Athena Eastwood

Founder/Owner/CEO | Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

Professional Overview

Athena Eastwood is an accomplished legal professional and entrepreneur with a diverse background spanning the agricultural, legal, and higher education sectors. As the Founder, Owner, and CEO of Eastwood Farm and Winery, she leverages her extensive industry knowledge and leadership expertise to drive the growth and success of her family-owned business. Athena's well-rounded experience, coupled with her passion for the wine industry, positions her as a prominent figure in Virginia's vibrant wine community.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Founder/Owner/CEO, Eastwood Farm and Winery (2019-01-01 to Present): Oversees all aspects of the family-owned winery, including strategic planning, operations, and brand development. Under Athena's leadership, Eastwood Farm and Winery has become a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts, known for its exceptional products and sustainable farming practices.

Member, Board of Directors, Virginia Women in Wine (2024-02-01 to Present): Provides strategic guidance and support to promote the advancement of women in the Virginia wine industry.

Member, Board of Directors, Virginia Wineries Association (2023-11-01 to Present): Contributes to the development and implementation of initiatives that strengthen the Virginia wine industry.

Board Member, Monticello Wine Trail (2023-01-01 to Present): Collaborates with fellow industry leaders to enhance the visibility and appeal of the Monticello Wine Trail, a premier wine tourism destination.

Retired Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2023-01-01 to Present): Maintains an advisory role, offering her legal expertise and industry insights to the firm's clients.

Lecturer/Adjunct Professor, University of Virginia School of Law (2014-01-01 to Present): Shares her practical experience and legal knowledge with the next generation of legal professionals.

Career Progression

Partner, Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP (2017-01-01 to 2023-01-01): Provided strategic counsel and representation to clients in the agricultural and food and beverage industries, leveraging her deep understanding of complex legal and regulatory frameworks.

Board of Directors, Washington Lawyer's Committee on Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (2014-06-01 to 2016-01-01): Contributed to the organization's efforts to advance civil rights and social justice initiatives.

Chairperson, VS. Confronting Modern Slavery in America (2014-01-01 to 2016-12-01): Led the organization's initiatives to combat human trafficking and modern slavery in the United States.

Adjunct Professor, The George Washington University Law School (2013-03-01 to 2014-03-01): Shared her practical legal expertise with students, preparing them for the demands of the legal profession.

Partner, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP (2011-01-01 to 2017-01-01): Provided legal counsel to clients in the agriculture and food and beverage sectors.

Board of Directors, Building Goodness Foundation (2011-01-01 to 2023-01-01): Contributed to the organization's efforts to provide sustainable building solutions to communities in need.

Partner, McDermott, Will & Emery LLP (2001-05-01 to 2011-01-01): Honed her legal skills and industry expertise while serving clients in the agricultural and food and beverage industries.