2016 Global Sports Mentoring Program: Empower Women through Sports Book

U.S. Department of State and espnW

2016 GLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM In cooperation with the University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace, and Society

PROGRAM BOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 3

Program Introduction

4

Program Partners

5

Social Media

6

Program Schedule Overview

MEET THE CLASS OF 2016 8

2016 Emerging Leaders

9

2016 Mentors

10

Meet the Matches

11

Matches on the Map

13

Olga Aksyonova (Ukraine) + Amy Huchthausen & Shonna Brown (America East Conference)

21

Martina Bartolucci (Argentina) + Val Ackerman & Ann Wells Crandall (Big East Conference)

27

Rima Awni Yacoub (Jordan) + Jill Hotchkiss (Disney XD)

35

Melodie Robinson (New Zealand) + Julie Sobieski (ESPN)

43

Rabia Qadir (Pakistan) + Diane Lamb (ESPN)

51

Maíra Liguori (Brazil) + Julie Eddleman (Google)

59

Meeran Kim (South Korea) + Kerry Ruggieri & Sofia Ramos (Ketchum Sports & Entertainment)

65

Nour Kayal (Jordan) + Hilary Shaev (NBA/WNBA)

73

Silvija Mitevska (Macedonia) + Susan Cohig (NHL)

81

Natalia Zbirnea (Moldova) + Ronnie Tucker (New York Road Runners)

87

Camila Pirelli (Paraguay) + Gwen Conley (Rubin Postaer & Associates)

95

Diana Currie (Brazil) + Romina Bongiovanni (Saatchi & Saatchi, LA)

101

Paola Kuri (Mexico) + Joan Coraggio (Saatchi & Saatchi, LA)

107

Fran McEwen (New Zealand) + Laura Dixon (Spurs Sports & Entertainment)

113

Jessica Wu (Philippines) + Laura Burton & Jen McGarry (University of Connecticut)

118

Pamela Akplogan (Benin) + Deborah Stroman (University of North Carolina) 2

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

GSMP CLASS OF 2015 U.S. Department of State

B

uilding on the successes of past U.S.

media, non-profit, and sports sectors who are

girls who play sports are increasingly likely to

Department of State sports diplomacy

committed to supporting young female leaders

excel on the playing field and in life. According to

programs, the Global Sports Mentoring

by providing them with the opportunity to

studies by the United Nations and others, women

Program is comprised of two pillars—

cultivate management and business skills in an

and girls’ participation in sports is an important

GSMP: Empower Women through

American sports environment.

social and economic empowerment tool:

Sports and GSMP: Sport for Community—that

Emerging leaders are nominated by

combine the power of mentorship and cultural

U.S. embassies overseas based on their

sport acquire new professional

exchange to connect international changemakers

accomplishments and commitment to making an

networks and more opportunities to

on a mission to make a positive impact in their

impact in their countries’ sports sectors. These

become engaged in school and

home countries.

individuals demonstrate the potential to achieve

community activities.

significant success in their profession, as well

as the ability to teach and guide others in their

and girls to enhance their leadership

home country—particularly girls—so that they

roles and participate in decision-

also experience the benefits of sports.

making.

Launched by then Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and ESPN President John Skipper in 2012, GSMP: Empower Women through Sports enters its fifth year pairing female emerging leaders from around the globe with female

For the mentorship to contribute to long-term

executives at leading U.S. companies in the sports

positive change worldwide, each emerging leader

sector for a month-long mentorship experience.

works with their mentor to craft an Action Plan

As part of the overall collaboration, espnW works closely with the State Department to secure mentors and host organizations for the emerging

to implement upon her return home, with the common goal of creating sports opportunities for underserved women and girls.

• Women and girls who participate in

• Sports serve as a vehicle for women

• Sports convene people regardless

of background, culture, gender, or

belief system, and can promote

greater tolerance and understanding

among individuals and communities.

• Sports teams and organized sporting

activities provide an excellent platform

leaders participating in the program. Mentors

GSMP: Empower Women through Sports is based

for promoting dialogue on the

include senior executives in business, education,

on a growing body of evidence that women and

importance of education and diversity.

3 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

• Girls’ participation in sports directly

correlates with participation in higher

education and employment. A single

year of primary education correlates

with a 10-20% increase in wages

later in life and a single year of

secondary education results in a 15-

25% increase.

The State Department believes that sport is a vehicle to advance the status, liberty, and well-being of women, girls, and marginalized people at home and abroad. In partnering with espnW and the University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace & Society, it aims to expand the

East Conference, ESPN, Disney XD, Google,

Connecticut, University of North Carolina,

Ketchum Sports and Entertainment, National

The list of 2016 emerging leaders represent the

Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey

following countries: Argentina, Benin, Brazil,

League (NHL), New York Road Runners, Saatchi

Egypt, Jordan, Macedonia, Moldova, Mexico, New

The list of 2016 mentors represent the following

& Saatchi LA, Spurs Sports and Entertainment,

Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines,

organizations: America East Conference, Big

Rubin Postaer and Associates (RPA), University of

South Korea, and Ukraine.

footprint of Title IX—equality and opportunity for women—and support U.S. government endeavors in every corner of the world.

4 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PROGRAM PARTNERS THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between Americans and people from around the world through a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional and sports exchange programs. These international exchanges engage youth, students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders from the United States and nearly 170 countries.

Alumni of these exchanges comprise over one million people around the world, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and more than 350 current or former heads of state and government.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY Our mission at the Center for Sport, Peace, & Society is to use sport to change lives, communities, and the world through teaching, research, mentoring, and service. At the Center, we seek to train a new generation of changemakers who are using the intersections of sport, education, and media to tackle some of the world’s most complex issues. Using our uniquely created “4-E Model for Engagement,” we seek to Expose, Equip, Empower, and Entrust local and global audiences to use sport to make a difference. Our work is grounded in more than twenty years of sports development experience using sport to promote empowerment, leadership, and peace-building by working alongside women, girls, refugees, immigrants, student-athletes, and persons with disabilities. It is our hope that through sport individuals will become empowered change agents interested in promoting peace and inclusivity around the world.

espnW espnW was launched in September 2010 as a brand built to serve women who love sports – those playing, consuming and discussing sports. espnW speaks to and inspires women, engaging them in numerous ways, across multiple platforms. Our digital foundation, espnW.com, is a site specifically for women, from the design aesthetic and mobile experience, to story selection and perspective. Key espnW.com editorial pillars include:

• In-depth coverage of female athletes and the sports they play

• Inside access and a unique point of view on sports’ biggest events

• Deeply reported, beautifully told stories about sports personalities and the issues that

matter most to women

The espnW brand encompasses digital media, events, films, radio, TV, and pro-social platforms. Our annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit is the leading event of its kind.

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5

SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICIAL GSMP HASHTAG:

#EMPOWERWOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SPORTS INITIATIVE http://www.globalsportsmentoring.org facebook.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram @SportsEmpower flickr.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE/SPORTSUNITED http://eca.state.gov/programs-initiatives/sports-diplomacy/ facebook.com/pages/SportsUnited-US-Department-of-State @SportsDiplomacy, @StateDept, @ConnectStateGov, & @ECAatState youtube.com/ExchangesVideo flickr.com/ExchangesPhotos espnW http://www.espnW.com facebook.com/espnW @espnW instagram.com/espnW pinterest.com/espnW UT CENTER FOR SPORT, PEACE, & SOCIETY http://sportandpeace.utk.edu facebook.com/thecenterforsportpeacesociety @sportandpeaceUT instagram.com/sportandpeaceUT soundcloud.com/sport-and-peace-ut issuu.com/sportandpeaceUT

6 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

program schedule overview

OCTOBER TUESDAY, 4

NOVEMBER

Emerging Leaders arrive

FRIDAY, 4

Mentorships conclude

in Washington, DC SATURDAY, 5 WEDNESDAY, 5 TUESDAY, 11

Orientation week begins

TUESDAY, 8

concludes WEDNESDAY, 12 – SATURDAY 15

to Washington, DC MONDAY, 7 –

Orientation week

Emerging Leaders

THURSDAY, 10

attend espnW Summit

Emerging Leaders return

Action Plan presentations Emerging Leaders return home to change the world!

SUNDAY, 16

Emerging Leaders travel to mentor sites

MONDAY, 17

Mentorships begin

7 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

GSMP LEGACY: DEFINING THE ACTION PLAN BUILD ACTION PLAN WITH MENTOR

Racha Kalot,

Lebanon

PRESENT TO GLOBAL NETWORK

Naira Abramyan,

Armenia

EMPOWER WOMEN AT HOME

Luz Amuchastegui,

Argentina

THE ACTION PLAN is the culmination of the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP) experience. During the first week of the GSMP, each Emerging Leader is charged with identifying a pressing social

ACTION PLAN THEMES

issue facing women and girls in their local communities or work place. Throughout the mentorship experience, the Emerging Leader

20%

works with her peers, program facilitators, and the mentoring team to develop a strategy for addressing this social issue through sport.

The Emerging Leader draws upon the resources, knowledge, and expertise of her sisters and mentors to create well-developed “social

12% 12%

business� strategies.

6%

During the final week of the program, Emerging Leaders present their Action Plan ideas to their peers and key American stakeholders for feedback and support. Upon return to their home countries, Emerging Leaders build networks with local organizations to execute their ideas and in turn, empower more women and girls through sports.

44%

6%

Life Skills/Youth Development

22

Other*

10

More Access to Sport

6

Mentoring Networks

6

Disability Sports

3

Post-Conflict/Disaster

3

Other themes include the following: Diversity & Inclusion, Policy & Governance, Journalism, Advocacy, & Sport Growth.

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GSMP LEGACY: GLOBAL IMPACT 4 YEARS. 66 WOMEN. Worldwide Reach.

9 10

11

10

REGIONS East Asia/Pacific South/Central Asia

15 11

Europe & Eurasia Near East Asia Africa Western Hemisphere

IN JUST FOUR YEARS, women and girls all over the world have experienced the ripple effect of the GSMP and its empowering message. By providing 66 women with the critical tools, resources,

PROFESSIONAL FIELDS

and support needed to carry out their Action Plan ideas, thousands of women and girls have reaped the benefits. In fact, of the 66 women

20%

18%

selected for this program, 58 have implemented at least some portion, if not all, of their proposed Action Plans, touching the lives of women and girls in their families, communities, schools, and work places. By passing this message on to the next generation, the GSMP is creating a living legacy of women’s empowerment and positive social change through sport.

