New regional director for The Athena Network West Berkshire

Caroline Snowdon has taken over the three women-only networking groups from veteran regional director Debbie Miles

The Athena Network West Berkshire has a new regional director at the helm.

Caroline Snowdon (pictured) has taken over the three women-only networking groups in Newbury and Hungerford from veteran regional director Debbie Miles.

Caroline was introduced to The Athena Network in late 2019, when she was starting her new health and well-being coaching business, Root Branch Sky.

When she found out the West Berkshire franchise was available, she decided to find out more, undeterred by the threat of COVID-19.

She says: “Being self-employed and working alone can feel very lonely sometimes, particularly if things aren’t going well, so having a network of like-minded women who will also have shared some of the trials and tribulations of self-employment really helps.

“Athena has helped me in so many ways. I’m passionate about women supporting each other and on a personal level.”

Despite the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has thrown up, Caroline thought the opportunity to buy the franchise was too good to miss.

“I thought very carefully about whether this was the best time to be investing in a business when there is so much uncertainty, but over the summer the member numbers have increased despite what’s going on in the world and it’s clear there has never been more need for women to connect in business,” she says.

“I like that the meetings take place once a month and at midday, as not everyone can get to a meeting early in the morning.

“It’s very collaborative and supportive and owing to the nature, quality and commitment of the women involved you get to know each other and understand each other’s businesses.”

In March, Athena meetings switched from face-to-face lunch gatherings to online.

“I love hearing about other inspiring women in business and always feel very energised and motivated when I leave a meeting,” Caroline says.

“Hearing how women have managed to navigate through these difficult times has been awe inspiring and quite humbling.

“It goes to show how resourceful and supportive women are and how the Athena tribe rallies round to ensure the welfare of its members.”

Caroline has plans to expand The Athena Network West Berkshire with a fourth group in spring 2021 and is bringing back the popular ‘Cappuccino Connections’ sessions in collaboration with other groups at the end of October.