BREAKTHRU BRANDS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Head
- DIVISION I HEAD COACH SENIOR WOMAN ADMIN @ UWGB ALZHEIMER's ADVOCATE
Abbey Sutherland is more than just a Head Coach; she is an advocate for people and a promoter of holistic growth. Her credibility springs from her commitment to nurturing well-being and her success leading teams on the volleyball court.
As an NCAA Division I Head Women's Volleyball Coach and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB), as well as a graduate of the NCAA Women Coaches Academy, Sutherland is on a mission to create environments and opportunities where individuals can thrive. And as a recurrent speaker at the AVCA Convention and a participant in influential forums like the TEDx and Title IX panels, she is paving the way for leadership through sports.
As the head of UWGB's Women's Volleyball for the past 5 years, Sutherland has empowered young women to excel on and off the court, resulting in numerous achievements such as the Sutherland Horizon League Coach of the Year honor in 2018. Under her leadership, the team has earned American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Awards, top GPA rankings in the nation, and a strong winning record. Sutherland's commitment to both athletic and personal development has made her a respected figure in women's volleyball, inspiring aspiring athletes and coaches alike.
Equipped with certifications like WeCOACH Academy 2.0, Sutherland's unwavering dedication to uplifting others is not only visible in her professional pursuits, but also through her personal interactions. She consistently displays an attuned and elevating leadership style, reinforcing psychological safety and bolstering authentic relationships throughout athletics.
Her dedication to sports and leadership also resonates in her service on numerous Director of Athletics Search and Screen Committees, proving that she's not just a coach, but an advocate for growth and development in athletics. Sutherland's commitment to advocacy shines most brightly through her passionate fight against Alzheimer's. In honor of her late mother, Rhonda, who bravely battled early-onset Alzheimer's, she
Job Titles:
- Community - Minded Leader and Communications Executive
- Director of Channel Business Brand Management at Grainger
Abby Probst is a community-minded leader and communications executive, committed to bridging societal gaps and advocating for those people, places, and businesses that help communities thrive. Uniquely positioned to guide purpose-driven marketing and sales teams, her unwavering dedication, innovative mindset, and over twenty years of professional experience make her a force in her field.
A true embodiment of the power of connectivity, Probst leads initiatives that foster growth in her hometown of Chicago. As a Board Member at ToolBank USA since 2020, she passionately supports the mission to end tool scarcity for American volunteers, thereby enhancing the impact of charitable organizations. She also spent eight years deeply involved with The House Theatre of Chicago, championing the arts and their critical role in enriching our world. Driven by a people-first mentality, Probst proves an invaluable asset to organizations committed to driving local change.
Currently, as Director of Channel Business Brand Management at Grainger, Probst plays an instrumental role in developing positioning and sales programs to drive the business-to-business organization. Her work unifies sales, marketing, and communications teams around telling strong brand stories through enablement and sales action.
In her past roles, Probst spent over a decade at Accenture as an Integrated Marketing Communications Manager, creating and maintaining brand identity for the global brand through strategic planning, campaign management, and content development. During her tenure as the Educational Outreach Manager at Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology, she developed and promoted innovative programming and curriculum, offering crucial training and support to community leaders, such as teachers, students, and professionals.
Education has played a pivotal role in Probst's journey. Her Bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University laid a strong foundation for her career, and her active learning attitude keeps her on the cutting edge of her field. This lifelong commitment to self-development informs her innovative and bold approach to her work.
Probst's vision for Chicago is to become a benchmark for other cities in its thriving arts culture, small business ecosystem, and equitable opportunities for all Chicagoans. Her invigorating leadership, strategic acumen, and relentless dedication to societal upliftment set her apart. She is a transformative figure, poised to guide others toward achieving a more connected, equitable, and thriving future-one community at a time.
Job Titles:
- Human Experience Design Expert Award - Winning People & Culture Leader Emotional Intelligence Champion
- Leader in People
Adrienne Rampaul is a celebrated leader in People and Culture, with two decades of experience transforming workplaces across diverse sectors, including insurance, technology, and education. Recognized for her expertise in cultivating environments where individuals thrive, Rampaul prioritizes listening strategies, dynamic communication, emotional intelligence, and perspective to drive cultural transformations.
Her unique approach to collective betterment has earned her an invite to Startup Experts, where she is an active Member of the premier community of experienced HR, Finance, and Operational leaders. Additionally, she is a Founding Member of Knoetic's CPOHQ, an exclusive platform for Chief People Officers, and an Inaugural Member of an Accelerator Community for innovative people operators called Amplify.
Rampaul's influence extends to her Advisory roles at Mathison and PeopleTech Partners, as well as her previous tenure at Roam Adventure Co. She propels emerging companies and their leadership to develop first-of-their-kind people strategies while optimizing operational efficiencies, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, elevating employee engagement, and strengthening company values.
She has received recognition for her track record in reinventing how organizations successfully engage their workforce. Most notably, under her leadership, companies were named the "Best Places to Work" in 2016 - 2022.
Rampaul's diverse leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of People at Mathison and Favor Delivery, Vice President of People at The Zebra, and Director of People & Culture at Accenture and its subsidiary Clearhead, have all contributed to her distinct approach to people experience design and culture development, which can be applied to organizations of any scale.
Her passion for creating enriching experiences that foster human consciousness, connection and promote the mindful creation of healthy spaces is informed by a Bachelor's in Human Development from California State University San Marcos and a Human Resource Management Certificate from The University of Texas at Austin.
By championing diverse perspectives, Rampaul empowers individuals to harness their personal experiences to enhance the larger group. Drawing from her own life experiences-as a vocal LGBTQ+ ally, a first-generation graduate, mentor for women in leadership, and versatile "Jackie-of-all-trades"-she weaves a multifaceted perspective that informs her empathetic approach. As a tireless advocate for people, she is dedicated to fostering self-belief and promoting contributions that elevate the collective experience.
Job Titles:
- ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY EXPERT PEOPLE - CENTRIC LEADER CULTURE & EXPERIENCE CHAMPION
Alan Robinson is a seasoned, OSHA-Certified Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Expert, renowned for his people-first leadership and dedication to fostering empowerment, stability, and environmental consciousness. With over two decades of experience across sustainability, wellness, and international business growth, Robinson champions the creation of safe, engaging environments that elevate culture and inspire active participation.
As the US EHS Manager at Mölnlycke, Robinson leads the development and implementation of comprehensive safety and sustainability strategies tailored to the company's U.S. manufacturing facilities, while ensuring alignment with its broader global objectives. Focused on eco-friendly initiatives and enhancing the workplace experience, Robinson is at the forefront of nurturing a culture deeply rooted in health, safety, and environmental awareness. This strategic approach underscores Robinson's dedication to well-being, ensuring that products reaching healthcare providers and consumers reflect the company's core values of care for people and the planet.
Leveraging his extensive management experience at Blue Triton Brands and Amazon-both leaders in distributing essential consumer goods-Robinson has managed safety and environmental compliance for major global brands throughout the last decade. He specializes in multi-site management, adept at guiding cross-departmental adherence to ISO and OSHA regulatory requirements while driving operational excellence. His leadership has resulted in significant reductions in workplace injuries, the enhancement of safety protocols, and the development of innovative programs for risk prevention and waste reduction.
Robinson's business development background shapes his dynamic approach to engagement and culture-building. Boasting over fifteen years of expertise in devising marketing campaigns, activations, and events for creative agencies, Robinson is a people activator and natural influencer. His journey from agency roles at Lauchlan X and public relations efforts at Exact Publicity to founding Creative Concepts Worldwide showcases his ability to drive collective action around common goals.
As the Founding Co-Chair of the Black Chamber of Commerce in Maine, Robinson is fostering equitable opportunities for the Black community throughout the state. As a former entrepreneur and founder, Robinson is leading the Chamber to support the growth of Black-owned and Black-led businesses while enhancing the well-being and economic prosperity of his community.
Committed to democratizing access to vital information and resources, Robinson is on a mission to help people get access to the things they need to create a solid foundation for success. By merging his deep expertise with a genuine passion, he actively fosters understanding, empowerment, and security, making a measurable impact on the lives of others.
With an academic background in Fire Science and certifications in a range of safety and emergency response disciplines, Robinson's dedication to well-being is unwavering. As a visionary leader, his broad experience and commitment to community improvement position him uniquely to effect meaningful, positive change in global environments and enhance the well-being of individuals across them.