9%

32% 7% 3%

2%

NGO Entrepreneur League/Federation Government Media Education Corporate Olympic Committee

9 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

9%

21 13 12 6 6 5 2 1

GSMP LEGACY: Global IMPACT A pre-test was conducted at the beginning of the 2015 GSMP to measure knowledge and capacity, followed by a post-test at the end of the program. The results demonstrate the program’s short-term impact.

I am a LEADER in my community.

I can articulate the IMPORTANCE of sport for women and girls.

I consider myself to be an EMPOWERED woman.

PRE-TEST Always Frequently Sometimes

12% 75% 13%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

40% 53% 7%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

31% 56% 13%

POST-TEST Always Frequently Sometimes

32% 50% 18%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

81% 19% 0%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

63% 37% 0%

100%

OF 2015 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT THE GSMP HELPED THEM BUILD A STRONG NETWORK OF SUPPORT

100%

OF 2015 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT THE GSMP CULTIVATED NEW ABILITIES TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

100%

OF 2015 EMERGING LEADERS INCREASED THEIR APPRECIATION FOR DIVERSITY AND CROSS-CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

IN HER WORDS

”

GSMP is a great platform for girls and women to interact and build upon their leadership skills. From brainstorming about challenges women face across the globe to developing an Action Plan, the whole journey has been a special one. Team-building activities were really helpful and the GSMP staff have really facilitated the whole program in a creative and fun way. Also, going to my mentoring site was an important and valuable experience for me.

GSMP 2015 Alumnae NUNGSHI MALIK, India

”

”

After the GSMP, I feel a sense of responsibility. I feel like this is what I was born to do. I am talking with more women in the U.S. and in Vietnam who work in women’s empowerment. And, more people are following me and listening to me. Girls often send me messages saying, “I read your story. You inspired me today.”

”

GSMP 2015 Alumna NGA LE, Vietnam

”

After participating in the GSMP, I felt a personal change. I realized that I can be part of a different world if I decide to act upon it. The program also helped me feel more confident and gave me the support of other people around the world who think like me. And, my mentors were amazing. They made me feel my passion again.

”

GSMP 2015 Alumna CARLA BUSTAMANTE, Mexico

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GSMP LEGACY: 2015 ALUMnae highlights CECILIA VALES – SHE WINS MEXICO AND ACCESS FOR SPORTS Since returning home from the GSMP, Cecilia says her life was changed completely. Only a few weeks after the program’s conclusion, she welcomed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power to one of the soccer academies which Cecilia managed for Gonzo Soccer.

Organized by the U.S. Department of State’s SportsUnited division and the US Embassy in Mexico City, Cecilia coordinated the visit on the ground. Through August 2016, the cover photo for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations’ Facebook page was Ambassador Powers, Cecilia, and two girls from the academy posing after they played a scrimmage together.

Shortly after the visit, Cecilia quit her job at Gonzo and launched her own NGO, She Wins Mexico, to provide sports opportunities to disadvantaged girls around Mexico.

She opened her first academy in Oaxaca, a semi-autonomous, poverty-afflicted state with one of the largest indigenous populations in the country. To launch the academy, Cecilia partnered with

Oaxaca, manages the life skills portion of the academy pro bono, while Cecilia handles the sports instruction. Since the academy opened last December, more than 100 girls and boys have participated in its programs.

In Mexico City, where she was raised and continues to live, Cecilia also works to grow the impact of She Wins Mexico. In June, the State Department sent two sports envoys, former professional women’s soccer players Janine Szpara and Katie Bethke, to assist with soccer clinics, motivational talks, and train-thetrainers sessions serving more than

Sport, Peace, & Society visited

professionals, government officials,

her and another alumnae, Carla

athletes, and sports advocates,

Bustamante, in August to support

among others.

their transformational work in Mexico. In line with the visit, Cecilia worked with the U.S. Embassy and other partners to organize working

400 girls from the community.

groups with the Mexican Football

which donated $40,000 USD.

With all of Cecilia’ success, a team

Women, as well as an all-day Sport

Another partner, Fundación Vive

of mentors, a sports envoy, and

and Equality Forum featuring

Sano, a local organization in

colleagues from the Center for

six panels with sports media

a clean energy business, Acciona,

Federation and United Nations

11 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

“For me, the whole GSMP was a life-changing experience. I was a different person, one more secure about how my dream of saving the world could come true – especially now that I had the support of so many women around the world.”

GSMP LEGACY: 2015 ALUMnae highlights NAJAT ALSAYEGH – EIGHTY PERCENT: FOR THE LOVE OF SOCIAL GOOD

development program with Kuwait

Public Authority for Youth, which

about Eighty Percent and its growth

University to grow a second-

launched in August with the focus

on national radio and television.

generation of Kuwaiti government

of developing cooperation, respect,

leaders. She also pitched to the

and empowerment through sports

Ministry of Sports the idea of

and educational initiatives.

biggest initiative yet: Kuwait’s first

While finding success as a sports

event was part of the larger Kuwait

advocate within government, Najat

Ramadan Football Tournament,

also officially registered her social

an event traditionally attended by

enterprise, Eighty Percent. Shortly

the country’s biggest celebrities.

after doing so, she traveled with her

By breaking ground and inviting

women’s sport in the country.

co-founders to Abu Dhabi, where

13 women’s soccer teams and

the organization won the Audience

prominent players from the greater

position within government to be

In fact, Najat proved herself to

Choice Award and finished fourth

Arab world, Najat provided a

an influencer, Najat decided to

be so proactive and influential

at the Emirates Gulf Youth Awards

rare and significant platform for

continue in her role at the Ministry

in government that the Minister

for its work using sports to engage

women’s sport in the country. In

of State for Youth Affairs, where

of Youth selected her as one of

youth in the Gulf region. Upon

total, 130 athletes from the ages of

she began working on a youth

12 founding members for the

returning to Kuwait, Najat spoke

16-35 participated in the matches.

restructuring Kuwait’s Women’s Sports Federation and brought in 15 female athletes to consult on how the organization could better serve them, establish public trust, After participating in the GSMP and seeing how she could use her

and improve the development of

JULIE PATERSON – WOMEN IN SPORTS WORKING GROUP

In June, Eighty Percent hosted its all-women’s soccer tournament. The

New Zealand. Its strategies focus on four key areas: 1) Be the change, 2) Lead the change, 3) Promote the value, and 4) Here to stay. Among

During the GSMP, Julie dreamed of

its many goals for the year, WISPA

creating a network of influential

plans to host a national conference

female sports leaders to push

on women’s sport.

forward the agenda for promoting and celebrating women’s sport

As CEO of Netball Northern Zone,

in New Zealand. During her

Julie was excited partner with the

mentorship at the Women’s Sports

Lowie Foundation that will work

Foundation, Julie committed herself to making this organization, which she called the Women in Sports Working Group, a reality.

school at Massey University, about

all three women appeared together

participating in the network. After

on Radio New Zealand to talk about

meeting, the two women prepared

getting more girls to the podium and

a roundtable discussion with other

women in positions of leadership.

Only a few weeks after the

influential women in sports. Julie

program’s conclusion, Julie was

recruited another prominent female

contacted by Sara Leberman, a

voice, Kereyn Smith, Secretary

highly-respected professor and

General of the New Zealand Olympic

vice chancellor of the business

Committee, to the group. In January,

Halfway through 2016, Julie registered her organization as WISPA (Women in Sport Aotearoa), in honor of the Maori name for

12 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

with youth players who are no longer in school to ensure they learn skills that will help them develop personally and professionally outside of sports. Julie continues to actively speak with sponsors and partners about what more can be done to level the playing field for girls in netball and other sports.

GSMP LEGACY: 2015 ALUMnae highlights VERONICA OSOGO – ZION ZONE TENNIS ASSOCIATION From the beginning of the 2015 program until today, Veronica Osogo’s favorite phrase has been the same: “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” A former professional tennis player from Kenya, she launched Zion Zone Tennis Foundation in 2006 as a way to bring sports activities to children in the slums around Nairobi. Today, she trains the top junior tennis players in Kenya and is one of the sport’s main faces in the country.

Three months after the GSMP, Veronica was contacted by the Kenya Lawn Tennis Association (KLTA) with a request to coach the country’s juniors team at the East Africa Junior Tennis Championships. Through her leadership, the team won its first championship trophy in five years. During the event, Veronica also served as a “big sister” to the Rwandan girls team and took time to mentor a Burundian player who had an emotional breakdown on the court and was reprimanded by his own coach. The GSMP taught her that mentorship is a vital development opportunity for everyone, and she is keen to share it with those outside of her community, as well as those in it.

Since returning her home, her staff at Zion Zone Tennis Foundation has noticed the change. They describe

Veronica as more keen on details,

of the two schools where Veronica

a greater encourager and a better

recently launched is Little Rock

listener to everyone.

Early Childhood Development

Veronica also experienced great joy at the end of the year when she accompanied her longtime mentee, Judy Nkatha, to Kenya’s most

Centre, where, in addition to girls, she works with children who have hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, and other physical disabilities.

prestigious sports awards ceremony.

The progress Zion Zone has made

Kenya’s top female junior player and

in the past year has been notable

a longtime participant in Zion Zone’s

enough to garner growing media

programs, Judy was given the 2015

attention for Veronica and her

SOYA Award for Most Outstanding

work. Last November she was

Sports Performance (Girls). Veronica

interviewed by Meredith Walker of

believes this was a great example for

Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls for an

other children in the program and

article published on its website.

a testament to the impact her work

During the summer of 2016, she

through Zion Zone makes in the lives

was also profiled by two news

of disadvantaged girls empowering

organizations for how she uses

themselves to new heights.

tennis to change lives. One was

Veronica continued to grow the organization’s influence around Kibera since the conclusion of the program. She introduced a tennis program to two more schools in the slums and has plans to introduce

Citizen TV, the leading television station in Kenya, and the other was Sport TV, a Portuguese-language cable station that focuses on sports in the Portuguese-speaking world in Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

the first-ever tennis program at an

Veronica’s maintains a close

all-girls school in the area. One

relationship with everyone at the

GlobalSportsWomen.org 13

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WTA. In fact, a small team visited her in Kenya and brought her business cards, letterheads, logos and other materials they created together for her foundation. The organization also sent tennis strings and balls for Zion Zone, and visited the facilities to meet the children that Veronica trains.

“Since the GSMP, I’ve become an encourager. Every time I meet somebody, my desire is to encourage them. If they want to start a project, I’m hungry to tell them “Go for it!” Because when I started nobody knew who I was, but look at what I’ve achieved now. For that I really have to thank Cindy.

When I was at the WTA, she was going through her own very difficult time. She made me realize you don’t have to show people when you have had a bad day or things are not working out. I try to be more of a friend than I was before.”

