Jennifer “Jay” Palumbo, Contributor (Forbes)
Athena Technology Acquisition, a $250 million blank-check company founded by Isabelle Freidheim and Phyllis Newhouse, rang the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bell on the occasion of the company’s public listing.
With Freidheim serving as Athena’s chair and Newhouse serving as its chief executive, Athena became the first and only Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) thus far listed on the New York Stock Exchange with a woman of color CEO.
It was a noteworthy accomplishment. However, as Newhouse would soon learn, it was also a chance to consider new ways to create similar opportunities for others.
“After we rang the bell in March 2021, it was my mom who brought me down to earth,” said Newhouse. “She said anybody can make history, but it takes a lot to make real change. She humbled me because if you really want to make a difference, you don’t just make history. You make change for others.”
Ms. Newhouse is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and retired senior officer who served in the United States Army on various assignments. She specialized in National Security and established the Cyber Espionage Task Force. In addition, to being the CEO and Co-Founder of Athena, she is also the CEO of Xtreme Solutions, Inc. and Founder of ShoulderUp.
This morning, Phyllis Newhouse will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell, but it will be a different experience. Not only will she be joined by approximately 50 Veterans, but the bell will serve as a way to sound the alarm that change is coming. Even more, we can all be allies in making that happen.