Job Titles:
- SPORTS TRAILBLAZER & GLOBAL ADVOCATE
- Vice President of Player Development & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics
Allison Feaster is Vice President of Player Development & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics. She is a former professional basketball player, a global citizen, and a trailblazer in the sports industry who is highly regarded for her leadership and teambuilding skills.
During her decorated college basketball career, Feaster was the first player in any sport to be honored as Ivy League Player of the Year three times, leading the first-ever NCAA Division-I Tournament upset of No. 16 seed Harvard against No. 1 seed Stanford. She was a first-round WNBA draft pick and went on to a 17-year professional playing career in the US, Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal.
Following her retirement from playing in 2016, Feaster joined the NBA's Basketball Operations Management Development Program. After serving as the lead of Player Personnel & Coach Relations for the NBA G-League, she joined the Boston Celtics organization where she currently leads Player Development & Organizational Growth.
Beyond the court, Feaster serves as a co-lead for Boston Celtics United, the Celtics' social justice initiative to impact social and racial inequities in Black and Brown communities in Greater Boston. She maintains her role as an active public speaker, a champion of the advancement of women and girls, and serves as a global advocate for sport, including serving as a Sports Envoy for the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Feaster is a graduate of Harvard College (BA, Economics), the Universidad Europea (MBA), and Harvard Business School (Exec Ed, Business of Entertainment, Media, & Sports).
Job Titles:
- VISIONARY NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE & COMMUNITY - MINDED ADVOCATE
As an Executive Director for Teach for America (TFA), community advocate, and Certified Professional Coach, Anajah Roberts is driving transformation in education across the Chicagoland area - and beyond.
With over 12 years of professional experience leading classrooms, communities, and coalitions, Roberts is changing how education is experienced and who is experiencing it.
Inspired by her time as a TFA corp member and St. Louis middle school teacher, Roberts understands the impact equity can have on self-determination and personal fulfillment first-hand. And she has committed her career to securing equitable access to opportunities, tools, and resources for students and educators ever since.
Roberts has quickly expanded her impact throughout her over ten years of leadership at TFA.
From guiding professional leadership and development to managing the teacher corp and directing TFA's critical Chicago and Northwest Indiana region, Roberts is creating space for diverse perspectives to best contribute to the non-profit's aligned vision.
Her human-centric approach to leadership, combined with her bold, joyful demeanor, inspires how she leads. And her vision and desire to increase representation in leadership inform who follows.
Her own personal experience navigating the educational system in her hometown of Chicago and being recruited to Indiana as a high school Posse Scholar has made her believe that culturally aware and ‘experience-aware' teaching and learning opportunities are the keys to growth and development.
And her Master's degree in Secondary Education and Teaching, paired with her Bachelor's degree in Political Science, have sparked her desire for non-profit and policy work to evolve education beyond traditional models.
Roberts believes that by eliminating the barriers impacting how we learn and who we learn from, that culturally-competent communities will emerge, individual potential can be realized, and collective liberation is possible.
Job Titles:
- CEO and Co - Founder of the Sports Innovation Lab
- GLOBAL SPORTS BUSINESS LEADER
- Member of the 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame
Angela Ruggiero is a leading figure in the global sports world, having served as an elite athlete, educator, administrator, innovator, advisor, and board member in the world of sport. She has been named to Sports Business Journal's 40 Under 40 List, Forbes' Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Sport, and is a member of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Hall of Fame.
Ruggiero is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Sports Innovation Lab, a technology-powered market research firm focused on the intersection of sports and innovation. With the mission of enabling brands to create breakthrough fan experiences through technology, Sport Innovation Lab identifies and evaluates the trends, products and services driving the future of sport. Sports Innovation Lab currently services over 70 global clients through a combination of proprietary data and software and a team of analysts and strategists.
Ruggiero has served the Olympic Movement on the administrative and board levels for over a decade. She was a member of the International Olympic Committee (2010-2018), Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee, and the Chairperson for the IOC Athletes' Commission, the body representing all Olympic Athletes Worldwide. She has also served on the Board of the United States Olympic Committee, Foundation Board Member of the World Anti-Doping Agency, and was the former President and board member of the Women's Sports Foundation.
In prior professional roles, Ruggiero served as the Chief Strategy Officer for the successful Los Angeles 2028 Candidature Committee's bid to host the 2028 Olympics, a Senior Management Associate of the largest hedge fund in the world, Bridgewater Associates, a New Business Consultant for NBC Sports, and a Director at the New York Islanders Hockey Club.
Ruggiero is a member of the 2015 Hockey Hall of Fame (the 4th woman inducted), a 4-time Olympian in ice hockey-winning a Gold Medal in 1998, Silver Medal in 2002 and 2010, and a Bronze Medal in 2006-and a member of Harvard's NCAA National Championship team in 1999. She was a 4-time All-American at Harvard, a 4-time World Champion with Team USA, and was voted as the Best Defenseman at two Olympics. She was named as the best Player in the NCAA (winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2004), and the best player in the world by The Hockey News.
She currently serves on the International Olympic Committee's Digital and Technology Commission, the IOC's Ethics Commission and the IOC's Nominations Commission, the Board of Harvard Athletics, Titletown Tech, the Boston Athletic Association, and is a member of World Rugby's Executive Committee. Ruggiero is a graduate of the Harvard Business School (M.B.A.), Harvard College (B.A.) cum laude, and the University of Minnesota (M.Ed.)
Job Titles:
- CHIEF PEOPLE & DIVERSITY OFFICER & EXPERT SPORTS ADVISOR
- Chief People and Diversity Officer at the U.S. Soccer Federation
Sports is the arena for change, and Ann Seeney is changing the game from the inside out for the U.S. Soccer Federation, one of the largest sports organizations in the United States. With over 20 years of experience, this expert sports advisor is on a mission to transform people and organizations into equitable leaders and environments.
As Chief People and Diversity Officer at the U.S. Soccer Federation, Seeney is leading the charge as an agent of change to ensure the development of soccer at all levels and to promote integrity in an inclusive and distinct culture. With soccer as the premier global sport, Seeney is leading with the anticipation that U.S. soccer will be the foremost example of equity in sports and society.
Through the organizations she supports, Seeney is a reflection of the change she seeks. She is a founding board member of PRO Sports Assembly, an organization of sports leaders who are blazing the trail and advancing the industry. She unites, equips, and empowers sports leaders to examine best practices, influence others, and positively impact communities. Seeney has also served on boards for The Little Bit Foundation and the Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP).
Sports and diversity have remained constant threads throughout Seeney's career. She spent nearly ten years as the Vice President of Human Resources for the St. Louis Cardinals, where executing DEI strategies and transforming the company culture were her top priorities.
Prior to the corporate sector, Seeney led intentional human resources initiatives for community-based organizations, including a regional school district and national nonprofits like Goodwill Industries International. The gaps within DEI efforts and the development of people have further shaped her career and have contributed to her approach as a leader.
Ultimately, Seeney's aim is to transform organizations through truth-seeking and critical conversations and progress DEI by centering efforts around leadership development. Her life as a Black and Native American and the diverse educational experience provided by Hampton University, an HBCU, ignite her passion for mentoring students who also seek inclusion. With the addition of a Master of Jurisprudence and an MBA, Seeney continues to illuminate knowledge, truth, and understanding for all.
Job Titles:
- WRITING COACH & ADOPTEE ADVOCATE
Job Titles:
- Award - Winning Impact Founder
- INCLUSIVE FOUNDER & CEO CANNABIS INDUSTRY INNOVATOR ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY ADVOCATE
Annu Khot is an Award-Winning Impact Founder and Cross-Industry Innovator transforming exclusive systems into inclusive ecosystems where diversity thrives and every voice finds its power. Driven by a commitment to acknowledge, value, and empower, Khot is on a mission to bridge societal divides, create equitable economic opportunities for communities, and enhance well-being.
Leading the charge towards a new era of inclusive prosperity, Khot is dedicated to breaking down societal conditioning and systemic barriers. Her commitment to fostering inclusivity extends across usership, ownership, and leadership, setting new standards for equitable participation through entrepreneurship.
In 2019, she founded Socíale Dispensary, an employee-owned cannabis business exclusively offering products from female and minority-owned businesses. Socíale embodies her vision of providing ownership opportunities to those disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs by providing opportunities for those who are often found working for the business to work on the business.
