AthenaCLT+ is a women-led nonprofit rooted in gaming culture and built to empower, support, and celebrate women, femmes, enbies, LGBTQIA+ community members, and allies through inclusive yet intentionally safe spaces. Formerly known as The Athena Alliance CLT, the organization evolved into AthenaCLT+ to reflect growth beyond gaming alone—the “+” represents our expanded commitment to education, community care, empowerment, and opportunity.

Founded in Charlotte, NC and serving the surrounding regions, AthenaCLT+ creates accessible pathways through public and digital events, tournaments, creator support, mentorship, media production, brand and voice development, community outreach, and charitable initiatives. We use gaming, streaming, and media as tools to build confidence, connection, and practical skill development, including STEAM-aligned competencies.

Since our first public event on January 18, 2020, AthenaCLT+ has grown from local gatherings into a trusted community network offering events, panels, livestreams, consultations, and convention programming. Because spaces that center and uplift marginalized creators remain limited, AthenaCLT+ intentionally fosters a constellation where members can grow through mentorship, collaboration, visibility, and shared passion—while being seen, respected, and supported.

Our goal is simple and firm: to endorse, protect, and invest in those under our banner who are aligned with our values and dedicated to building inclusive, community-first spaces where everyone can connect, learn, and lead.

Spaces that highlight and empower those in our collective that create content are very few and marginalized. We’ve created a supportive network who share a passion for gaming. Because the women in the space of gaming are so marginalized and disparate, it provides a unique opportunity for growth, interaction, mentorship, and viewership.