Athena Williams
Athena W. is a dedicated and highly skilled meteorologist and maritime forecaster, currently serving as an OTSR Civilian Maritime Forecaster and Resource Protection Duty Officer at Fleet Weather Center Norfolk. With a career spanning over a decade in environmental forecasting and naval operations, Athena has become a trusted advisor for commanding officers and naval staff, providing critical guidance on ship routing, tropical cyclone threats, and sea state hazards. Her expertise in short, medium, and long-range deterministic and probabilistic forecasting ensures safe and efficient naval operations across global waters, often under intense pressure and with limited data.
Athena’s educational background reflects her diverse interests and commitment to excellence. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Geosciences with a focus on Broadcast and Operational Meteorology from Mississippi State University, along with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from ECPI University. Her strong academic record, including recognition by the Golden Key International Honour Society, underscores her dedication to learning and professional growth.
Throughout her career, Athena has been recognized for her work ethic, precision, and leadership. She has held multiple roles within Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, including Optimum Track Ship Routing Duty Officer and Maritime Watch Supervisor, consistently demonstrating the ability to analyze complex meteorological and oceanographic data to support naval missions. Beyond her technical expertise, Athena is known for her intelligence, drive, and collaborative approach, making her a highly respected member of both the meteorological and naval communities.
• Certificate of Competency: Meteorological Forecaster
• Mississippi State University- B.S.
• ECPI University- B.S.
• Naval Training Technical Unit Keesler AFB, Ms
• Liberty County High School
• The Society of Collegiate Leadership & Achievement
• Meeting with Admiral John Harvey, Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Virginia & Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson
• Military Spotlight
• Dean's List
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Good Conduct Medal
• Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
• Flag Letter of Commendation
• Navy Color Guard
• Golden Key International Honour Society
• Pensacola Habitat for Humanity
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to joining the Navy straight out of high school, where I gained invaluable experience, and then leveraging that foundation to become a Department of Defense weather forecaster, predicting critical conditions for sailors, pilots, and maritime operations.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep pushing and never give up.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to keep pushing and keep learning.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work and personal life are being present for my kids, enjoying their concerts, and making time for cooking and reading.