Khot's mission extends to challenging stigmas through dedicated advocacy and education. Her impressive leadership skills earned her an invitation to the exclusive Forbes Business Council and led to her recognition as one of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Illinois for 2023, as well as the Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Award. Building on her commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation, Khot further solidified her influence by joining the Asian Cannabis Roundtable (ACR) as a Board Member of the Retail Committee. Her advocacy efforts continued to grow as she took on an additional role as a Board Member of the Desi Cannabis Collective, further amplifying her impact in championing diverse voices and perspectives.
A sought-after strategist, advisor, and speaker, Khot contributes her expertise to high-profile platforms like the Benzinga Capital Cannabis Conference and the Career Theory Podcast, and to respected industry publications. Her engagements on these platforms not only shed light on untapped opportunities but also guide readers through the complexities of modern business challenges, illustrating her role as a pivotal influencer in shaping the future of social equity.
Throughout her career, Khot has been unwavering in her pursuit of empowering others, motivating individuals to reclaim their power and realize their true potential. Her remarkable journey from an ambitious individual to a recognized mogul is a testament to her tenacity and visionary approach. Her story, featured on the MJBulls podcast and highlighted by media outlets like the Hindustan Times and the Chicago Tribune, underscores Khot's dedication to breaking stigmas and championing social inclusion.
With over two decades of experience, Khot has excelled as a Managing Partner in numerous successful real estate ventures, where her innovative approaches consistently created new opportunities. Her dynamic presence in the business landscape is marked by a wide-ranging expertise that spans from real estate development to business process optimization. Khot's journey is a testament to her commitment to leveraging this diverse skill set to cultivate growth, inclusivity, and prosperity. Instrumental in forging paths for the often overlooked, she has dedicated herself to unlocking potential and fostering opportunities within marginalized communities.
Khot's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Laws degree in Banking, Corporate, Finance, and Securities Law from the National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata. Additionally, she holds a Master Certificate from the Cannabis Training University, and certification from the Bar Council of Maharahstra & Goa as an Attorney and Counselor, establishing a foundation for her industry leadership.
More than just revolutionizing inequitable landscapes, Khot's journey embodies the essence of empowering individuals, reshaping societies, and inspiring others to reclaim their power. She's at the forefront of creating inclusive prosperity and social equity, forging paths for broader participation, prosperity, and thriving communities.
Ashley felt JOY was missing from our educational system during her time as a 1st-3rd grade teacher, early childhood professor, and family literacy program director. She realized, when it comes to our nature's history, most lessons, courses, and experiences are taught from the white perspective, and the experiences of those who are Indigenous, Black, and Other People of the Global Majority too often go untold.
She founded Unearthing Joy to unearth those stories, uplift our ancestors and their contributions, and inspire joy for all of earth's children, families, and communities.
Ashley is committed to helping families and communities, especially those who have been historically excluded, to find joy in nature as she has throughout her own life, and Unearthing Joy is determined to make that a reality.
Job Titles:
- Global Director of Employee Relations at Google
As a Global Leader and Champion of Human Impact, Bernita Jamison is shaping a better world by leveraging innovative strategies that prioritize people and empower individuality in leadership.
Currently, as the Global Director of Employee Relations at Google, Jamison navigates the complex landscape of employee relations, policy development, and conflict resolution while catalyzing a sense of belonging and fostering collective impact for over 170,000 multinational employees. This role holds immense relevance to her mission, as every decision she makes stems from her relentless pursuit of prioritizing human implications and uncovering human potential as they lead critical actions, decisions, and solutions.
Jamison's work dovetails seamlessly with her goals, reflecting her belief in the inherent potential within human imperfections. The cornerstone of her approach lies in her ability to lead cross-functional teams with empathy and inspire actions that contribute to humanity's betterment. Her advocacy for unique viewpoints and collaboration echoes her commitment to nurturing acceptance and shared understanding.
By empowering individuality in leadership, Jamison envisions a paradigm shift towards a more equitable world. She propounds the concept that leaders, as cultural influencers and pathfinders, hold the potential to unlock untapped impact and dismantle the standardized leadership model, thus creating a ripple effect of positive change.
Throughout her impressive tenure at Google, Jamison's roles as an HR Business Partner Manager for YouTube's Business and Operations, and as a People Programs Manager, have shaped her expertise in enhancing the efficiency of the workforce and fostering a dynamic work environment. Prior to Google, her time at Agilent Technologies and HP fortified her acumen in building powerful teams dedicated to innovation and global progress.
Equipped with a BA in Human Relations from Golden Gate University, Jamison's educational foundation has played an integral role in shaping her as a compassionate and effective leader. Her approach, infused with her belief in the power of human potential and her desire to lead with intention, resonates throughout her career.
Jamison is the epitome of transformative leadership. Her experience, insight, and determination position her uniquely to champion the cause of individuality and human impact. As she embarks on the journey ahead, one can expect her to continue reshaping leadership paradigms, empowering individuals, and catalyzing change for the betterment of all.
Job Titles:
- SPORTS CEO & MARKETING BRAND EXECUTIVE HALL of FAME INDUCTEE
As an award-winning sports industry pioneer and CEO, Beth Bass has successfully championed access and equity for athletes, coaches, and institutions throughout her nearly 40-year career.
From inking one of the first shoe deals at the inception of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to building connections in today's emerging, billion-dollar Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) market, Bass has been at the center of some of the most creative solutions and revolutionary partnerships in sports history.
Recognized for her lifetime of innovative contributions to the advancement of athletics, Bass received a 2020 Naismith award and was inducted into the Woman's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
While serving on the board of USA Basketball, running the High School All-American Game, and contributing to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, Bass has impacted basketball at every level of competition.
Most recently, Bass focused her expertise on college athletics, where she increased brand accessibility and engagement for programs across the country while spearheading NCAA Collegiate Partnerships for adidas.
Years prior, Bass was a 14-year CEO and 3-year Executive Director for the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). She grew membership into an influential coaching community, developed impactful governance and compliance, and formed sustainable brand partnerships that remain central to the organization today.
Under Bass' leadership, game-changing brand strategies created connections to the biggest brands in sports. In addition to adidas, Bass spent the first decade of her career leading national sports marketing campaigns for Nike and Converse, where she built campaigns that revolutionized the industry and empowered underrepresented athletes.
Bass continues to pursue her goal of infusing equitable opportunities and inclusivity across the athletic spectrum.
As an Award-Winning Founder, CEO, and Innovator, Betsy Peters has dedicated her 20+ year career to developing opportunities that unlock boundless possibilities and unleash the full potential of the human spirit. Backed by a rich portfolio of transformative innovations inspired by informative international experiences, Peters is a growth-oriented leader with a proven track record and a vision for progress.
With a comprehensive strategy, marketing, and product development background, Peters founded Cambium Enterprises in 2010 to offer strategic advisory services for emerging companies and their leadership teams. On a mission to accelerate societal change, Peters is launching Cambium Collective to create space for leaders to align on shared goals while inspiring change throughout individual communities.
Peters is committed to progressing Regenerative Entrepreneurship through the Inner Development Goals (IDG) movement, which brings the power of personal development to all global challenges humanity faces. She believes creating opportunities for leaders to evolve together can accelerate the path to a more conscious society.
She has also led numerous high-growth companies to achieve above-average and immeasurable impact. As a purpose-driven leader, Peters spearheaded more than 30 innovative projects, launched four businesses, and raised over $35 million to fund ventures, including the education company PossibilityU-which was recognized twice by the Obama White House for using big data to help students find colleges that fit academically, socially, and financially.
Peters also established MaineCanDo, a network of 500+ professionals who advocate for safe, respectful, and inclusive workplaces, as well as an at-home health business that helped 400,000 women in menopause transition off pharmaceuticals, growing the company to $10M in under three years. She continues to drive curiosity and entrepreneurship by partnering with CEOs, Venture Capitalists, Impact Investors, and Investment Bankers to develop and scale innovation.
Peters is a passionate individual who believes in unlocking human potential and fostering a culture of possibilities. With a global perspective, Peters is challenging the status quo and redefining what it means to be a changemaker in today's world.
Job Titles:
- AWARD - WINNING HEAD COACH CO - FOUNDER of MOMS in COACHING
Currently, the head women's basketball coach at Florida State University (FSU), Brooke Wyckoff, is leading the charge and continuing a legacy. As a former WNBA and USA Basketball player, and a celebrated FSU student-athlete, the highly sought-after award-winning Coach Wyckoff was always a standout leader recognized as one of the nation's top defenders and later was inducted into the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame.
