Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Nice.
Hi Athena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a survivor of human trafficking – I was kidnapped at 17 and missing for an extended period of time, during a time when there were very few resources or public awareness on the issue. After struggling to find support, I began creating my own resources and have since spent over 20 years advocating for change.
Today, I work independently and volunteer with organizations across the U.S., including Redeemed Ministries – home to the oldest safe house in Texas, which partners with Homeland Security to provide emergency placement for women rescued from trafficking. Redeemed offers holistic, trauma-informed care including housing, healthcare, counseling, and spiritual support. I’ve had the honor of serving as a grief coach for newly rescued survivors, helping them process trauma and begin the journey toward healing.
I’m currently developing a 52-week grief education lesson plan – something I saw missing in the survivor care space. It’s a resource designed not only for survivors themselves, but also for nonprofits, service providers, and anyone seeking to better understand the long-term journey of healing.
In addition, I’m building Full Throttle Alchemist, an AI-powered tool for car enthusiasts and everyday vehicle owners alike. This tool provides personalized, step-by-step DIY auto repair guidance, pricing estimates, parts recommendations, and even local shop referrals – tailored to any make or model.
Whether you’re boosting your car’s horsepower on a budget or just learning basic maintenance, Full Throttle Alchemist is designed to empower anyone, regardless of income or experience.
A significant portion of the app’s proceeds will support anti-human trafficking efforts and help fund the publication of my 52-week grief education lesson plan.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As someone developing both the Full Throttle Alchemist app and a 52-week grief education lesson plan entirely on my own, one of the biggest challenges I face is managing everything – research, writing, design, and outreach, without a team or funding.
Balancing the technical demands of building an AI tool with the emotional depth and sensitivity required to create a trauma-informed grief curriculum can be overwhelming. Resources are limited, time is tight, and it can feel isolating at times, but my commitment to helping others keeps me going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived through what I now help others navigate. I’m creating real-world tools, from emotional recovery to automotive empowerment, that come from firsthand experience, resilience, and a deep desire to serve communities that are often overlooked.
While I keep my professional career separate due to its confidential nature, the passion that fuels my work with Full Throttle Alchemist and my anti-human trafficking volunteer efforts is deeply embedded in everything I do. These two areas of my life – tech development and advocacy – are distinct, but they both come from a place of purpose and service.
Outside of that, I’ve found a strong sense of community and belonging with my car club family, Street Runners, one of the largest car groups in Texas. Being part of the car community has been incredibly meaningful. We’re not just about cars – we’re about giving back.
Most recently, we’ve partocipated in events for autism awareness and a fundraiser for a Title I elementary school, primarily serving low-income families.
It’s been an honor to contribute to causes that matter alongside such a supportive and driven group of people. The bond I’ve built with Street Runners truly feels like family.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a quiet and introverted child. I didn’t have many friends, and my family came from very humble beginnings. Despite that, I was always deeply artistic and found comfort in creativity and the natural world. Some of my happiest memories are of walking along the beach with my grandfather, spending time outdoors, and being around animals.
Those simple moments brought me a sense of peace and joy that’s stayed with me into adulthood. I’m still very much an introvert, but I continue to find beauty in the smallest things—sunsets, quiet walks, time spent in nature. It’s those little moments that have always grounded me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aistudio.instagram.com/ai/1236176200785288?utm_source=ai_agent
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/really_athena
- Other: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML5BR1YAQ0F8B/checkout/7BEXWCPJX5EAYFFERKTSSASW
