the Foundation | the Project | Founding Mothers
the Board | Mission Statement | the Artists

What is the Athena Charitable Foundation? The Athena Charitable Foundation is a private foundation formed to encourage, benefit and promote the arts, humanities, education, health and relief of the poor. The Foundation is a sponsor of the Real Women Project and has purchased two sets of the Real Women sculptures for national tours. The Foundation is not set up to handle the processing of applications since much of the work it does is on a local volunteer level, with the exception of the Real Women Project. Proceeds from corporate sponsorship, underwriting, and sale of related products for these exhibitions will be used to assist real women with real life challenges. All proceeds from the sale of product related to the Real Women Project go to the Athena Foundation. To make a contribution to the Athena Foundation: Mail your tax-deductible donations (no applications please) to: Athena Foundation P.O. Box 90669 San Diego, CA 92169 Why the "Real Women Project"? In 1998 three women; Dr. Donna Brooks-a retired ob-gyn physician, Cathy Conheim - a psychotherapist, and Dr. Barbara Levy - a practicing gynecologist, gathered to share thoughts and pose this question " If we could change one thing in women's health in the next century that would impact women the most, what would it be?" The idea was clear and instantaneous- and it was then that the Real Women project was born. While it is true that each of us has the responsibility to play a role in the rebuilding of society's view of outer beauty and inner wellness, it is the goal of the Real Women Project to provide the necessary "tools" for each of us to make that rebuilding possible. Founding Mothers Cathy Conheim, L.C.S.W., a psychotherapist in private practice for over 25 years, is also the head of FOCUS, a management consulting firm. Whether as a therapist, a management consultant, a public speaker and a workshop leader, a radio talk show host, or an author, she sees herself as an agent of change. Ms. Conheim is the prime mover behind the Real Women Project, and dedicates countless hours to further its mission. Donna Brooks, M.D, is now retired. Dr. Brooks' personal life has centered on healing. She was first a physical therapist, then went on to become one of San Diego's most beloved and skilled Ob-Gyn's. Upon retirement, she became a student of T.J.Dixon (the Real Women sculptor) and is now a recognized figurative sculptor. Barbara Levy. An Ob-Gyn. With a thriving private practice, Barbara Levy, M.D. is Medical Director of the Women's Health Center in Federal Way, Washington. She is past president of the American Academy of Laparoscopic Surgeons.The author of a book on pelvic pain, Dr. Levy is a frequent lecturer and has been a guest on the Oprah Winfrey show. As a physician, mother and daughter, her commitment to women's health is deep and passionate. A Message from the Founders and Producer of the RWP The series of 13 sculptures that are depicted on this site and are at the heart of the Real Women project seek to unveil and celebrate the diverse beauty of women. The pose each woman chose ultimately expresses her individual experiences of living. The number thirteen reflects the thirteen moon and menstrual cycles in a woman's year. The dream behind the series is to use the power of art to aid in healing and to challenge our blind adherence to rigid cultural ideals of body image. The presence of these powerfully charged figures invites women into a personal dialogue with their own beauty. We hope the Real Women Project and all of the tools we have developed inspire you in new directions that improve your total wellbeing. Donna, Cathy and Barb Real Women Project Mission Statement The Real Women Project illustrates that health and vitality are related to self-esteem and are not solely dependent on medical intervention. It inspires people to act on their own behalf for their own health. It reinforces the need to respond to others in a community of caring, and to reshape public values and perceptions regarding physical beauty and inner wellbeing. Rooted in the belief that self-acceptance is the foundation for mental, physical and spiritual health, the Real Women Project uses sculpture, poetry, video, music and storytelling to inspire dialogue and self-awareness, to broaden our definition of beauty and to deepen our understanding of well being. The Real Women Project includes women of all ages, cultures and ethnicity's who come to understand our oneness and commonality in the process of sharing our unique stories. Through the repetition of affirming images and messages, the project is helping to spread an "epidemic of health". The tools of the project provide new resources for alternatives and explorations beyond the constraints of negative images, artificial beliefs about beauty and confining roles and ideas communicated by traditional media. The Real Women Project helps women realize and celebrate their inherent beauty, dignity and capacity for transformation. The Real Women project aims to: Help women realize and celebrate their inherent beauty, dignity and capacity for transformation. Use sculpture, poetry, video, music, and storytelling to inspire dialogue and self-awareness, to broaden our definition of beauty, and to deepen our experience of well being. This goal is rooted in the belief that self-acceptance is the foundation for mental, physical and spiritual health. Include women of all ages, cultures and ethnicity who come to understand our oneness and commonality in the process of sharing our stories. Spread an epidemic of health through the repetition and transmission of affirming images and messages. Throw away the negative ideas and limitations about women that are portrayed in the media and replace them with new images that empower women to explore their own beliefs on inner and outer beauty and how these beliefs impact self-esteem and health. The workshops, CD's, books and videos are the tools used to build our new, broader definition of beauty.