Candice Jackson, a seasoned coach and lifelong athlete, has almost two decades of experience developing top talent and identifying opportunities within women's basketball. Driven by her steadfast belief in the transformative power of sports, she leverages her expertise to foster authentic connections, provide mentorship, and advocate for women in sports leadership.
Throughout her illustrious career, Jackson has embodied the role of mentor, particularly within the Women of Color group of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Since 2016, she has been actively involved in setting up initiatives to assist younger assistant coaches and potential head coaches, helping them navigate prevalent issues within women's basketball and the world at large.
Additionally, Jackson is the current Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Her role includes player development, game planning, recruiting, video analysis, academic support, and team administration. Her contributions play a pivotal role in the program's success, aligning perfectly with her mission to use basketball as a tool for personal growth and empowerment.
In addition to leading teams to multiple NCAA Elite Eight appearances and multiple regular season championships, Jackson has consistently landed top recruiting classes for programs, developed players into accomplished professional athletes, hired top coaches, and successfully managed program resources.
Before joining VCU, Jackson returned to her alma mater, Michigan State, as the Director of Recruiting Operations. Previously she was Head Coach at the College of Charleston and Assistant Coach at prestigious institutions such as the University of Buffalo, Duke University, Wake Forest University, and the University of Richmond.
The strength of Jackson's convictions is exemplified by her vision for sports to play a significant role in women's self-discovery and support. This vision, coupled with her mission to guide women to clarity, confidence, and connections through basketball, underpins her every action and accomplishment. Her experiences have been defined by challenges and triumphs, molding her into a resilient and inspirational figure on and off the court.
Jackson's educational journey is a testament to her dedication and competitive spirit. She received her bachelor's in Family & Community Services from Michigan State University, where she also played under Coach Joanne P. McCallie, representing her home state in back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
Guided by her multidimensional perspective, Jackson is guiding student-athletes, coaches, and sports leaders to navigate their own journeys beyond the court. And her steadfast commitment to surmounting life's adversities and ceaseless advocacy for women's empowerment in athletics marks her as a trailblazing leader. Cementing her vision into action, Jackson is poised to not only inspire but revolutionize the sports landscape for generations to come.
Job Titles:
- ENERGIZING CAREER HEAD COACH EMPOWERING TRAILBLAZER FIRST NCAA CHINESE - AMERICAN BASKETBALL COACH
Job Titles:
- Head of Brand Strategy for Gatorade at PepsiCo
As an award-winning Brand Innovator and Community Activator with over 15 years of experience leading growth, marketing, and communications for impactful global brands, Carolyn Braff is building connections that advance the equitable availability of sports, movement, and physical activity around the world.
As the Head of Brand Strategy for Gatorade at PepsiCo, Braff has elevated Gatorade's reach and established its first-ever cause marketing platform dedicated to Equity in Sports-an initiative that partners with nonprofits to impact underrepresented communities through funds, media, products, awareness, and education.
Over the last decade, Braff has led complex cross-functional teams to drive results for the $7B Gatorade brand. And by spearheading the business focus of the DEI team and implementing robust, intentional career sessions with a 150-person marketing team, Braff is also driving internal impact for the organization.
Among her roles leading strategy, innovation, consumer engagement, and go-to-market for Gatorade's portfolio of performance nutrition brands, she notably launched Gatorade's first zero-sugar product, which was the fastest brand in PepsiCo history to reach $1B in sales.
Braff is fueled by a champion mindset and bringing people together around a shared goal. By advancing access to sports, movement, and physical activity, she is on a mission to progress personal well-being and community development.
As a committed and enduring global community activator, Braff promotes confidence and wellness initiatives at Girls on the Run-Chicago and the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team. She passionately encourages empathy and actively combats hate in her role as a Next Gen Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League. And at PepsiCo, Braff advocates for Moms on the Move, an Employee Resource Group that creates a supportive environment for working mothers to connect, engage, and contribute toward meaningful change and dialogue.
With an MBA from the University of Chicago, a Bachelor's degree from Columbia University, and numerous accolades, including a Sports Business Journal Power Player in Women's Sports recognition, Braff is a true standout.
But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to putting people first. Her leadership style is bold and inspiring, igniting a spark in those around her and lighting the way toward progress. Through Braff's passion for wellness and community, she leads by example, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the importance of uplifting others.
Job Titles:
- GLOBAL RETAIL VICE PRESIDENT @ PINTEREST STRATEGIC GROWTH PARTNER COMMUNITY ADVOCATE
- Strategic Executive
Carrie Sweeney is a diligent, strategic executive passionate about using data-driven solutions to tackle complex challenges that positively impact consumers' lives. Throughout her 20-year career, she has served as a trusted growth partner for high-performing teams, prominent brands, and purpose-driven organizations.
As the Vice President for Pinterest's Global Retail division, Sweeney currently leads a 150-person team that connects the platform's 450 million users with unique brand offerings from some of the world's largest retailers, generating over $1 billion in annual revenue for the global social sharing platform.
During her seven-year tenure at Pinterest, Sweeney has successfully led the development of impactful digital experiences. And her unique, people-first approach to leadership combines empathy and excellence to develop cross-functional teams that help scale that impact.
Sweeney is committed to people and passionate about promoting gender equity in leadership to ensure that consumers are best represented in the decision-making process that affects them. At Pinterest, she oversees the Women's Employee Resource Group (ERG), demonstrating her extensive experience as a leader for women in the workplace.
Before Pinterest, Sweeney managed performance and brand products at Google, transforming their largest account and forging strong relationships with leadership, resulting in the first-ever joint business plan. She was also elected as a Google Stretch Facilitator, conducting leadership seminars for mid-career women multi-nationally.
At Bain & Company, Sweeney honed her general management skills and cultivated C-level relationships across industries, spearheading several high-impact projects. And at Starcom, she implemented global advertising strategies that exponentially grew international brands.
Throughout her career, Sweeney has been recognized with numerous accolades for outstanding leadership and is a sought-after speaker and lecturer with expertise in marketing, growth, and development.
While data powers Sweeney's efforts, the influence she carries is immeasurable. Through her work with A Better Chicago and Precious Blood, two Chicago-based non-profit organizations, she advocates for solutions to societal root problems to create meaningful change. Sweeney's work with these organizations drives strategic growth for the community while carrying on her mother's legacy of altruism.
With an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master of Liberal Arts from the University of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame, Sweeney is well-positioned to lead.
As an avid hiker and mountain climber, Sweeney is motivated by challenges. And one glance at her very own collection of Pinterest boards reveals the creative, detailed, and inspiring approach she uses to solve them. Based on the teams she leads, the partnerships she has forged, and her commitment to the betterment of herself and society, Sweeney's influence is felt in and out of the workplace.
Job Titles:
- Founder L Global Business & Legal Advisor Inclusive Innovator
Job Titles:
- Data and Insights Veteran & WWE Senior Director
As a leading research and insights veteran with over 15 years of experience, Christine Lawrence's expertise has informed the production and consumption of some of the world's largest sports and entertainment providers, including World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Spike TV, and MTV Networks.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Transformational President Human - Centric Chief Strategist Instructor of Organizational Change
As an experienced President and Chief Strategy Officer, Christine Leung is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience driving purpose-driven organizations to new heights of growth and impact. Combining her strategic acumen with a deep commitment to human-centric organizational design and development, Christine has consistently transformed institutions through sustainable processes in the face of rapid change and disruption.
As the current President of Chicago International Charter School, Christine collaboratively mobilizes departments and stakeholders around shared goals and strategies. She oversees strategic alignment across the 13-campus organization and leads the executive leadership team and key stakeholders to develop and implement priorities to improve outcomes and enhance performance for the charter school network. Formerly the CEO and Chief of Strategy and Operations, Christine successfully led values-driven change management during a leadership transition and global crisis.
Christine's expertise extends to academia, where she serves as an Instructor in the School of Education and Social Policy at Northwestern University. In the "Leadership in Organizations" course, she shares proprietary frameworks and best practices with graduate-level students through experiential learning design, equipping them with the tools they need to implement what they have learned in their own organizations.
Job Titles:
- Founder @ Firefly Advisors Innovative Social Impact Leader Accomplished Sports Advisor
- Philanthropic Leader
As an Impact-Driven Founder and Philanthropic Leader, Connie Falcone thrives at the intersection of altruism and societal engagement. Her 30+ year career has focused on creating opportunities that fuel growth and foster upward mobility for under-resourced individuals and communities. On a mission to amplify that impact, she is focusing on the transformative power of sports to lead substantial change at scale.