3 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

14 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MEET THE GSMP

CLASS OF 2016

2016 EMERGING LEADERS

Pamela Akplogan BENIN

Olga Aksyonova UKRAINE

Martina Bartolucci ARGENTINA

Diana Currie BRAZIL

Nour Kayal JORDAN

Meeran Kim SOUTH KOREA

Maíra Liguori BRAZIL

Fran McEwen NEW ZEALAND

Silvija Mitevska MACEDONIA

Camila Pirelli PARAGUAY

Rabia Qadir PAKISTAN

Melodie Robinson NEW ZEALAND

Paola Kuri MEXICO

Jessica Wu PHILIPPINES

Rima Awni Yacoub JORDAN

Natalia Zbirnea MOLDOVA

16 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

2016 MENTORS

Val Ackerman big east conference

Romina Bongiovanni saatchi & saatchi, la

Shonna Brown america east conference

Laura Burton university of connecticut

Susan Cohig nhl

Gwen Conley Rubin Postaer & Associates

Joan Coraggio saatchi & saatchi, la

Ann Wells Crandall big east conference

Laura Dixon spurs sports & entertainment

Julie Eddleman google

Jill Hotchkiss disney XD

Amy Huchthausen america east conference

Diane Lamb ESPN

Sofia Ramos ketchum sports & entertainment

Jen McGarry university of connecticut

Kerry Ruggieri ketchum sports & entertainment

Hilary Shaev nba/wnba

Julie Sobieski espn

Deborah Stroman university of north carolina

Ronnie Tucker new york road runners

17 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

meet the matches

Olga AksyoNova Amy Huchthausen + Shonna Brown Ukraine

America East Conference

MARTINA BARTOLUCCI Val Ackerman + ANN WELLS CRANDALL Argentina

Big East Conference

RIMA AWNI YACOUB Jill Hotchkiss Jordan

Disney XD

MELODIE ROBINSON Julie Sobieski New Zealand

ESPN

Rabia Qadir DIANE LAMB Pakistan

ESPN

MAÍRA Liguori Julie Eddleman Brazil

Google

MEERAN KIM Kerry RUGGIERI + SOFIA RAMOS South Korea

Ketchum Sports & Entertainment

NOUR KAYAL Hilary Shaev Jordan

NBA/WNBA

SILVIJA MITEVSKA SUSAN COHIG Macedonia

NHL

NATALIA ZBIRNEA RONNIE TUCKER Moldova

New York Road Runners

CAMILA Pirelli Gwen Conley Paraguay

Rubin Postaer & Associates

DIANA CURRIE ROMINA BONGIOVANNI Brazil

Saatchi & Saatchi, LA

PAOLA KURI JOAN CORAGGIO Mexico

Saatchi & Saatchi, LA

Fran McEwen LAURA DIXON New Zealand

Spurs Sports & Entertainment

JESSICA WU LAURA BURTON + JEN MCGARRY Philippines

University of Connecticut

Pamela Akplogan Deborah Stroman Benin

University of North Carolina

18 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MATCHES ON THE MAP

ARGENTINA BENIN BRAZIL BRAZIL JORDAN JORDAN MACEDONIA MEXICO MOLDOVA NEW ZEALAND NEW ZEALAND PAKISTAN PARAGUAY PHILIPPINES SOUTH KOREA UKRAINE

NEW YORK CITY, NY CHAPEL HILL, NC LOS ANGELES, CA CINCINNATI, OH BURBANK, CA NEW YORK CITY, NY NEW YORK CITY, NY LOS ANGELES, CA NEW YORK CITY, NY BRISTOL, CT SAN ANTONIO, TX BRISTOL, CT SANTA MONICA, CA HARTFORD, CT NEW YORK CITY, NY BOSTON, MA

19 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

20 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

OLGA AKSYONOVA Head of Development for Ukraine Athletics Federation

UKRAINE

AMY HUCHTHAUSEN Commissioner

AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE

SHONNA BROWN Executive Associate Commissioner

AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE

FROM UKRAINE, OLGA AKSYONOVA, the Head of Development for the Ukraine Athletics Foundation, brings a passion for developing and promoting women at top-level positions in sports.

EDUCATION Olga holds bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and English Translation and master’s degrees in International Law and Ukrainian Legislation.

EXPERIENCE In addition to fundraising and marketing for athletic programs, Olga has extensive experience advocating for women’s rights and gender equality in Ukraine.ur

SKILLS Olga is fluent in four languages – Ukrainian, Russian, English, and French. She also has outstanding research and communication skills.

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I played tennis in my early childhood and did ballet for 9 years. I love ballet and classical choreography.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I dream of the day where there is no war in Ukraine.

For OLGA AKSYONOVA, the power of sport was

married woman with two daughters and a demanding

exemplified in one moment from the 1994 Winter

job as the head of development for the Ukraine Athletics

Olympics. It was the first time Ukraine participated

Federation, she still makes time to take adult classes at

independently in the Games after the collapse of the

her daughters’ studio.

Soviet Union. Olga was a 12-year-old girl then, watching excitedly as Oksana Baiul won the gold medal in

Although she was a top ballerina, Olga faced the difficult

women’s figure skating.

decision as a teenager to choose between dropping out

“At the time, many people still only knew Ukraine

university. Following the advice of her parents—her

because of the Chernobyl disaster or some other not

biggest role models—she chose the second option.

great things,” Olga says. “But when Oksana stood there crying – it was such a powerful moment. It gave Ukrainians something to be proud of. The ceremony was 30 minutes late because they couldn’t find the national

of regular school to pursue ballet or attend traditional

At 16, Olga enrolled at Kyiv National University, where she completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international law. In 2003, she added another master’s

anthem—no one expected Oksana to win!”

degree in Ukrainian law. For a long time, Olga wanted

Born in Kyiv, Olga lived with her grandparents in

chose a different path, working for eight years on

Moscow until the age of 5, when she moved back home

gender projects for the United Nations Development

to begin schooling. It was around that time she found

Programme (UNDP). Then, by chance, she made her

ballet, one of her life’s greatest passions. Even as a

way into the sports world.

to become a lawyer. After graduation, however, she

22 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? My favorite subjects were English and History. I enjoyed learning the language because it enabled me to watch the movies and read the books I wanted to without translation. And I enjoyed history because it helped me understand different cultures and taught me about change and major world events.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My mother. She always knows what to say and how to support me. And when I was growing up, she always taught me how to do things myself.

She is the best role model of an empowered woman I know, and I look up to her in so many ways.

“I wanted to try something new after

FROM THE MENTORS’ PERSPECTIVE

spending so many years with the UNDP, so I went to a headhunting agency and the day after got a call from Ukraine Athletics,” Olga says.

“The day of my first interview they offered me the job!”

”

We’re thrilled to participate in the GSMP this year. I’m excited to learn from such an accomplished woman as Olga and can’t wait to have her in Boston with our America East team. I’m grateful for espnW and the U.S. Department of State’s sponsorship of the program to help grow female leaders in sport around the world.

Olga’s transition into sports was sparked by a desire to help people.

Throughout her life, she knew she didn’t want to work for a “paycheck at the end of the month,” but to actually make the world a healthier, unprejudiced, and more equal place.

In Olga’s experience, Ukraine does not have the visible problems with gender equality seen in more

AMY HUCHTHAUSEN America East Conference

traditional patriarchal societies.

In top positions, salaries are comparable for men and women.

women, she is concerned for the

(NACWAA) Board of Directors, Amy

However, the great majority of

transition of female athletes into

is in her fifth year as commissioner

these positions are held by men.

post-athletic careers. On top of

at America East, where she has

As of 2014, women made up only

helping female athletes adapt, Olga

consistently grown the conference’s

12 percent of parliament1 and was

wants to run a national campaign

exposure on television and as one of

ranked 105th of 142 countries in

promoting women at top-level

the leaders in respect and diversity

women’s political empowerment.

positions in sport.

in college sports, as well as student-

Olga compares the situation for

Throughout her career, Olga has

women like herself to having a

proven more than capable of

glass ceiling above their heads.

pushing for gender equality and

“When you look up you think you

social change. Now she needs the

can see everything and climb every

tools to continue this work in sports.

step up the ladder,” Olga says. “But

To help her accomplish these goals,

then as you climb you hit your head

she will be mentored by America

against the glass and you realize

East executives Amy Huchthausen

there’s nowhere else to go.”

and Shonna Brown—two women with

Although she doesn’t see the same disparity within athletics, where four of five department heads are 1

the wisdom and experience that will greatly benefit Olga. A member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators

athlete development. Shonna, executive associate commissioner for the conference, oversees America East’s business practices and has a long, successful career in sports administration. The mentors will play a key role in assisting Olga with her biggest needs— communications and public speaking skills and strategy, fundraising, and sponsorship—and there is no doubt this trio will come up with a dynamic plan to increase female representation in sports in Ukraine.

http://www.agora-parl.org/news/ukraine-parliament-has-record-number-women

23 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

” ”

I am personally looking forward to the opportunity to work on an international level with women who are emerging leaders in sports through mentoring and networking. The America East Conference hopes to provide a strong base for Olga, and we know our staff will mutually benefit from working with her and participating in the Global Sports Mentoring Program.”

SHONNA BROWN America East Conference

”

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Amy: Yes, as many as possible.

I played volleyball, basketball, and softball in high school and softball in college. Now, I love golf.

AMY HUCHTHAUSEN is in her fifth year as

SHONNA BROWN came to America East in 2010

commissioner of the America East Conference. She was

as Associate Commissioner and served as Interim

named to the position in September 2011, becoming

Commissioner in 2011. In her current role, she oversees

the conference’s fourth commissioner and first woman

the conference budget and all internal operations. Notably,

to lead the league. Sports Business Journal recently

she oversaw the conference’s office relocation efforts from

recognized Amy as a 2016 Forty Under 40 honoree after

Cambridge to Boston, Mass.

being named a Game Changer by the same publication in September 2015.

Shonna ensures the conference’s business practices are efficient and effective and has a key role in working with

During Amy’s first four years as commissioner, America

the Athletic Directors’ Council and Board of Presidents.

