Athena Wilson is the founder and creative force behind Signature by Athena, a luxury design studio known for refined storytelling, intentional detail, and elevated experiences rooted in meaning.

A two-time graduate of Claflin University — South Carolina's oldest HBCU and an institution whose 156-year legacy of excellence, leadership, and cultural distinction is woven into everything she creates — Athena earned her degree in Management Information Science before returning to complete her MBA. That foundation continues to inform how she designs today: with systems thinking, cultural fluency, strategic precision, and quiet confidence.

Before founding Signature by Athena, Athena spent 16 years at the highest levels of enterprise strategy — advising C-suite and board leadership at some of the world's most recognized institutions, including PwC, SCOR (the world's largest global reinsurer), Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Equitable. Her international experience leading cross-border operations at SCOR — including the first $5 billion longevity reinsurance transaction in North America — brought a global sophistication and precision to her work that continues to define how she leads every project today.

She believes true luxury is not excess. It is intention.

Her work is rooted in heritage and story, grounded in the understanding that celebrations are not simply events but milestones layered with significance. From intimate ceremonies to milestone galas and distinguished organizational celebrations, each experience is curated with depth, polish, and detail that honors both tradition and individuality.

Athena's approach blends executive strategy with artistic sensitivity, allowing clients to feel both cared for and confidently guided throughout the creative process. She does not simply design for clients — she thinks with them, strategizes alongside them, and delivers results that reflect both the vision they arrived with and the one they did not yet know they had.

Beyond design, she remains engaged in respected service and professional communities, where collaboration, mentorship, and cultural stewardship continue to shape her leadership. She brings that same spirit of structure, excellence, and sisterhood into every project she leads.

Recognized as a 2025 Honored Listee, Marquis Who's Who in America