In 2023, she founded Firefly Group, a sports advisory that connects professional athletes who have an authentic desire to make a difference with value-aligned nonprofits leading the work in the communities each athlete identifies with. Firefly Group acts as a catalyst for change, creating purpose-driven partnerships that successfully channel resources and opportunities to those who need them most.
Falcone has committed her career to developing lasting connections to drive sustainable transformation. In addition to serving as a trusted advisor to professional athletes looking to extend their impact like super stars John Lester, Anthony Rizzo and Joe Maddon, she has successfully led the Foundations of some of the largest entities in healthcare and sports in the Midwest, while driving multi-million dollar initiatives to better neighborhoods throughout the Chicagoland area and beyond.
Innovatively engaging the community, Falcone's events like "The Soccer Ball" generated nearly half a million dollars for Chicago's Urban Initiatives. As a community game-changer, she led Cubs Charities to donate $18 million to the community via grants and direct community investments. Beyond fundraising, she led tangible improvements such as the construction and renovation of numerous baseball fields through the Cubs Charities Diamond Project. And her dedication to youth development was highlighted by her work with Northwestern Medicine Scholars, a healthcare career pipeline program in conjunction with George Westinghouse College Prep in Chicago's East Garfield Park.
As President of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare's philanthropic foundation, she ushered in a disciplined approach to healthcare philanthropy, garnering her a spot on Crain's 2019 Notable Women in Healthcare list. And her tenure as Executive Director for Cubs Charities at the Chicago Cubs was marked by her success leading strategic giving initiatives, earning her the Cubs All-Associate Award twice.
Her ability to mobilize support and inspire collective action extends to her longstanding affiliation with Urban Initiatives, a youth sports development program for children in Chicago's underserved communities. As a vital Advisory Board Member and former Director of Development and Finance, she has been instrumental in raising funds and expanding the organization's reach into more Chicago public schools.
Falcone has established a career track record of channeling a passion for community development into actionable change, and as a Fellow at the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, she's not done yet. Informed by an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a JD from the University of Notre Dame Law School, and an English degree from Colorado College, Falcone seamlessly transitions these principles into impact.
Falcone is an inimitable and luminous leader, passionately working to create a better world through sports. With her tireless dedication and strategic acumen, she stands poised to drive her mission forward, fulfilling her vision of sustainable community enhancement and a better livelihood for all.
Job Titles:
- FOUNDER & COMMUNITY BUILDER
Job Titles:
- INCLUSIVE EDUCATOR COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL COACH ADVOCATE for DIVERSE IDENTITIES
Job Titles:
- GLOBAL CHANGE AGENT CHAMPION of HUMAN DIGNITY SOCIAL IMPACT SOLUTIONIST
As a Google Vice President, Danielle Romain personifies leadership that blends purpose with innovation. Her dedication to fortifying human potential against the ever-evolving digital landscape is not only commendable but also instrumental in creating a safer digital environment. Over the course of a 15-year illustrious tenure at Google, Romain has trailblazed her path across diverse areas such as trust, strategy, operations, and finance.
Romain's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University, equipping her with a nuanced blend of strategic acumen, technological understanding, and a propensity for innovation. At Google, her contributions have been pivotal in developing products and crafting user-centric digital experiences for billions of users across the tech giant's expansive suite of digital products.
In a world where Google's products like Google Search, Google Adwords, and YouTube hold an integral place in the livelihood of people and businesses, her efforts in launching initiatives like Google's ‘My Ad Center' and ‘results about you' have contributed significantly to enhancing the safety and privacy of billions of users. As the current Vice President of Trust, her active involvement in promoting user safety, cybersecurity, privacy, and regulatory compliance underline her unwavering commitment to user-focused digital landscapes.
In her previous roles as Vice President of Strategy & Operations and Director of Operations, Romain spearheaded strategic initiatives aimed at operational efficiency and growth. She fervently believes in the power of people and possibilities and leverages this belief to drive solutions for complex challenges and encourage self-actualization among her team members.
Romain champions the cause of empowering others, with particular emphasis on encouraging underrepresented leaders and fostering resilience for career success. Her aim is to instigate a transformative ripple effect across the corporate world, inspiring individuals to traverse their paths confidently and empowering them to contribute to groundbreaking solutions.
Her professional journey extends beyond Google, encompassing other Fortune 500 companies like Goldman Sachs, Lyondell Basell, and Enron. This diverse exposure has honed her strategic decision-making abilities, further solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader.
Romain's roots trace back to Trinidad, although she was raised in Houston, Texas. She is a proud holder of a BA in History and an MBA from Harvard University, and her story of being the first college graduate in her family is a testament to her tenacious commitment to lifelong learning. This thirst for knowledge is mirrored in her extensive book collection, reflecting her relentless curiosity and passion for acquiring new insights, and her recent address at the Google I/O 2022 conference is an example of her dynamic influence.
Romain's unyielding commitment to her values, coupled with her comprehensive professional repertoire, positions her as an authentic force in steering purposeful transformations. As she forges ahead in her leadership journey, her vision remains crystal clear - to elevate humanity, motivate leaders to surmount societal obstacles and create a lasting, benevolent imprint on the world.
Job Titles:
- Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln
- Chief Communications & Marketing Officer Dynamic Strategist
As a Chief Communications Officer, Deputy Assistant at the White House, environmental and national security policy leader on Capitol Hill, and senior leader for major global companies and global agencies, Deb Fiddelke has led strategic communications and government relations for some of the most impactful entities in the world throughout her 25-year career.
From spearheading legislative efforts to combat global HIV/AIDS to battling the Zika virus outbreak and launching campaigns and crisis communications, she is on a mission to inspire good will and build solutions of common ground for the people and organizations most responsible for societal outcomes.
Currently, the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Fiddelke is helping the university think differently about effective communications by elevating the university's brand and identity, and creating strategic direction, in order to maximize its reach.
For Fiddelke, there is power in the partnership of communications and government relations. At SC Johnson, she bridged international partnerships and public health organizations. And her corporate communications work at Edelman, the public relations and marketing firm, led global teams that had vital impacts in campaigns and crisis communications.
Her impact as a bipartisan force in the political sector is also diverse and expansive, as Fiddelke has worked on Capitol Hill and at the White House during the George W. Bush administration.
She partnered with senators regarding national security legislative efforts and led the development and implementation of strategies to advance initiatives and other interests related to Congress. Additionally, she provided guidance on Chuck Hagel's successful campaign, defining and elevating his brand, both locally and nationally.
Fiddelke has a great capacity to guide, coach, and nurture people's abilities. She challenges others to think beyond the way it's always been done and to live in possibilities. She seeks the promise in people and helps them see it too.
Job Titles:
- Advisor
- CEO
- Founder
- SOCIAL - EMOTIONAL LEARNING VISIONARY
Debra Giunta is a purpose-driven Founder, CEO and Advisor whose life's work is centered around Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
As a TEDx speaker, recipient of the 2016 Goodcity Women's Innovation Fund Award, Founding Board Member of the Illinois Dance Education Organization, and active mentor for growing organizations, Debra is driven by a lifetime of learning and development for herself and others.
Informed by her creative and visionary approach to social entrepreneurship, Debra is on a mission to create spaces and experiences where individuals feel supported and empowered in order for them to reach their greatest potential.
In 2008, Debra founded Design Dance, a dance education company inspired by the positive impact dance had on her own social and emotional development during her time as a competitive performer and teacher. As Director, she continues to develop partnerships with Chicago schools, community centers, and institutions in order to grow the number of youth around the city experiencing healing and empowerment through dance.
Continuing to infuse the arts in personal and professional development, Debra expanded her focus to include teenagers and young adults. In 2016, she founded Prismatic, a 501(c)(3) non-profit teaching entrepreneurship in the arts to Chicago students in 6th-12th grades. As Executive Director, Debra partners with local and national businesses, such as WeWork, to provide students with mentorship and classroom lessons that help them identify their strengths and mission, while illustrating a roadmap to creative entrepreneurship.
In order to expand her impact to families across the country, Debra soon developed The Grove. What started as a monthly subscription box with movement-inspired tools soon evolved into virtual, movement-based classes that foster creativity, boost cognitive growth and increase mindfulness for families in their own homes today.