East grew television exposure in men’s and women’s

She is also the primary conference contact for women’s

basketball and men’s and women’s lacrosse through the

basketball operations, including regular season,

league’s partnership with ESPN. Under Amy’s leadership,

postseason and is a member of the NCAA Division I

the conference continues its emphasis on “Building the

Women’s Basketball Committee. She oversees the direction

Complete Student-Athlete” through the three pillars

of the conference sport programs, financial management,

of academic achievement, athletic excellence and

human resources and strategic planning, and also serves

leadership on and off the field.

as a liaison to the Administration Group, Senior Woman

Along with leading America East, Amy is a member of

Administrators’ Committee and Board of Directors.

the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic

With more than 15 years of experience in intercollegiate

Administrators (NACWAA) Board of Directors. She joined

athletics, Shonna was previously the Assistant Director

the conference after five years at the NCAA national

of Championships at the NCAA. She has worked with the

office, the last four as a Director of Academic and

International Children’s Games, U.S. Olympic Diving Trials

Membership Affairs. While at the NCAA, she helped

and served on the planning board for the biennial Women

lead internal operations for the department’s senior

in Intercollegiate Athletics Leadership Symposium (WLS).

management team and provided leadership to several key governance committees. A native of Richfield, Minn., Amy earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where she was a two-time captain of the softball team and two-time all-conference recipient.

Originally from Hattiesburg, Miss., Brown attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration. She also earned her master’s degree in Sport Administration from St. Thomas University (Fla.).

24 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES? Amy: Yes, I've been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Turks & Caicos, Cayman Islands, and Canada.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Amy: I loved social studies and civics because I enjoyed learning about the process of government and how it works.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU'RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. Amy: Yes. I always knew I wanted to work in college athletics administration because I believe in the connection and value of higher education and sports.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? Amy: I want to be remembered as a smart, successful leader who positively developed other women and made an impact on the industry.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Amy: I'd be blue. It's a peaceful and relaxing color.

THE

BIG THREE

OLGA AKSYONOVA UKRAINE

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am a mother of two beautiful girls. #2: I am a perfectionist.

3 GOALS

#3: I don't believe in luck. I believe in never giving up.

#1: To acquire new management skills

3 GOALS #1: To provide Olga a valuable experience #2: To help her develop tools for her Action Plan and its implementation #3: To learn from her experience

MENTOR: Enthusiastic, Motivated, Knowledgeable

#3: To develop a plan on empowering women in Ukraine.

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Strong, Encouraging,

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: Amy: I was adopted from South Korea.

#3: Amy: I love sneakers, t-shirts, and my dog, Lucy.

THE

EMERGING LEADER: Takes Initiative, Curious, Learner MENTOR: Listener, Honest, Supportive

BIG THREE AMY HUCHTHAUSEN & SHONNA BROWN AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Fearless, Passionate

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Confident, Collaborative, Open-Minded

#2: To deepen my knowledge on gender issues in sports

#2: Amy: I love social media, technology, and creativity.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

6 25

26 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MARTINA BARTOLUCCI Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation

ARGENTINA

VAL ACKERMAN Commissioner BIG EAST CONFERENCE

ANN WELLS CRANDALL Chief Merketing Officer BIG EAST CONFERENCE

FROM ARGENTINA, MARTINA BARTOLUCCI, Chief of Staff for the Secretary of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation, brings passion for the potential and promise of sport and education in Argentina.

EDUCATION Martina holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from San Martin National University and a master’s degree in Politics and Sports Management.

EXPERIENCE As a public policy professional with more than five years experience in government, Martina brings expertise in policy development at local and federal levels.

SKILLS Martina speaks three languages: Spanish, English, and French. She also has great skills related to audiovisual development, social media, and data presentation.

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I played field hockey, volleyball, swimming, handball, and soccer.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, my favorite destination was Barcelona in Spain.

Sports can run in a person’s blood. But, as in the case of

of Argentina and earned a bachelor’s degree in

MARTINA BARTOLUCCI, it can also run in a name.

international relations. It was intimidating to move from

Named after Czech tennis icon Martina Navratilova, Martina played every sport she could as a child growing up in the Argentinian seaside city of Mar del Plata. But, she never settled for the tennis racquet. Instead, it was the field hockey stick that really caught her attention.

Martina grew up watching Argentina’s golden generation of field hockey players. The national team catapulted the sport’s popularity, winning medals in every Olympic Games since 2000 and ranked consistently among the best in the world. For Martina, she looked to follow in the footsteps of national hero

a quiet resort city to a capital city of more than three million people. During this time, Martina found solace on the field hockey team, which she captained for three years. In 2010, she achieved the capstone of her career, named Sportswoman of the Year by the university.

“Hockey gave me values that will be with my entire life: solidarity with my teammates, respect for my opponents, obeying the rules,” Martina says. “It taught me the importance of teamwork. It’s one of my strongest qualities as a leader – wanting the team to grow together and not to run ahead of them for my own success.”

Luciana Aymar, considered the best field hockey player

After graduation, Martina worked in a number of

of all time.

positions within the Ministry of Education. In 2014, she

At the age of 18, Martina moved away to Buenos Aires, where she attended the Pontifical Catholic University

earned diplomas in politics and sports management from the National University of General San Martin.

Afterward, she became an advisor for Carlos Mac 28

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR GREAT ESCAPE WHEN YOU NEED REST? When I really need to rest my “great escape” is my mother`s house in Mar del Plata City, the best seaside resort in Argentina!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE EXTREME SPORT TO WATCH OR PLAY? My favorite sport to watch and practice is surfing.

DO YOU PREFER TO STAY UP LATE AT NIGHT OR WAKE UP EARLY IN THE MORNING? I’d rather wake up early in the morning.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM OR DESSERT? I love chocolate with almonds ice cream.

FROM THE MENTORS’ PERSPECTIVE

” Allister, a former professional

need to prove myself. But I am not

soccer player who was serving

afraid of challenges.”

as an Argentinian congressman

With the exception of previous

other women is to be an example.

president Cristina Kirchner, few

Participating in this program is the

women are at the decision-

first step to empowering myself and

of staff.

making table in Argentina. Of

making a difference.”

“I consider myself flexible,

three are women; of 24 provincial

Guiding Martina on this journey

proactive, and willing to make a

governors, only five are women.

is one of the United States’ most

change – qualities every leader

Instead, women are pushed to

prominent female sports leaders:

needs,” Martina says. “I always

pursue traditional careers in

Val Ackerman, commissioner for

want to go further. I want to work

secretarial work, housecleaning,

the Big East Conference. With a

for social change and I know I can

and nursing.

desire to learn more about how she

in La Pampa. When Mac Allister was named secretary of sport, he brought Martina along as his chief

be the one to do it.”

20 government ministers, only

As a female leader in government,

Martina now coordinates activities

Martina feels responsible for

between the government, sports

changing expectations for and

clubs, and national sports

of women. She hopes to increase

federations. She was recently

the number of Argentinean public

responsible for organizing the

schools that offer a range of

farewell to Argentina’s Olympic

sports options for girls. Martina

athletes as they traveled for the Rio

envisions organizing leadership

2016 Games. On any given day, it

programs with athletes like Aymar

is hard to know whether she’ll be at

leading courses and sharing their

her desk or out in the field, because

experiences as women in sports.

Martina is always on the move.

“We all have certain responsibilities

“I’m like the secretary’s right-

toward society,” Martina says.

hand woman,” Martina says.

“Working in government gives me

“Coordinating a team of older

even more, because we’re there to

men with more experience, it is an

help people. Like my mother was

everyday challenge and I always

my example, the best way to lead

VAL ACKERMAN Big East Conference

”

can influence decision-makers to invest in women’s sport, Martina will benefit from Val’s leadership experience working with major sports organizations like the NCAA, USA Basketball, and NBA/ WNBA. Ann Wells Crandall, chief marketing officer for the Big East, complements the mentorship team and will be able to help Martina market her message and improve her communication skills as she negotiates with prominent leaders.

Martina’s dreams for girls and women in Argentina can become a reality with the support that she’ll receive from proven mentors like Val and Ann. 29

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

We are excited to continue our participation in the GSMP. We are committed to helping further the advancement of women in the sports industry, and this program creates a wonderful opportunity for us to exchange knowledge, perspectives, and experiences with a talented international colleague. We look forward to hosting Martina and hope we can contribute in a meaningful way to her professional development.

”

It's incumbent on women to provide other women the support and guidance needed as they build their careers.

Mentor relationships are a key component of personal development, especially in today's changing media landscape. I am looking forward to working with my Big East colleagues to provide Martina with hands-on experience she can use in her personal and professional life.

ANN WELLS CRANDALL Big East Conference

”

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? WHAT MADE HIM/HER THE GREATEST? Val: Russ Granik (former Deputy Commissioner NBA) was smart, practical, and patient. He opened many doors for me.

ANN WELLS CRANDALL was named Chief Marketing Officer of the Big East Conference in August VAL ACKERMAN was named the fifth Commissioner of the Big East Conference on June 26, 2013. She was the founding President of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a past President of USA Basketball. She has had a long and accomplished career in the sports industry and is one of the few sports executives who has held leadership positions in both men’s and women’s sports at the collegiate, professional, national team and international levels.

Val currently serves as chair of the Division I subdivision for the NCAA Collegiate Commissioners Association and is a member of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee. She was recognized by Forbes magazine in 2015 as one of the Most Powerful People in College Sports and one of the Most Powerful Women in Sports, and by Adweek magazine in 2016 as one of the Most Powerful Women in Sports.

of 2013. In her role, Crandall oversees all marketing and sales initiatives for the Conference, including brand development, advertising and promotion, strategic communications, corporate sales and sponsorship, licensing, and digital strategies. Specifically, she helped shape the Big East's relationships with Fox Sports 1, the conference's official broadcast network, and Madison Square Garden, home of the conference tournament.

Prior to joining the Big East, Crandall served as Senior Vice President, Business Development, for PAC-12 Enterprises, and spent 12 years with the New York Road Runners, including as Executive Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. At NYRR, Crandall was responsible for a series of major sales and marketing advancements, including the creation of innovative marketing campaigns. She helped deliver triple-digit revenue growth across the organization's business units and added many new, long term strategic partnerships, including the organization's first-ever title

Val attended the University of Virginia as one of

sponsorship of the New York City Marathon (ING New

the school's first female student-athlete scholarship

York City Marathon). Crandall has also been recognized

recipients. She is married to Charlie Rappaport. They

as a leader in the sports business industry and was

have two daughters, Emily (a 2014 graduate of Yale)

named to Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal

and Sally (an undergraduate at Wesleyan University).

as one of its inaugural "Game Changers: Women in

Business" in 2011.

30

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Val: My grandfather, Valent, who came to USA from what was then called Czechoslovakia.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION Ann: Yes, Barcelona DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY BROTHERS AND SISTERS DO YOU HAVE? Val: Yes, one brother who is 14 months younger than me.

Ann: Yes, I have one brother and two sisters.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Val: I have one cat named Sam. WHAT IS YOUR GREAT ESCAPE WHEN YOU NEED REST? Ann: I love running, especially outside.

WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? Val: My husband, Charlie.

Ann: My father.

THE

BIG THREE

MARTINA BARTOLUCCI ARGENTINA

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am very practical. #2: I like working as a team.

