'Creating stories, so the HUMAN SPIRIT can have its glory'

From a young age, Athena Dent knew her purpose in life and that was to be a Humanitarian.  Besides being a former Social Worker (12 years), Nursing Assistant (4 years), Licensed Daycare Provider; caring and nurturing infants/children/teens (30 years), Educator (Pre-K Teacher), Advocate, Mentor and Volunteer, she has ALWAYS had one passion...….writing.

She began writing poetry at the age of 14 and even while working in various professions, her writing evolved.  She decided to do screenwriting and wrote five screenplays.  After having her one of her novels reviewed by professionals in the Performing Arts; it was recommended that she write novels, so that she could get more exposure.  After much thought; she took one of her screenplays, "Silk" and turned it into a manuscript.  After two years of trying to obtain a professional agent to represent her and assist to get a reputable publishing company (and 50+ rejection letters), she decided to self-publish her book.  At the time, Mrs. Dent was going through a DEVASTATING life situation and the result was her going through a POSITIVE healing process.   That process resulted in her completing three books consecutively!. 

After 25 years of writing; she published her first book, "Silk" in 2009, followed by her second book, "One of a Kind Love" in 2010.  In 2014; she completed three more manuscripts- "Francesca's Journey, "Emerging Cocoon" (sequel to "Silk") and "The Beginning (poetry).  

In 2016; she published her third book, "Francesca's Journey", which was inspired by her 8-year work experience as a Child Welfare Specialist assisting families in the Foster Care system and is her first Young Adult/Education book.  Her goal for this book is to get the book into every middle/high school in the country.  In the same year; she published her fourth book, "Emerging Cocoon" (sequel to "Silk")> 2017 RECIPIENT-PHYLLIS WHEATELY BOOK AWARDS. 

In 2015; she completed her sixth manuscript, "Lady A: The Life of a Teddy bear" (first Children's book; a 13-mini book series and each book comes with a teddy bear).  In 2018; her YA/Education book, "Francesca's Journey" was implemented (1st time book material) into the 'Yonkers YMCA Clubhouse'- an afterschool youth education & prevention program for youths.  She is also an Editor, Ghostwriter mentors other writers.  In 2018, she celebrated 10 years as an Author with the RELEASE of the 10th ANNIVERSARY EDITION of "Silk" (re-released through another publisher).   After being BLESSED to make it through the COVID Epidemic; in October, 2022, she celebrated by FINALLY releasing the 10th ANNIVERSARY of her 2nd book, "One of A Kind Love"!!!!!   

The underlying factors for all of Mrs. Dent's books are to EDUCATE, HEAL and INSPIRE!.  

Her books have been approved and implemented into various school settings, youth programs and nonprofit organizations.  Despite experiencing various tragedies throughout her life; she has used FAITH, PRAYER & TENACITY to TRIUMPH into having a pro-active, enthusiastic and exceptional life!.

Mrs. Dent has a B.A. Degree in Human Services, many years of medical and child care training/work experience and is a Certified Health Coach.  Besides being an Entrepreneur for the past 12 years, she was a former employee of the International company, FEDEX (5 years).  She is also a Community Advocate/Activist in various organizations: she was the former Vice President at AutismProject FLOS, Inc.- an organization that provides parental services, advocacy support and recreational events to families with special needs children in Lower Hudson Valley, NY (2015-2018).  She was currently the  Correspondence & Recording Secretary/Juneteenth Parade Chairperson (since 2017) at the YAAHC (Yonkers African American Heritage Committee) and is still an active member> a 48-yr. old non-profit, grassroots organization that maintains African Ancestral Homage and diverse culture through education, information and celebrations in Yonkers, NY.   She is a former member of the YMCA of Yonkers Clubhouse Advisory Board, former. member of the NCNW (National Council of Negro Women) and in 2020, she was elected as a Board Member at the non-profit organization, Sister-to-Sister International.  She was a former Board Member of Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach (July, 2021-October, 2021).

She has been a Board Member & Executive Asst. (and Fashion Commentator, when needed) for the past 11 years with the nonprofit organization- J. Love Fashion School of Etiquette, Inc., which is a school that teaches young people and people with various disabilities about the Fashion Industry and modeling instructions.   For the past two years, she has been a Farmers Market Manager at the 'Greenburgh Farmers Market' in Greenburgh, NY (White Plains)

Besides being a wife and mother of two young adult men (one of which has a diagnosed disability- Autism); she volunteers and does Humanitarian work with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Family Yonkers YMCA, The YWCA of Yonkers,  Nepperhan Community Center (Yonkers, NY), JCY of Westchester (SMART program), other organizations and public schools. 

In 2016; she was a RECIPIENT of the 'The 3rd Annual Women Who Dare To Be Different Awards' ceremony (Greenburgh- Westchester, NY). and has also received other awards through her profession and Humanitarian work.  

She is avid in fitness and nutrition (she has studied/practices nutrition for over 40 years and shares holistic living with others).  In September, 2021 she furthered her education in Nutrition and Wellness by becoming a Certified Health Coach.  She loves art, music, reading and collects teddy bears.  She practices and studies Martial Arts; she obtained her Black Belt in Taw Kwon Doe at the age of 41 and would like to teach the art form in the near future.  She looks forward to having a 'Mobile Book Store', a brick and mortar store on wheels and traveling more in the near future to share her stories across the United States and the world!!!