Debra credits healthy, supportive environments to her own personal and professional development. And she is committed to creating the spaces and experiences that empower each of us to lean into our vulnerabilities in order to unlock our authentic selves and positively contribute to our community and world.
In support of continuing to expand her impact to all ages, Debra recently founded The Brainchild Collective which functions as a parent company for ventures previously founded and those yet to come.
Job Titles:
- Transformational Head Coach
- Transformative Head Coach People Motivator Award - Winning CEO & Founder
Diane Richardson, a Transformational Head Coach, accomplished C-Suite Executive, successful Founder, and seasoned Motivator with over two decades of leadership experience has dedicated her career creating platforms of opportunity. From the basketball court to the boardroom, she kindles self-belief and reshapes the trajectories of people, cultures, and organizations.
With over a decade of Division I coaching experience, Richardson leads Temple University Women's Basketball Team as the program's Head Coach. On a mission to drive excellence both on and off the court, she isn't just shaping athletes; she is molding a future of empowered leaders, building a winning culture, and launching her team to national recognition-a track record known to the college basketball community.
Most notably, Richardson propelled Towson University's Women's Basketball program to its most victorious era in a decade, achieving their first winning season in years and embarking on their longest winning streak since the late 2000s. Under her leadership, the team secured its first NCAA Tournament berth and clinched the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament Championship, at which time she was named the conference Coach of the Year. And in recognition of her positive impact on the broader community, she was named one of Maryland's Top 100 Women and received the Patsy T. Mink Equity in Education Award, among others.
Richardson's thought leadership graces prominent platforms such as ESPN and 247sports, in addition to local and regional events. She is an esteemed member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Associate (WBCA), actively contributing to their Diversity & Inclusion Committee. And her leadership with internationally-recognized organizations such as USA Basketball and Nike Basketball further cement her dedication to using sports as a platform for change.
Richardson's college coaching career began at prestigious institutions like West Virginia University, George Washington University, and American University, where she spearheaded recruiting efforts and played pivotal roles in championship runs. Notably at Maryland University, she helped lead the team to a remarkable 33-4 record and a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
During her eight-year tenure as Head Coach at Riverdale Baptist High School, Richardson's teams clinched five National Championships and consistently ranked in the top ten of USA Today's national high school teams. Richardson's prowess earned her the prestigious title of National High School Coach of the Year among others.
Prior to her coaching career, Richardson was an award-winning Founder and CEO of two financial service companies. With a particular focus on empowering the Black community, Richardson was thrice honored as the American Marketing National Marketing Director of the Year and celebrated by her local news provider as the "Woman of the Year." Her contributions also earned recognition from the White House, where she was acknowledged among the Top Female Entrepreneurs in the US.
Richardson's journey is a testament to her extensive and intensive commitment to excellence. A proud member of the revered Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., her academic achievements shine brightly as a Doctoral candidate at Grand Canyon University and having earned her Master's from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor's in both Psychology and Sociology from Frostburg State University. As a student-athlete, she clinched the NCAA Division I Championship in both the 200- and 400-meter races and earned a spot on the 1980 U.S. Olympic team.
Richardson is a force of nature. Devoted to elevating others, she remains unwavering in her mission to change lives. Richardson is the epitome of transformation, seamlessly integrating education, basketball, business, and mentorship. Her leadership is transformative, imprinting a lasting legacy on the individuals and institutions she leads along the way.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Managing Director of Inclusion at NCAA
Currently the Managing Director of Inclusion at NCAA, Dr. Wilson is committed to and passionate about driving positive change in Title IX and DEI initiatives and efforts. She bridges connections and builds communities, successfully accomplishing the required DEI review for the entirety of the NCAA. She is proud of the gender equity and inclusive movement she leads and knows the work is never complete. Dr. Wilson occupies spaces, meeting people at the intersection of race, ethnicity, religion, and identity-striving to propel change and collaborative progress.
While in academia, Dr. Wilson encouraged revolution and ignited a call to action in others, both in the classroom and within the administration. At Illinois College, Dr. Wilson earned tenure as an associate professor of education, but she began her career at MacMurray College as an English instructor, influencing and impacting the athletic department and administration.
As a former student-athlete, sports have been a part of Dr. Wilson's identity for most of her life, as she sees sports as a way to stretch one's potential. She appreciates that sports are accessible to many and allow opportunities to participate in inclusive teams while working towards a common goal. Dr. Wilson values sports as a mental, physical, and spiritual experience that has shaped her into the leader she is today.
Dr. Wilson is passionate about breaking barriers and creating opportunities for those who identify with intersectionalities of marginalization and minorization, emphasizing equity and access to opportunities. She intentionally creates inclusive spaces for all voices to be heard and empowered to take action that lead to positive change. As an educator, her thought leadership, ability to have tough yet necessary conversations, and attentive diligence contribute to her ability to dig deep into complex challenges and tell stories that matter.
It is Dr. Wilson's own lived experience as a devoted wife to RJ Stewart, a proud aunt, a student-athlete, and a leader, coupled with her Ph.D. in Sports Studies and both a Master's and Bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature/Letters that continue to light a fire to the passion and strength of her work.
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Human Resources for Google
Job Titles:
- CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER
- RESEARCH SCIENTIST
Kim seeks to empower athletes to be resilient in sport and in life. As a former National Championship Harvard Hockey player, Kim has a passion for working with teen and young adult competitive athletes with mental health concerns. And after years of acute psychiatric care training and experience, she has returned to her roots by founding Unlimited Resilience to help athletes succeed in sport and mental health. As the mental skills coach for the Harvard Women's Hockey team and a clinical social worker in the Sports Medicine Division and Female Athlete Program at Boston Children's Hospital, Kim actively seeks to positively impact athletes and sports.
Kim coaches field hockey, hockey, and lacrosse and still loves to compete. She believes being an athlete is critical to sports therapy and requires that every Unlimited Resilience therapist identify as an athlete in support of this belief.
Job Titles:
- Award - Winning Sports Strategist Global Marketing & Communications Leader Sports Industry Catalyst
Dr. La Quita Frederick, also known as Dr. Q, stands as a trailblazing figure at the forefront of the sports industry, recognized as an award-winning educator, executive, and leader. Renowned for her dedication to revolutionizing the field, she envisions a future where sports act as a catalyst for cause marketing, cultural innovation, and social impact on a national and global scale. Dr. Q serves as a vital link between theory and real-world impact, distinguished by her ability to seamlessly integrate academic knowledge with industry application. Her mission is clear: to amplify unheard voices, magnify untold stories, and champion the unknown within the ever-evolving world of sports and beyond.
Widely celebrated in the sports industry, Dr. Frederick is esteemed as an educator and seasoned professional in sports management, lauded for her profound expertise spanning marketing, communications, strategic leadership, and management. Her unwavering dedication to cultural innovation and social impact further elevates her distinguished reputation. Dr. Q's influence reverberates throughout the industry, evidenced by prestigious awards and respected accolades such as the Athletes' Voices Maker Award and her inclusion in notable lists like Diverse: Issues in Education's recognition of 25 Women Making a Difference in the Academe.
Her profound impact and influential reach span across the sports industry, leveraging diverse global platforms to shape the future landscape and leaders of the field. As a keynote speaker and panelist at prestigious institutions like the International Business School in Dunkerque/Saint-Omer, France, and as a visiting professor at the Universidad Loyola Seville/Andalucía in Spain, she shares invaluable insights on critical industry topics such as "Sports and Digitalization," "The Business of International Sports Partnerships and Sponsorship," and "The Business of Global Sports Events."
Dr. Q is also featured in various influential platforms such as podcasts like Sports Business Review and Black in Sports, as well as acclaimed industry publications like the Sports Business Journal. Through incisive analyses and dynamic facilitation, Dr. Frederick consistently demonstrates her prowess, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in sports cause marketing, cultural innovation, and social impact.
In her current role as Director and Associate Professor of the Practice for Georgetown University's Sports Industry Management Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program, Dr. Frederick plays a pivotal role in cultivating and nurturing the next generation of emerging leaders who will shape the future of the sports industry. Her dedication to excellence in sports management education is further demonstrated by her roles at prestigious institutions such as St. John's University and Saint Peter's University. Her significant contributions to the fabric of these academic institutions have helped mold aspiring leaders who have gone on to make significant strides in prominent organizations like the Chicago Bulls, NBC Sports, New York Jets, and the University of Michigan, among others.
