The parent organization for Awake Now is the Athena Art Project which was founded in 1995 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization to support the artistic endeavors of women.  From 1995 to 2011, the organization's primary activity was producing the Houston Women's Festival, an annual celebration of music, art, culture and community.  Other activities included producing concerts, art shows and literary events.

In 2013 the Athena Art Project began the Awake Now initiative to honor and support personal empowerment.