3 GOALS

#3: I work well under pressure.

#1: To become an effective woman leader

3 GOALS #1: To provide Martina a quality experience #2: To help our staff earn from Martina and her experiences #3: To learn how we can do more to advance women in leadership in sport

#2: To grow personally and professionally #3: To meet other passionate women from around the world

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Self-Confident, Positive, Realistic

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: We have a wide range of experiences in sport.

#3: We have lots of ideas about the future of women's sports.

THE

BIG THREE

EMERGING LEADER: Humble, Intellectually Curious, Hard Worker

VAL ACKERMAN & ANN WELLS CRANDALL

BIG EAST CONFERENCE

MENTOR: Knowledgeable, Experienced, Patient EMPOWERED WOMAN: Authentic, Brave, Always Improving

31 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Proactive, Flexible, RiskTaker MENTOR: Inspirational, Empathetic, Motivational

#2: We have insight on how to become successful in sports business.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

32 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

RIMA AWNI YACOUB

Partnerships and Communications Officer for Ruwwad Al Tanmeya: The Arab Foundation for Sustainable Development

JORDAN

JILL HOTCHKISS Vice President of Marketing & Creative

DISNEY XD

FROM JORDAN, RIMA AWNI YACOUB, a Partnerships and Communications Officer for an entrepreneurship and development organization, brings a passion to expand sports opportunities for girls.

EDUCATION Rima holds a master's degree in Business Administration from German Jordanian University and a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature.

EXPERIENCE Rima has experience in several arenas, including environmental best practices, energy use, gender equity, and gender protection policies. our

SKILLS Rima has won gold medals in international jiu-jitsu competition.

She also speaks two languages, Arabic and English, and has often worked as a translator.

FUN FACTS WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my teammates because they are my source of positive energy.

And my family of course.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I want to be the best jiu-jitsu black belt in the world and to have a team of athletes from underprivileged communities that I built and helped grow.

“The podium only lasts for a few seconds, what matters

finished her bachelor’s degree in English and literature

is the journey…”

at the University of Jordan (Rima also completed an

This phrase describes the philosophy of Jordanian jiu-jitsu player and human development worker RIMA

MBA at German Jordanian University in 2014). After years of weightlifting, Rima started jiu-jitsu.

YACOUB. Born in Jordan’s capital city of Amman,

When Rima began martial arts, she didn’t plan to

Rima excelled in traditional sports like gymnastics,

compete. Sport was a way for her to feel strong and

track & field, and badminton before finding her way to

healthy. But, then she made the choice almost two years

combat sports.

ago to compete in her first major tournament.

But, it was never the medals that motivated her. Instead,

Entering her first match at the recent World

it was what sport taught her about herself and what she

Championships at Abu Dhabi, Rima felt a combination

hopes to share with other girls in her country: “We are

of nervousness and excitement. “After two minutes

strong, we are fearless, we can make our dreams into

my opponent was smashing me,” Rima recalls. “I

realities.”

was suffocating, and I was about to tap. But, then I

A natural athlete throughout most of her youth, Rima was selected for Jordan’s national badminton team in

told myself, ‘No Rima, you’re not going out of this tournament in your first match!’”

1999. It should’ve been the start of a career. However,

Rima was able to turn the tide and win the match and

in 2004, she transitioned out of the sport as she

eventually the gold medal in her division. When she 34

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU EVER TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I fell in love with the city of Lisbon in Portugal.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I'd be red! It's fierce and courageous.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have one big brother and two sisters.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF AN INTROVERT OR AN EXTROVERT? Definitely an extrovert!

caught sight of her coach, he was jumping up and down cheering for her. She said he later told her, “I’ve never felt more proud of you in my life.”

With the support of her family along the way, Rima is fortunate to be able to pursue a sport uncommon for women in many parts of Jordan. Even in the eastern section of Amman, she says many women are expected to “cover up” and follow in the footsteps of their mothers and grandmothers: husbands, children, and family life.

In west Amman, where Rima lives, families are more open to women playing sports, but combat sports are still discouraged.

For much of her career, Rima has been the only girl in her jiu-jitsu club. It has not been an easy ride, but she has always persevered.

“Jiu-jitsu can be an awkward and intimidating environment for many girls” Rima says. “There are still certain people that will ask me, ‘Why do you do this to yourself? You should’ve gotten married and lived

community development. Rima vets plans to ensure they represent the organization’s values. She sees her volunteers and trainers as mentors who have the potential to change the course of a girl’s life.

Before starting with Ruwwad, Rima always thought about launching a small organization to help professional female athletes secure sponsorships for competetions outside Jordan. She realized, though, more meaningful work can be done with the local community.

a normal life.’ But that’s something

“Ruwwad is located in one of the

that I’ve gotten over. I ignore it.”

poorer neighborhoods of Amman,

After working as project coordinator for the Rasheed Coalition for Integrity and Transparency, Rima accepted a job as the partnerships and communications officer at Ruwwad (the Arabic word for

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

volunteers and checks their lesson

and every day I see girls who have rebelled and chosen their own path,” Rima says. “These are girls who will go all the way to hell to get what they want. And I don’t want to lose them.”

Ruwwad, less reliant on volunteers.

To achieve this goal, she will be mentored by Jill Hotchkiss, vice president of marketing and creative for Disney XD. An award-winning expert in youth and global marketing strategy, Jill serves as the branding lens for all marketing, overseeing strategic planning, creative development, and implementation of all on-air and off-air creative content. With her creative vision and experience, she and her Disney XD team will provide Rima with the tools to develop, market, and fund a program that allows more and more Jordanian

“entrepreneurship”), a local NGO

Rima hopes to create a solid,

girls to get involved with any sport

that focuses on child, youth, and

sustainable sports program for

they desire.

35 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

”We are all storytellers, and I’m most excited that I get to partner with Rima in crafting her story – one of fearlessness, opportunity, and courage. A story that is rich in the human spirit, community, heroes, and heart.

JILL HOTCHKISS Disney XD

”

FUN FACTS DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes, one brother who is four years younger than me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I enjoy weightlifting, running, and hiking.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my daughters. They are awesome and challenging.

HAVE YOU TEAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I've been to England, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Israel, New Zealand, and Japan. I can't name a favorite. I love to travel and love them all for different reasons.

JILL HOTCHKISS, an award-winning expert in youth marketing with over two decades of experience in marketing to adults, tweens and kids, is the vice president of marketing and creative for Disney XD. In this role, she is responsible for setting the network’s brand vision and serves as the branding lens for all marketing, overseeing strategic planning, creative development and implementation of all on-air and off-air creative.

Jill was previously on-air producer for a wide variety of key news programs including "The Today Show," and "NBC Nightly News." Leaving New York for the West Coast, she joined the WB Network and became the on-

Among numerous industry accolades, her campaigns

air brand builder for many of the network’s core series:

have received Promax/BDA Gold and Silver Awards as

"7th Heaven," "Gilmore Girls," "Smallville," "Felicity"

well as CTAM/Mark awards.

and "Everwood."

Born in Brooklyn, Jill has a bachelor’s degree in

She joined the Disney/ABC Television Group in 2003

communications from the University of Massachusetts

as executive creative director, working on a variety of

and is member of the Academy of Television Arts

branded kids platforms. In 2012, she partnered with

and Sciences, BDA/Promax and the Writer's Guild of

Disney Television in Japan to develop the look and feel

America.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? His name is Rich Ross. He used to run my division at Disney. He was honest and decisive.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM OR DESSERT? I love chocolate ice cream with peanut butter AND chocolate covered pretzels.

for a new Japanese broadcast satellite channel, Dlife.

36 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? For people to know that I tried to be as kind as I could and as giving as I could. My two daughters are also my greatest legacy. I am stronger because I want to set an example for them.

THE

BIG THREE

RIMA AWNI YACOUB

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am a jiu-jitsu fighter and professional competitor.

JORDAN

#2: It's difficult to balance work and training.

3 GOALS

#3: I put my heart into everything I do.

#1: To learn how to best develop a training program for Ruwwad.

3 GOALS #1: To expose Rima to as much of Disney as possible

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Growth-Minded, Persistent, Kind

#3: To learn about the experiences of others

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I'm honest. #2: I can be pushy, but I push for good! #3: This relationship is extremely important to me.

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Focused, Driven, Honest

JILL HOTCHKISS DISNEY XD

MENTOR: Listens, Committed, Patient EMPOWERED WOMAN: Passionate, Trusts Herself, Strong-Willed

37 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Confident, Takes Initiative, Acts Upon Values MENTOR: Enthusiastic, Positive, Role Model

#2: To develop a network of support

#2: To help her create a successful Action Plan #3: To develop a lasting connection

3 QUALITIES OF...

38 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MELODIE ROBINSON Sports Journalist at Sky Television

NEW ZEALAND

JULIE SOBIESKI

Vice President of League Sports Programming

ESPN

FROM NEW ZEALAND, MELODIE ROBINSON, a Sports Journalist at Sky Sport, a premier media outlet in the country, brings a passion for increasing the number of female journalists and paving a pathway to succes.

EDUCATION Melodie holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in sociology. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.

EXPERIENCE Melodie has more than 15 years experience in sports journalism, including work as a writer, video editor, commentator, and host on a variery of media platforms.

SKILLS In addition to project management and presentation skills, Melodie brings outstanding leadership skills to the sports arena.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream would be to beome the Director of Sport at a broadcast company where I empower other people to create amazing sports content that inspires.

MELODIE ROBINSON was destined to be a rugby

“The bonds you make with someone on the rugby

player. Both her great-grandfather, a Maori All Black,

field are stronger than any other sport I’ve played,”

and uncle, an All Black, had represented New Zealand

Melodie says. “You’re using your strength and will to

in international competition. But, women were not

physically dominate another woman on the field—that is

encouraged to play the country’s most popular sport

empowerment.”

when Melodie was young. For a time, it looked like she might not be able to continue their legacies.

Rugby gave Melodie a taste for success and a window

Instead of rugby, Melodie played volleyball and

aspirations,” she says.

basketball until she reached university. But, with tryouts announced for a women’s rugby club, she and about 60 other young women decided to give it a shot. From the

into a new life. “Sport is a vehicle to reach your

The ambition and drive from her rugby experiences helped Melodie transition into a successful career

first whistle, she fell in love.

in journalism. After completing a bachelor’s degree

Fast forward a few years and Melodie was one of the

she returned to complete a post-grad certificate in

more recognizable female faces in the world of New

journalism (Melodie is currently completing her MBA

Zealand rugby. From 1996 until 2002, she won two

at Auckland University). By 2002, she was working 80

World Cups with the Black Ferns, the women’s national

hours a week hosting a breakfast show and coaching

rugby team.

rugby when she was given her first sports role with Sky

in physical education from the University of Otago,

Network Television.