Job Titles:
- Surgeon
- OPHTHALMOLOGY CO - CHAIR HEALTHCARE INNOVATOR VISIONARY LEADER in PATIENT CARE
- Specialist
Dr. Robin Vora is a practicing Cataract Surgeon and Medical Retina Specialist, Healthcare Innovator, and active Advisor with 18 years of expertise leading the healthcare industry. Known to infuse every endeavor with unmatched energy and expertise, he is improving the level of care, influencing a more transparent industry, and guiding the next wave of industry innovators to continue to raise the bar on patient-centric solutions.
For over a decade, Dr. Vora has shaped the future of eye care in Northern California. As Co-Chair of Ophthalmology for The Permanente Medical Group, he leads the mission of ensuring that 4.3 million Kaiser Permanente members benefit from the pinnacle of clinical and surgical eye care from the 250-ophthalmologist network.
He also acts as the Chief of the Department of Ophthalmology in East Bay, where he directly oversees 20 ophthalmologists, 25 optometrists, and 100 staff members on the Oakland and Richmond campuses. His depth of expertise as a Medical Retina Specialist and Cataract Surgeon is evident in his comprehensive approach to treatment, combined with a dedication to continuous learning and adaptation.
Dr. Vora's contributions to California extend beyond his clinical practice. His vision emphasizes a healthcare system underscored by transparency and innovation. This vision, coupled with his leadership, has shifted paradigms, influenced policy, and set benchmarks in ophthalmology.
He's well-regarded not only for his direct contributions but also for his guidance to emerging healthcare entrepreneurs and influence on strategic boards. As an Advisory Board Member, a mentor, and public speaker, Dr. Vora is uplifting healthcare professionals, leading them to challenge the status quo to drive innovation, and building a legacy of transparent industry leadership.
In literature, he's recognized for numerous peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, his writings on diabetic retinal screening highlight his knack for merging clinical needs with technological solutions, and prioritizing patient welfare.
Academically, Dr. Vora is a Cornell University alumnus, holding a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and an MD from Weill Cornell Medicine. He furthered his studies at UC Berkeley Extension, achieving a Certificate in Personal Financial Planning.
Earning the "Speaker of the Day Awards" at the Hawaiian Eye and Retina Meeting, Dr. Vora's accomplishments mirror his dedication to excellence. And as a husband and father, he deeply values family time and maintains an active lifestyle through tennis, golf, and family adventures.
Those familiar with Dr. Vora often describe him as deeply committed to his endeavors, while adeptly maintaining a balanced lifestyle. His profound expertise and clear vision, combined with his dedication to personal growth, shine through in his medical contributions and beyond. He not only elevates the spheres he leads but also paves the way for others to aspire and achieve.
Job Titles:
- Legal Strategist
- LEGAL STRATEGIST in FAMILY PLANNING COMPASSIONATE ATTORNEY & LITIGATOR SHAREHOLDER @ BERNSTEIN SHUR
Eviana Englert is a transformative Legal Strategist, experienced Litigator, and respected Attorney on a mission to redefine what is possible for future families. Specializing in LGBTQIA+ family rights, they are reshaping opportunities for parents with a human-centric approach to legal guidance in building a family, the reproductive journey, estate planning, and legistlative work for family planning clients.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate Commissioner for Women 's Basketball at the Atlantic Coast Conference
As the Senior Associate Commissioner for Women's Basketball at the Atlantic Coast Conference, Jackie Carson leverages over two decades of leadership experience in women's basketball, including a 13-year tenure as Head Coach at Furman University and 5 years coaching at James Madison University.
As an award-winning Head Coach and Hall of Fame player for Furman University Women's Basketball, Coach Jackie Carson has led teammates, players, coaching staffs, and female leaders in and out of the Paladin program with confidence and distinction for 20+ years.
Today, as she walks the sidelines of the Timmons Arena where her retired #22 jersey hangs from the rafters, Carson reminds her players to ‘Be Distinct', a program motto that centers team building around developing the presence of each individual.
Her gameday heels and pencil skirts might be unexpected to some, but Carson welcomes opportunities to exceed expectations. As the only person in Southern Conference history to be named both Player and Coach of the Year, Carson is a winner who is changing perceptions while transforming her alma mater.
Job Titles:
- Career Coach
- Coach of Women 's Basketball at Niagara University
As a Committed Community Leader & Career Coach, Jada Pierce embodies dedication and leadership, fostering transformational change on the court and throughout the community. As a coach, trainer, and speaker for equity and inclusion, Pierce thrives on the front lines promoting diversity and opportunity. Through her steadfast dedication to guiding emerging leaders and her unparalleled track record in collegiate coaching, Pierce exemplifies the power of compassion, grit, and perseverance.
As the current Head Coach of Women's Basketball at Niagara University, Pierce has reshaped the program with her distinctive approach to leadership that empowers individuals and elevates teams. Her formidable 25-year career is underlined by inspiring accomplishments, such as transforming the Mid-Major into a winning Division I program, leading the team to its first postseason appearance, and coaching them to the most conference wins and single-season wins in program history.
Pierce embodies a deep-seated belief that challenges can be overcome and that equality is achievable. As a Women's Basketball Coaches Association member and an Advisory Board Member for The Sports Bra Project, Pierce is increasing access to sports participation for emerging female athletes. And as a participant in the NCAA Black Coaches & Administrators Achieving Coaching Excellence Program and the Time Out for Black Lives conference initiative, Pierce is dedicated to progressing equality for Black and Brown people.
Beyond her coaching endeavors, Pierce is a staunch advocate for personal growth and authenticity. Her message resonates not only in her professional environment but also in her larger mission to close equity gaps and promote a culture of understanding and kindness. For Pierce, success starts with culture. She has consistently rallied teams around dedication, hard work, and selflessness to achieve goals.
Pierce is a standout in her field, empowered by her resolve to advocate for equality and driven by her passion to elevate communities. As she navigates the road ahead, Pierce's commitment to inspiring change and closing gaps for Black and Brown people remains steadfast. Her legacy is not just in her teams' scores, but in the lives she's transformed on and off the court. Pierce is indeed a beacon of resilience, inspiration, and action, championing change today for a more inclusive tomorrow.
Job Titles:
- Strategic Business Consultant & Trailblazing Founder
Informed by her over 20 years of leadership experience as a Strategic Consultant and Senior Executive for leading global companies in the insurance, risk management, and healthcare industries, Janene Jonas founded RiskCreative to simplify the insurance selection process while expanding upon its benefits.
Jonas is an industry trailblazer. And as a Founding Member of the invitation-only membership network Punks & Pinstripes, she is one of 100 transformation executives driving change across sectors with the support of fellow C-Level disruptors.
Jonas is on a mission to progress traditional thinking and solutions through innovative thoughts and actions. Under Jonas' leadership, RiskCreative is eliminating unnecessary complexities in the insurance industry by brokering unique partnerships that align global organizations and start-ups to elevate offerings, guiding clients to best-fit solutions, and educating the market on the importance of a prepared mindset.
Jonas prioritizes people over results. As an award-winning Consultant for Aon Inpoint, Senior Consultant for Liberty Mutual, and three-time award-winning leader for Cigna, Jonas served as a trusted partner to her clients and led teams to best support their unpredictable life experiences.
Job Titles:
- President
- President @ Nora Fleming Creative Brand & Product Strategist Championing Moms in Leadership
Janice Christensen, President of nora fleming, is transforming the gift industry with an innovative approach to home decor, emphasizing engagement and personal expression. Since her start as the company's first employee in 2004, she has devoted 13 years to cultivating the brand alongside its founder, Nora Fleming. Throughout this time, she has been pivotal in developing its exclusive product line and establishing a unique mix-and-match identity for the brand within the market.
Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of thoughtful gifting, Christensen inspires her team to explore the intentions behind each gift, reinforcing and nurturing the relationships they symbolize.
Over the past decade at this Chicago-based company, Christensen has steered Brand Strategy, Product Development, Marketing, and Communications, successfully elevating the brand to international recognition and multi-million-dollar revenues. Her exceptional ability to curate and market the brand's proprietary collection has set the brand apart, reshaping the experience in both the giving and receiving of gifts.
Christensen's visionary approach also extends to her anticipation of the evolving dynamics of the industry. She champions the integration of technology to enhance operational efficiency, advocates for diversified leadership, and supports initiatives that enable creative individuals to re-enter the workforce, infusing the industry with new perspectives.
