When Sherri Manning joined Athena, she was looking for what so many women seek: a place to expand her network, deepen her leadership impact, and connect with peers who care about purpose as much as achievement.
What she didn’t expect was that one conversation during her onboarding would set off a chain of events that would carry her — and fellow Athena member Nichola Dyer — more than 8,000 miles south, to the icy edge of the world.
During that onboarding call, Sherri mentioned something almost casually: she had been invited to help lead leadership development on an all-women scientific expedition to Antarctica. The journey would bring together 25 women — oceanographers, marine biologists, engineers, artists, divers, social scientists, and more — for nearly a month of research spanning the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island, and the Western Antarctic Peninsula.
It was bold. It was ambitious. And it was exactly the kind of mission where the right collaborators matter.
Her Member Engagement Advisor paused, smiled, and said, “I know who you need to talk to.”
That introduction connected Sherri to Nichola, a global leader in seaweed conservation whose work sits at the intersection of environmental science, ocean health, and sustainable ecosystems.
The alignment was instant.
Nichola’s deep expertise wasn’t just relevant to the expedition — it turned out to be essential. After a series of conversations, she was invited to join the scientific team itself, contributing to advancing the state of knowledge about seaweed in Antarctica and supporting expedition communications and International Women’s Day programming.
As Nichola later shared, the opportunity felt “extraordinary.” It was a chance to work alongside exceptional women leaders while bringing Indigenous knowledge, climate science, and ocean stewardship into focus at one of the most critical frontiers of environmental research.
What began as a single introduction is now a shared mission: one grounded in science, leadership, and the unexpected generosity of community.
For Sherri, a seasoned Chief People Officer who has guided companies through rapid scale and IPO, the expedition is a chance to support women scientists doing frontier research. She’ll be leading leadership development for the 25-person cohort, helping them bring their voices, insights, and impact forward as they study everything from leopard seals to seaweed ecosystems to the rapid changes transforming the Antarctic region.
For Nichola, this is a rare opportunity to bring her seaweed expertise into the field — literally — and contribute to global understanding of ocean ecosystems in one of the planet’s most fragile environments.
Together, they will board a Polar Class 6 vessel in February 2026 and journey through some of the most remote waters on Earth — a voyage that will reshape how they see the world, their work, and the power of women in STEAM.
Sherri describes her Athena experience as nothing short of exponential: “I didn’t anticipate how fast my network would expand. Everyone I’ve met has been so generous — every conversation has led to four more introductions. It’s like a force multiplier.”
Nichola calls the Athena connection “hugely meaningful” — the spark that made her participation in this expedition possible.
This is the Athena multiplier effect in action: one thoughtful introduction opening doors to unexpected collaborations, expanded impact, and opportunities that reach far beyond what any individual could plan alone.
As preparations for February 2026 accelerate, Sherri and Nichola are each stepping into what this expedition requires — intellectually, physically, and logistically. For Sherri, that includes securing the funding needed to take part in the voyage. Her costs include the berth aboard the vessel (the largest expense), travel to Argentina, equipment, training, insurance, and other essential mission needs.
Those inspired by the mission — its science, its purpose, its focus on women’s leadership — are invited to follow along and contribute on Nichola’s GoFundMe page.
Because sometimes the right connection doesn’t just open a door, it opens a pathway all the way to the Polar Circle.
© Athena Alliance 2025