40 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I played rugby, touch rugby, national A league Volleyball, and now I do crossfit and running!

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WA YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? London! I love that city. It’s the history, the life, the people.

Plus, I had my husband with me before we had kids, so we have such nice memories.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH? My husband, Marcus, and my two sons, Jenson and Freddie.

WHAT IS YOUR “GREAT ESCAPE” WHEN YOU NEED REST? I love reading science fiction to help me relax!

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

”I could not be prouder to serve as a mentor to Melodie in this fantastic program, which empowers women across the Globe to achieve their dreams and change the world!

Even though she is a respected voice in rugby—the only female journalist, presenter and commentator for Sky Sport and a former co-host of the World Rugby Awards—Melodie still deals with unfair criticism due to her gender.

“I remember my first game, I made an error and the whole

JULIE SOBIESKI ESPN

conversation was about, ‘Why do we have a woman talking about rugby?’” Melodie says. “That taught me a lesson about preparing more than anybody else. It doesn’t matter if you’re a male and All Black and you do something wrong, but it does if you’re a woman.”

“I’ve lived my passion and you

exclusively women’s sports show on

can’t really say working in rugby

Sky Sport geared to celebrating the

is a real job,” Melodie says. “I’ve

country’s rising number of female

been living my dream for 13

Baseball (MLB), NASCAR, and

athletes, similar to espnW’s online

years.”

more. Like Melodie, she has been

platform in the United States. She is a self-proclaimed “pain-in-the-butt

Although stereotypes and social

for her bosses” and is constantly

inequity exists, New Zealand is

advocating for bigger and better

a notably egalitarian society. In

coverage of women’s rugby

addition to strong female role

competitions. Her prominent role

models, New Zealand was the first

covering women’s sports has led to

in the world to give women the right

an increase of “on air” features on

to vote, and has had two female

women and a pathway for women

prime ministers. Despite these

to talk about sports. Current players

accomplishments, many people still

tell her they would like to transition

hold traditional views of women’s

into journalism to follow her

roles, which do not include sports.

footsteps.

a champion for women in sports Working with Melodie to achieve

media and was elected to lead

her goals will be Julie Sobieski,

ESPN Women, the company’s

vice president of league sports

employee resource group charged

programming for ESPN. For

with making the media outlet the

years, Julie has been one of the

premier organization for women in

company’s key programming

sports, media and business. With

executives, leading negotiations

Julie’s support, Melodie will be able

for the network’s 2014 extended

to develop the tools she needs to

agreement with the National

become a stronger communicator

Basketball Association (NBA) and

to stakeholders and influencer in

overseeing strategic planning and

her workplace and throughout New

management of its relationships

Zealand.

with the NBA, Major League 41

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

”

Melodie wants to push for an

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I loeved basketball and horseback riding.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my children. They're my greatest joy. Matthew is 10 and in the 5th grade. Andrew is 8 and in 3rd grade. Taylor is 4 and in pre-kindergarten.

JULIE SOBIESKI joined ESPN as an intern in 1998

more than 30-year relationship between ESPN and

and has quickly elevated through the ranks of the

MLB, one of the longest between a network and a

company’s programming department. She is one of

league. Jill continues to be a pivotal leader in the

ESPN’s core programming executives responsible for

evolution of ESPN’s MLB coverage, which introduced

the overall direction of content across a wide variety

several new elements including new analysts across

of platforms. In 2013, she was promoted to her new

Sunday, Monday and Wednesday Night Baseball,

role, where she is responsible for strategic planning

the introduction of a new Baseball Tonight studio

and oversees the day-to-day management of ESPN’s

and increased baseball video content across digital

business relationship with the National Basketball

platforms.

Association, Major League Baseball, motorsports including NASCAR, the IndyCar Series and NHRA and Little League Baseball. In 2016, she was honored as a Sports Business Daily/Global/Journal “Forty Under 40” recipient.

In addition to her programming responsibilities, Jill was elected to champion “ESPN Women,” the company’s employee resource group charged with striving to make it the premier organization for women in sports, media and business. Her steady rise included being appointed

In 2014, Jill led ESPN’s negotiations for a nine-year,

director, programming and acquisitions, in 2002;

multiplatform agreement with the National Basketball

program manager in 2001; strategic program manager

Association, beginning with the 2016-17 season and

in 2000; and program planning coordinator in 1999.

continuing through 2024-25. She also led in the creation of NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, the first prime-time NBA weekend series on broadcast television.

Jill also spearheaded negotiations with Major League Baseball in 2012, resulting in a highly-publicized and historic, eight-year multiplatform rights extension

Jill graduated from Springfield (Mass.) College in 1999 with a bachelor of science degree, including a major in general studies and a double minor in biology & chemistry and business administration with a concentration in sports management.

– effective 2014 through 2022. The deal assures a 42 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST? My great escape is horseback riding and going to the beach.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM OR OTHER DESSERT? I love rootbeer floats!

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes, we have two dogs. One is a black labrador named Gunner. The other is a labradoodle named Scooter.

WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? April 28 WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am looking forward to approaching this experience with an open mind and an open heart. I'm eager to listen to and learn from Melodie throughout my time with her.

I'm also looking forward to becoming a lasting resource for this amazing initiative.

THE

BIG THREE

MELODIE ROBINSON

3 THINGS TO KNOW

NEW ZEALAND

#1: I have won two rugby World Cups for my country. #2: In my career, I’m ready to work as an influencer.

3 GOALS

#3: I'm eager to finish my master's degree.

#1: To develop a plan that advocates for increased women's sports coverage

3 GOALS #1: To help Melodie achieve her goals

MENTOR: Trailblazer, Compassionate,Connected

#3: To take what I learn and share it with other journalists at home

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Influential, Balanced, Self-Assured

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am a working mother of three. #2: I love to ride horses. #3: I have worked at ESPN for 18 years.

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Open-Minded, Driven

JULIE SOBIESKI ESPN

MENTOR: Listens, Learns, Empowers EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Passionate, Connected

43 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Courageous, Positive, Selfless

#2: To learn from other role models

#2: To use my knowledge, network, and resources to support Melodie #3: To become a lasting supporter of the GSMP

3 QUALITIES OF...

44 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

RABIA QADIR

National Field Hockey Player and Sports Anchor for WAQT News and NEO News

PAKISTAN

DIANE LAMB

Vice President of Communications

ESPN

FROM PAKISTAN, RABIA QADIR, a professional field hockey player for WAPDA and a Sport Anchor for WAQT News, brings a desire to expand sport opportunities for underserved girls and to use her platform in media to change lives.

EDUCATION Rabia holds master's degrees in Mass Communication and Sport Science. She also holds a bachelor's degree with emphasis in Social Work, Psychology, and Arabic.

EXPERIENCE In addition to coaching youth field hockey, Rabia has worked in television her entire career, including work as a sports anchor, reporter, and news anchor.

SKILLS Rabia has been a professional field hockey player for more than 10 years and has led her teams to gold medals at various national competitions.

FUN FACTS HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I've traveled to Malaysia, India, and Singapore but I liked Singapore the most.

From the time she was a girl in Lahore, Pakistan,

under-18 women’s team. In 2012, she was named the

RABIA QADIR had tried her hand at every sport

country’s best female player by the Pakistan Hockey

within reach: athletics, volleyball, handball, and

Federation. She continues to play competitively for

eventually field hockey. It was field hockey that really

both the national team and WAPDA (Water and Power

impacted her life. Despite how uncommon it was to see

Development Authority).

girls outside playing sports, Rabia was relentless and begged her parents to participate.

“I want to become a role model to girls in my society,”

“My family told me, ‘As long as you’re good in your

and self-respect; to show them that the voices that say

studies, you can play field hockey. Otherwise, there are

they are incapable of playing sports are wrong—they can

no sports for you,’” Rabia says. “That was my only rule.

do anything and they shouldn’t be afraid to try.”

I followed it very strictly!”

Rabia says. “I want to teach them how to have confidence

Rabia, who holds master’s degrees in mass

Without the support of her parents, Rabia believes it

communications and sports sciences from the University of

would have been impossible for her to achieve one of

the Punjab, balances her field hockey commitments with

the greatest moments of her life when she was called

a job as a sports anchor for WAQT and NEO News. Rabia’s

on to play for Pakistan’s national women’s field hockey

sports anchor positions also allow her to fund her work

team in 2003. More than 10 years later, Rabia has

with Galaxy Sports Academy, which she founded in 2011.

won upwards of a dozen gold medals with her various

At the academy, she and two other female coaches train

teams and was even invited to coach the country’s

25 girls from Lahore in field hockey, soccer, and athletics.

46

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My university professor, Mr. Tahir Nazir. I've learned so much from him, especially helping others as much as you can.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST? A good book and a long sleep!

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be sky blue because it depicts flying high, shows the brighter side of things, and gives me energy.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I like spending time with my best friend because he is also a sports journalist. We talk about common interests and share everything on our mind.

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

”I am most excited Working specifically with girls from disadvantaged backgrounds around the city, Rabia provides uniforms, equipment, food, and pays traveling expenses—all with the hope that the girls will stick with sports and learn the valuable lessons that she gained from field hockey. But, the process has not been easy. Once, Rabia even received a threatening letter from members of the local community about the academy.

After suspending practice for three days, Rabia chose to stand strong and continued her work uninterrupted by the naysayers. “I will change my place of practice,” she says, “but I won’t change the purpose of my life.”

The need for financial resources, equipment, and sports facilities are among the challenges facing Rabia in her efforts with the academy.

In a culture that generally holds traditional views of women’s roles, many parents may not recognize the value of allowing their girls to leave the house to play sports.

Through her participation in the U.S. Department of State and

espnW Global Sports Mentoring

president of communications for

Program (GSMP), Rabia dreams of

ESPN, is an ideal mentor for Rabia.

expanding on the Galaxy Sports

Rising through the ranks since

Academy to include a sports school

she was hired at the company

that combines athletic training and

in 1984, Diane has managed

education. She wants to use her

communications for Major League

platforms on television and radio as

Baseball, the National Hockey

a way for girls who benefit from her

League, and ESPN’s corporate

programs to share their experiences

citizenship initiatives. She currently

and describe why sport is positively

oversees a diverse portfolio,

impacting their lives.

including day-to-day Disney

“I want them to share what sports puts in their hearts,” Rabia says.

“To speak freely and to know that no one can harm them or stop them because they have the strength inside them to push ahead.”