As a working mother, she is dedicated to forging pathways for parents re-entering the workforce, aiding them in leveraging their unique skills, reintegrating into professional environments, and making impactful contributions. And as a student mentor, she is infusing an entrepreneurial spirit into emerging leaders in her local community and beyond.
Her inclusive mindset is shaped by her previous experience as a World Languages High School Teacher and is enriched by her heritage as a first-generation immigrant from the Philippines. Her academic background, including studies at Spain's Universidad de Sevilla, a Master of Education (M. Ed.) from National Louis University, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, blends theoretical knowledge with practical insight. And as a devoted wife and loving mother to three sons, she adds an intuitive understanding to a people-centric business from the invaluable perspective of a mother.
Christensen is actively shaping the industry's future. In her multifaceted role as a leader, educator, mentor, and innovator, she is crafting opportunities as vibrant and inclusive as the communities she serves.
Job Titles:
- Award - Winning Chief Activator Transformational CMO Strategic Growth Expert Board Member
Job Titles:
- PHYSICIAN & HEALTH TECH INNOVATOR
Job Titles:
- Deputy Commissioner & Chief Finance Officer @ MAAC
Job Titles:
- Literary Liaison Storytelling Advocate Architect of Dreams
Job Titles:
- Award - Winning Coach Talent Recruiter & Developer
Job Titles:
- AWARD - WINNING HEAD WOMEN's BASKETBALL COACH & INCLUSIVE CULTURE CULTIVATOR
Job Titles:
- Award - Winning Global Executive & Experienced Board Member
Job Titles:
- FOUNDER CHIEF EXECUTIVE PEOPLE & CULTURE EXPERT
Job Titles:
- LEGENDARY COACH & GENDER EQUITY ADVOCATE
Job Titles:
- TRANSFORMATIONALIST MULTI - DIMENSIONAL STRATEGIST GLOBAL GROWTH LEADER
Job Titles:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker Holistic Development Expert Agile Mental Health Leader
Lindsay Gaskins propels people, ideas, and organizations forward. As a magnetic, award-winning CEO, Board Member, Founder, and Activist, Gaskins drives progress by challenging societal standards and innovating for future growth.
As CEO of BREAKTHRU, Gaskins guides leaders to build disruptive, leader-centric brands that encourage bold thinking and brave initiative. And as an active Founding Member of Chief, the largest women's network, and Board Member for an LGBTQIA+ non-profit, she is on a mission to spark action through empowerment.
Over the past 20+ years, innovation has followed where Gaskins has led. Since her Crain's 40 Under 40 recognition early in her career, Gaskins has grown a portfolio of barrier-breaking brands for nationally-known entities, emerging executives, and growing startups-including her own.
And as Gaskins lives out her purpose, she is helping replace a legacy of patriarchy with leaders who are building connection and inclusion.
Job Titles:
- PASSIONATE SPIRITS ENTREPRENEUR
Lorrie Cardwell-Panfil is motivated by helping others find genuine contentment.
With a BA in Sociology and a career focused on the development of people and communities, Cardwell-Panfil's 15 years of professional experience have been centered around empowering others to live authentically and purposefully.
From leading classrooms to community centers, Cardwell-Panfil is passionate about learning and development. And these very personal, hands-on experiences have informed her human-centric approach to marketing, branding, and personal growth.
From clients making big decisions to colleagues navigating next steps, she has always been someone others turn to in order to find clarity. And at BREAKTHRU, Cardwell-Panfil provides a trusted ear and safe space for purpose-driven leaders to discover their own motivations.
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- Athletics Administrator Change Agent Higher Education Strategist
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- Creative Innovation Strategist Strategic Beauty Executive Inclusion and Sustainability Advocate
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- FOUNDER & COMMUNITY DEVELOPER @ FREEDOM ORG CAREER BASKETBALL COACH THERAPIST SOCIAL IMPACT LEADER
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- Growth - Driven Culture Creator Global Strategist Managing Partner @ Bain & Company
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- TECHNOLOGY EXECUTIVE & CHANGE AGENT
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- GLOBAL BUSINESS STRATEGIST RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT EXPERT SEASONED INSURANCE EXECUTIVE DEDICATED INDUSTRY BOARD MEMBER
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- Catalyzing Speaker & Holistic Leadership Coach Champion of Conscious Capital
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- Engagement Strategist Equity - Driven Founder and Board Member
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- Award - Winning Google Managing Director Inspirational Global Leader
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- CEO PUBLIC SPEAKER POSSIBLETARIAN
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- User Experience Innovator Human Experience Strategist Senior Designer @ Google
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- People - First Leader Inspirational Storyteller Solutions Architect Captivating Keynote Speaker
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- FITNESS TECH FOUNDER & CEO
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- Global Legal Director @ Google Steward of Corporate Conscience Ethical Technology Advocate
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- Strategic Biotech Changemaker People Care Champion Global Quality & Operations Expert
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- Founder Strategic Growth Advisor Financial Strategist Women in Sports Play & Pay Advocate
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- EXPERIENCED COLLEGE COACH DYNAMIC & RELATIONAL LEADER
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- Senior Director of Engineering @ Google TV Technology Innovator Global Media Visionary
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- Global Journalist and Activist Transformational Storyteller Founder and CEO
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- Fortune Global 500 Executive & Inclusive Tech Leader
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- Microsoft 's Senior Director of Brand Strategy
- Technology Brand Strategist
Susan Betts is a renowned Technology Brand Strategist with more than twenty years of executive leadership experience at prestigious tech powerhouses such as Google and Microsoft. Her expertise in marketing, branding, and communications has contributed to meaningful connections with worldwide audiences and impactful thought leadership at key global forums.
As the Director of Brand Strategy and Management at Google's Brand Studio, she led the alignment of the entire Google brand portfolio during her 4-year tenure. Advocating for inclusivity and social innovation, Betts ensured Google's identity was consistently represented in marketing efforts across the Google product suite, positioning the global technology company as a platform that fosters diversity, progress, and impact.
Recognized for her expertise in strategic communications, interactive storytelling, and creative connection, Betts is advising emerging businesses as a member of Columbia University's Strategic Communications Advisory Board and has served as a lead speaker at global events from from Las Vegas to São Paulo.
Her passionate advocacy for combining profits with principles has marked her role as panel curator at Brand2Global and keynote speaker at industry conferences. She has also been a guest lecturer at distinguished Brazilian business schools, reflecting her dedication to shaping the future of brand strategy through education and innovation.
On a mission to bridge the gap between technology and humanity, she promotes user-centric brand experiences that improve society while sparking connections between people and life-enhancing products and services.
As Microsoft's Senior Director of Brand Strategy, Betts led branding for the entire product ecosystem while expanding upon brand architecture as major acquisitions were streamlined. With a customer-centric approach, she reshaped her team to unify as a brand-centric group and advanced perspectives across departments by introducing company-wide storytelling forums, mentoring female peers, and serving on the Diversity & Inclusion Council.
The first decade of her career was spent at FutureBrand and Edelman Significa, where Betts managed cross-functional teams comprising consulting, design, production, legal, and finance to deliver breakthrough branding solutions for clients across a variety of industries.
Originally from Brazil, she brings a multicultural perspective to her work and leadership, something she fostered during her academic journey at Fundação Getulio Vargas. Betts completed both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Business Administration at this prestigious institution.
Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French, Betts champions global brand propositions that promote equality, demonstrating her belief in the democratizing potential of technology and branding. In addition to her contributions to organizations like Special Olympics and Sequence, she is a bold advocate for women and a proud partner to her wife, Silvia.
Betts believes in the transformative power of brands. Her actions echo her belief in technology as a catalyst for societal progress. As she moves forward, she continues to spark connections, foster understanding, and lead the charge toward a more inclusive and empathetic world. With her at the helm, the future of brands is promising, guiding us toward a world ripe with understanding, inclusion, and progress.
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- Transformational Leader in Social Impact & Corporate Responsibility Equity - Driven Attorney & Board Member
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- PURPOSE - DRIVEN TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER CULTIVATOR of CONNECTIONS and CAPITAL
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- C - SUITE EXECUTIVE, FOUNDER, & STARTUP ADVISOR
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- FOUNDER & TECH LEADERSHIP COACH
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- Associate Commissioner Former Professional Basketball Player
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- GLOBAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIST DYNAMIC TALENT TRANSFORMER SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARD - WINNING VETERAN
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- Expert Sports Marketer Active Board Member Philanthropic Leader