What is ATHENA?

Athena Rapid Response Innovation Lab

Originally founded in 2016 as “TechGarden” in Alexandria, VA, the organization has grown to encompass a broad range of services. We have rebranded to reflect this expanded mission. We are proud to serve both the local community and communities in need around the planet.

Our Mission:

Provide tools and training at the point of need.

But… why “Athena”?

Athena is the name of the Greek goddess associated with wisdom, courage (especially in warfare), and crafting. These are also traits we value as we work to harness collective wisdom during turbulent times and direct that energy toward crafting solutions! In looking for a symbol of the work we do, Athena stood out both as a representation of our intent and as a reminder of the ability of communities to create lasting international impact.

ATHENA Rapid Response Innovation Lab is the new name for TECHGARDEN INC, EIN 81-1653441. 

The ATHENA Team

We have an incredible group of partners and supporters that enable our work!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all of those supporting ATHENA’s efforts.

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Tim Bailey

Executive Director

Tim comes from a non-profit background with an emphasis on space exploration. After a stint supporting technology development programs for DARPA and hands-on training for the US Marine Corps, he began supporting the Nation of Makers and other “maker” efforts. This is a natural extension of his enthusiasm for connections that support communities.

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Brad Halsey

Founder, Board Member

Brad is the CEO and Founder of Building Momentum and the co-Founder of ATHENA (then known as TechGarden). He a US Navy veteran and has years of experience supporting soldiers in the field as a contractor for the US ARMY Rapid Equipping Force. Brad loves to throw himself into a project that solves problems and leaves a lasting impact.

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Albert Vega

Co-Founder, Board Member

Albert is the CTO for Building Momentum and co-founder of ATHENA (formerly known as Tech Garden). He has a PhD electrical engineering and has supported warfighters in Afghanistan from a mobile prototyping lab. Albert also serves on the board of directors at Girls + Data, a non-profit focused on providing young women with hands-on STEM exposure to data analytics without relying on coding.