To accomplish her goals, Rabia can turn to a mentor who will help her develop and market

Investor and Public Relations communications, media relations, executive messaging, and all aspects of ESPN Audio’s growing business. With her considerable experience in the sports world, Diane will provide Rabia with the tools she needs to make a lasting impact in Lahore and throughout Pakistan.

DIANE LAMB ESPN

”

her program. Diane Lamb, vice 47

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

about meeting and working with Rabia who is already so accomplished on a personal and professional level.

She is working hard to empower girls through the opportunity to participate in sports, which helps builds their confidence, physical skills, and so much more that can impact their lives in meaningful ways. Helping her accomplish such an important mission is an incredible opportunity, and I can’t wait to start.

DIANE LAMB serves as vice president of

In 2011, Diane won the Team ESPN Green Team Pioneer

communications and oversees a diverse portfolio

Award for her continuing efforts over the years to make

including day-to-day Disney Investor and Public

ESPN more environmentally friendly.

Relations communications, media relations, requests for ESPN corporate information and executive messaging.

Diane graduated from Brown University with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. She was hired by

Diane also is responsible for all aspects of strategy,

ESPN communications in 1984 and rose through the

media relations and internal promotion for ESPN

ranks, leading ESPN’s publicity for Major League

Audio’s growing business, including studio shows,

Baseball and the National Hockey League. She was

podcasts, event coverage, local stations and talent. In

promoted to publicist in 1986, to coordinator in 1989, to

2015, she took on internal and external promotion

manager in 1992 and to director in 2001. She had been

for ESPN’s corporate citizenship initiatives, adding

senior director since 2005.

leadership of First Take communications as well as the newly created presentations group to her portfolio.

Highly Questionable, featuring Dan Le Batard, Bomani Jones and “Papi,” also falls under her purview as does the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I played basketball and soccer and ran track.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes, I have one sister and two brothers.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU'RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. No. I went to college to be a lawyer. I found it boring and also learned that you can make a living talking about sports. It was an amazing revelation.

WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am a great listener and am extremely excited to meet and work with Rabia. I'm so eager to help her meet her goals.

Diane oversees the areas of listings for 29 ESPN networks, fan relations, archives and MediaZone. Until 2015, she oversaw all aspects of publicity for espnW.

48 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

FUN FACTS

THE

BIG THREE

RABIA QADIR

3 THINGS TO KNOW

PAKISTAN

#1: I am goal-oriented. #2: I am hard-working.

3 GOALS

3 GOALS #1: To empower Rabia and help her meet her goals

#3: I am a quick learner.

#1: To develop an Action Plan that leverages the power of the media

EMERGING LEADER: Focused, Open-Minded, Team Player

#2: To learn from professionals and my peers

MENTOR: Supportive, Honest, Leads by Example EMPOWERED WOMAN: Self-Reliant, Independent, Decisive

#3: To become a better mentor myself

#2: To help her create a powerful Action Plan #3: To learn about her life, culture, challenges, and opportunities

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I have worked at ESPN for 32 years and know what it takes to succeed. #2: I want Rabia to flourish. #3: I am passionate about protecting the environment.

THE

BIG THREE 3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Visionary, Open-Minded

DIANE LAMB ESPN

MENTOR: Listens, Driven, Expertise EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Curious, Empowers Others

49 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

3 QUALITIES OF...

50 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MAÍRA LIGUORI

Director of Think Olga

BRAZIL

JULIE EDDLEMAN Global Client Partner

GOOGLE

FROM BRAZIL, MAÍRA LIGUORI, Director of Think Olga, an NGO with a focus on women’s empowerment, brings a passion for gender, sports, and sociallyaware marketing to advance the status of women in her country.

EDUCATION Maíra holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and master's degrees in Anthropology and Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.

EXPERIENCE In addition to work in marketing, Maíra brings experience as an advocate for gender equality by highlighting online violence, street harassment, and rape culture.

SKILLS Maíra speaks three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

She also brings excellent communication, writing, and digital strategy skills.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I love riding my bike through the city.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I enjoy spending time with my family because they are fuel to me and my girlfriends because we can cry, laugh, talk about feminism and learn from each other's experiences.

When MAÍRA LIGUORI was a girl, she would spend

cycling, it was very powerful. To feel the wind in my

hours playing games with her friends in the streets

face, it brought me back to my childhood. I would

of Atibaia, a rural town one hour from the Brazilian

laugh and people must’ve thought I was crazy. Cycling

city of São Paulo. It didn’t matter if it was volleyball,

became a part of me and I couldn’t live without it.”

basketball, or just running around, she embraced the freedom of the outdoors with all of her heart.

By 2009, Maíra returned to Brazil, where she worked

As Maira became older, however, she lost interest

agencies. In 2014, she became the innovation director

in sport. She moved back to the city to attend the

at Think Olga, an NGO with a focus on women’s

Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo, where she

empowerment. After some time, Maíra presented the

received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and began

idea of integrating sport into the organization’s work.

her professional career in communications. At the age

As a result, in 2016 Think Olga launched its own sports

of 27, she moved overseas to Barcelona, where she

club with cycling, soccer, and surfing programs.

continued her education by earning master’s degrees in

in strategic planning and consulting for marketing

anthropology and business communications.

“Many girls don’t understand how powerful they

It was in Spain that Maíra regained her interest in

through Think Olga and Olga Esporte Clube: that their

physical activity by hopping on a bicycle for the first

perceptions of who they can be aren’t big enough.

time in years. “I had a lot of image and body issues

When you’re conscious of your own power it can push

and I missed being active,” Maíra says. “When I began

the agenda of change for women. I want to show

are,” Maíra says. “This is what we want to show them

52 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to have every woman and girl free to be who they truly are and at peace with their bodies and their choices.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST? I love going to my hometown and staying with my mom.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I love traveling and learning about different cultures. My husband and I lived in Spain for two years, so it's my favorite!

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

”The mentorship

women that sports can be a big part of their lives, not just a way to get fit or healthy. It can bring personal growth and autonomy.”

With Think Olga, Maíra is currently working on launching an online platform that works like a matching application so that girls and young women can get together to play sports. Using this digital tool, women who feel uncomfortable or unsafe exercising on their own or in public can meet and socialize

she gets on her bicycle. She believes

partner with Google, Julie is one of

while engaging in physical activity.

that expanding and amplifying

the leading American women in the

As a long-time communications

the reach of Think Olga and Olga

field of marketing and promotions,

professional, she is also passionate

Esporte Clube can help realize these

and has previously mentored three

about using social media and video

goals.

Brazilians as part of the GSMP:

to promote women’s empowerment campaigns in communities

The woman to help Maíra with the

throughout São Paulo.

marketing, project development, and implementation needs she

A committed and creative leader,

has entering the program is none

Maíra wants Brazilian girls to

other than Julie Eddleman, who

feel strong and self-confident; to

has been involved with the Global

experience the beauty, freedom,

Sports Mentoring Program since its

and peace that she feels every time

inception in 2012. As a global client

Cassia Damiani (2012), Daniela Castro (2013), and Paula Korsakas (2014). Together, Maíra and Julie will continue to build on the legacy of empowerment started four years ago and bring it to new levels and new communities in São Paulo and beyond.

53

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

experience in the GSMP has been absolutely amazing. Besides raising my children, it’s the most important and meaningful thing I’ve done in my life. The women I’ve mentored have become a part of my family. And I'm thrilled to add Maíra to our family this year. This program means everything in the world to me.

JULIE EDDLEMAN Google

”

GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS NAME SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. I have five children aged 5-29.

JULIE EDDLEMAN is a Director on the Global Client

Director of North America Brand Operations, running

and Agency Solutions team, which aims to accelerate

the company’s $35 billion brand portfolio. She received

brand by being the one-stop digital shop for marketers

her Bachelor of Science in Consumer Affairs in 1992 and

and agencies - delivering unprecedented, holistic,

her Master of Science in Consumer Behavior in 1995,

online brand-building solutions to help marketers tame

both from Purdue. She currently lives in Cincinnati with

the web. In this role she focuses on overseeing the

her spouse, Diane Cummins, where she enjoys watching

relationships with top global advertisers. Julie came

and participating in sports of all kinds and having fun

to Google from P&G where she was the Marketing

in a variety of ways with her five children.

54 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU EVER MET SOMEONE FAMOUS? I've had formal dinners with the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, and the most recent man on the moon, Gene Cernan.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAVEL? Last year, I flew about 300,000 miles globally with Google.

THE

BIG THREE

MAIRA LIGUORI

3 THINGS TO KNOW

BRAZIL

#1: I love my work. #2: I am totally in love with my one-year-old baby, Tom.

3 GOALS

#3: I enjoy riding my bike. It's how I have fun.

#1: To gain a deeper perspective of women's sports for my Action Plan

3 GOALS #1: To provide Maíra a rich and meaningful experience #2: To introduce her to new networks and ideas #3: To share her dreams, experiences, & talents

#2: To develop international partnerships #3: To connect with other leaders for future exchanges

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Strong, Confident, Free

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I love my family.

#3: I love the GSMP. It makes me a better person.

THE

BIG THREE

EMERGING LEADER: Sense of Humor, Inquisitive, Open-Minded

JULIE EDDLEMAN GOOGLE

MENTOR: Sense of Humor, Listens, Supportive EMPOWERED WOMAN: Committed, Visionary, Puts Life in Perspective

55 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Informed, Persistent, Open-Minded MENTOR: Expertise, Connected, Passionate

#2: I'm a proud Purdue Boilermaker.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

56 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

MEERAN KIM

Head of Olympic Family Hotels & Secretariat for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

SOUTH KOREA

KERRY RUGGIERI Senior Vice President

KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SOFIA RAMOS Vice President

KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FROM SOUTH KOREA, MEERAN KIM, a member of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Games, brings a desire to empower and celebrate a new generation of women leaders.

EDUCATION Meeran holds a bachelor's degree in Communication from Sogang University and a master's degree in English (non-native speakers) from the University of Texas-Arlington.

EXPERIENCE For the past 12 years, Meeran has worked in the public and sport sectors, primarily in coordination with the International Olympic Committee.

SKILLS Meeran speaks three languages: English, French, and Japanese.

She also has outstanding communication, organization, planning skills.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? This year I started learning yoga. Now it's my favorite daily activity. It helps me focus on the meditation, which helps me a lot to get rid of stress.

In 1988, the Seoul Summer Olympics brought the world’s

Born in the capital city of Seoul, Meeran comes from

biggest sporting event to South Korea for the first time.

a large family. She is the youngest of six daughters,

The memories are still vivid in MEERAN KIM’s mind

followed by a younger brother. With few female role

and have led her to dedicate more than a decade of her

models in the sports world, she looks to her mother

life to bringing the Olympics back to her country.

as her example of a strong woman and leader. She

“Those Games united the Korean people as one and helped promote Korea to the world,” Meeran says. “I took my job at the PyeongChang Organizing Committee because I believed in the movement, and I wanted to see it at home again.”

