Athina Dennis is a qualified artisan specializing in welding and metalwork — a true innovator, educator, and fierce advocate for diversity and skills development. As the founder of Athina’s Artistry, she combines hands-on skills, creativity, and compassion to tackle youth unemployment and empower underserved communities, especially in places like the Cape Flats.
In a field traditionally dominated by men, Athina hasn’t just made her mark — she’s opened the door wide for others to follow. Through her journey, she’s shown that women don’t just belong in trades; they lead, transform, and inspire. Her movement stands as living proof that real change happens when you create with purpose and advocate with love. Young women now see a future in roles once thought unreachable because Athina paved the way and is pulling others forward.
What sets Athina apart is her ability to break barriers and ignite hope. From being a Good Hope FM Warrior Woman finalist to a nominee for the Edu Woman in Leadership award, she empowers beyond teaching — she builds mindsets and futures. She shows up fully, with passion and purpose, to make a lasting difference.
Her favourite belief? “They told me trades were not for women — I turned that doubt into a legacy.” That courage fuels everything she does.
People should vote for Athina because she embodies what’s possible when women rise in spaces they were never meant to enter. Every spark from her welding torch is a promise — that together, we can build a better South Africa, one skill, one soul, one child at a time.