with much delight that we present these trailblazers to you in an online ceremony that will go live on April 23, 2021 at 3pm BST!

A huge thank you to our Judges who generously dedicated their time to review 346 nominations submitted from around the world, in 2019. Our profound appreciation to our Athena40 Sponsors and Partners whose support enables us to deliver all Athena40 programmes!

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And kudos to these women for all the work they do to improve the lives of others in this tormented world.

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Elizabeth H. Filippouli
Founder, Athena40