When it hosts the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, South Korea will become one of few countries in the world to host the Olympics (summer and winter) and FIFA World Cup. Meeran, the head of the Olympic Family Hotel and Secretariat Team, has been a part of the organizing committee since 2011 and served for three years as the international relations coordinator for the bid committee prior to her current role.

even laughs as she says the only reason her family is so big is because her parents kept pushing for a son.

On what they hoped would be their final attempt, they had Meeran. “So now we have a joke in my family,” she says, “‘if Meeran was not born how could mom live without her?’”

Meeran earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from Sogang University and added a master’s degree in TESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Texas-Arlington in 2004. She believes strongly in the power of cross-cultural interactions to foster change and the role that mega events play in this process. While the Olympics and 58

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU EVER TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Thanks to my work, I have been travelling a lot since 2005. I've visited more than 20 countries including Malawi, a country in Africa where people rarely go. My favorite destination so far though is Torino, Italy where I first saw the Olympic Games in person.

DO YOU PREFER TO BE BEHIND THE CAMERA OR IN FRONT OF IT? During my work, I've faced many opportunities for interviewing. But, I like being behind the camera. There are so many great people behind the scenes.

DO YOU PREFER LARGE OR SMALL GROUPS? I used to like big groups in my early age, but I perfer a smaller group now.

FROM THE MENTORS’ PERSPECTIVE

”

World Cup boosted South Korea’s

have become household names, like

For guidance to accomplish these

economy and its world ranking as

figure skater Kim Yuna and table

goals, Meeran will be mentored

a sports power, it also opened the

tennis player Lee SooYeon, there

by Kerry Ruggieri, senior vice

country up to new perspectives,

are still few women involved in

president, and Sofia Ramos, vice

approaches, and people.

sports leadership.

president, at Ketchum Sports &

“When there are many people

“There is an obvious gap, and I

from different cultures speaking

believe that step-by-step we can do

together, it allows us to exchange

a better job,” Meeran says. “There

different ideas and look for solutions

are very famous Korean women

together,” Meeran says. “When we

athletes, but many of us cannot

are all represented, then we can truly

even name one female leader in a

work for a better, more equal world.”

sports organization or governing

At the PyeongChang Organizing Committee, Meeran is one of the voices speaking up for more female

body. As women, we work very hard. We are not weaker or less capable—we are the same as men.”

representation. At the moment,

Meeran would like to create a

only one woman out of 30 is in

women’s sports commission in

the highest “director general”

South Korea so she can develop and

position, and only 10 out of 60

empower another generation of

women are directors. The committee

women. She also wants to find ways

tries to foster gender equality and

to use the country’s platform as the

stimulate women’s involvement in

next Olympic host to involve and

sports. But, while there are many

celebrate more women as they break

female South Korean athletes who

the glass ceiling they face at home.

KERRY RUGGIERI Ketchum Sports & Entertainment

Entertainment. As leaders in an organization with more than 20

”

years of experience in the sports entertainment industry, Kerry and Sofia possess the creative storytelling and marketing tools to help Meeran in her own mission as well as her work for the PyeongChang committee.

Ketchum also has offices in South Korea and has been involved with the Olympic Games for many years, which will allow Meeran to make vital networks. Together this trio of

”

I’m looking to broaden my horizons and learn about women and sport in another part of the world.

GSMP has the power to set change into motion. I want to be a part of that.

strong women will write a new story for South Korean women that can find a spotlight during one of the world’s biggest spectacles in 2018.

SOFIA RAMOS Ketchum Sports & Entertainment

” 59

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The GSMP program is an amazing connection point that I believe provides just as much benefit for the mentors as the emerging leaders. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn from women around the world about how sport is making a difference. It also helps to keep us pushing forward for the sake of girls everywhere, and we're thrilled to welcome Meeran to the Ketchum team.

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Kerry: Yes! Everything… jack of all trades, master of none.

Swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, horseback riding, dance, skiing, and tennis.

KERRY RUGGIERI has spent her entire career with

Kerry resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her

Ketchum Sports & Entertainment, working with clients

husband and two young boys.

around the world to execute brand campaigns and

SOFIA RAMOS has worked on a variety of

sponsorship activations, including the Olympic Games,

accounts since joining Ketchum in 2004, specializing in

the FIFA World Cup, NASCAR, and more.

traditional and sports media relations with an emphasis

Kerry has a particular focus in issues and crisis preparation and management and worked alongside P&G’s communications team leading into Sochi.

Currently, she consults on the group’s top clients, bringing a global view and strategic focus for a range of Fortune 500 companies.

on pop culture and sports business. Sofia has played an active leadership role for on-site coordination at large-scale events such as the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, and various NASCAR, soccer, and baseball events. Currently Sofia is spearheading espnW’s 2015 media relations campaign and preparing for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for various clients.

Sofia is a native New Yorker and lives with her husband on the Upper East Side.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Sofia: I would be “Robins Egg Blue” – a standout shade!

WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING DO YOU LIVE BY? Sofia: “Dolce Fa Niente” (delicious idleness) – I even have a tattoo of the phrase on my arm!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Kerry: To see my boys grow into good, kind men and share many adventures with them and their dad around the world!

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Sofia: Yes! My grandmother was named Sofia.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Kerry: Yes, I've been lucky to travel all over for work, including China, Europe, Singapore, and Greece. I've also traveled to Thailand, Malaysia,New Zealand, and Ireland. A favorite destination is impossible to choose!

60 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

THE

BIG THREE

MEERAN KIM

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I'm more of an introvert.

SOUTH KOREA

#2: I have great patience and perseverence.

3 GOALS

#3: I do not come from a sports background but love watching games.

#1: To meet like-minded people who work for gender balance in sports

3 GOALS #1: To cultivate long-term relationships #2: To provide inspiration and global perspective #3: To learn from Meeran and her experiences

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Motivated, Supportive, Visionary

#3: To enhance my communication skills

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: Kerry: I love learning.

#3: Sofia: I really care about my work and like seeing my team succeed.

THE

BIG THREE

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Efficient, Curious MENTOR: Trustworthy, Listens, Empowers

KERRY RUGGIERI & SOFIA RAMOS KETCHUM SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Curious, TeamOriented

61 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Inspirational, Committed, Influential MENTOR: Experienced, Open-Minded, Supportive

#2: To develop a strong international network

#2: Kerry: Seeing others grow is one of my favorite parts of my career.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

62 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

NOUR KAYAL

Private Banking at Jordan Kuwait Bank

JORDAN

HILARY SHAEV

Vice President, People Experience & Innovation

NBA/WNBA

FROM JORDAN, NOUR KAYAL, a Private Banker at Jordan Kuwait Bank, brings a desire to use basketball as a tool to empower women, youth, and refugees, thereby creating a more engaged and inclusive society.

EDUCATION Nour holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Al-Ahliyya Amman University. She studied from 2003-2006.

EXPERIENCE In addition to private banking experience, Nour has also completed training courses in sport psychology, leadership, strength training, and biomechanics.

SKILLS Nour is fluent in two languages: English and Arabic. She also played basketball for more than 10 years and competed internationally.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream would be to have my own basketball school for kids.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? Yes, I've traveled to many countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Sri lanka, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Lebanon, Alexandria, and Egypt.

As a girl growing up in the capital city of Amman

Amman University, where she would later complete a

in Jordan, NOUR KAYAL approached sport with

bachelor’s degree in business administration.

passion and energy. From a young age, she followed the sports path of her older brother by becoming a competitive swimmer for the national swim team, competing inside and outside of Jordan. In addition to her successes in swimming, Nour earned a black belt in taekwondo before the age of 18. While very engaged in these two sports, Nour found her way to basketball—

Shortly after finishing university, Nour ended her competitive career in all sports to focus on her professional development. Since 2006, she has worked at Jordan Kuwait Bank, where she rose in the ranks to become a senior relationship officer in the private banking unit. Recognizing her ongoing love for

what she considers her true love.

basketball however, she began coaching young players

Fascinated by the fast-pace and caliber of basketball,

assistant coach for women’s teams at the Arab Games in

Nour would order DVDs of Michael Jordan through her

Doha (2011), Arab Tournament in Tunisia (2013), and

cousin living in the United States so she could imitate

FIBA Asia Under-16 Championships in Sri Lanka (2013).

his skills and playing style. The passion and practice paid off. By 1997, Nour was the youngest player to play for Jordan’s under-18 women’s national basketball team. By 2002, she was among the best female players in Jordan earning a full scholarship to play at Al-Ahliyya

in Amman. She has since been called on to serve as

“I love to coach under-16 players because that is the age you can see changes,” Nour says. “Older players have their habits and know how to play. I want to be a role model for my little girls because I can see the changes in their lives. I like that they look up to me.”

64

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? Math – I simply love numbers!

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My dad is my greatest mentor.

He taught me all about ethics and raised me to be a respectful and passionate person in life.

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my grandmother. Her name was Nour too.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be remembered as someone who provided love and giving to achieve happiness.

With sports-based empowerment for girls and women lacking, Nour feels many Jordanians are left without vital leadership skills sport teaches.

She recognizes that in addition to the health and wellness benefits of basketball, the sport develops and improves an individual’s selfconfidence, tolerance, and ability to collaborate with others on and off of the court.

“If you want to be a successful basketball player, you have to learn respect for your teammates, your coach, and your opponents,” Nour says. “If you do that, you can gain the love of the whole world because basketball happens worldwide. When we play, we create international friendships.”

Within the past decade, Jordanian women have been able to engage more fully in society. The push for increased equality in education and the workplace has created change— but opportunities for girls and women to take part in sports are still

Nour refuses to be disheartened

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

in the face of lacking support and challenges. She looks forward to creating basketball-based projects to empower different segments of Jordanian society, from women in her bank to orphans and refugees. and innovation for the National “I always tell my girls, ‘I need your

Basketball Association (NBA).

heart on the court. That’s how we

A marketing and promotions

will win,’” Nour says. “If you play

veteran with extensive experience

basketball by the book, it will be

in the music business and sports

very boring—just like life. You have

world, Hilary was instrumental in

to think outside the box, trust me.

rebranding the Women’s National

‘Hearts win,’ that’s my motto!”

Basketball Association (WNBA)

lagging. Women’s sports programs

Nour also has a previous relationship

often lack funding, adequate

with U.S. Department of State and

facilities, and teams for girls and

espnW Global Sports Mentoring

women. To secure a safe place for

Program alumna Dima Alardah,

her team to practice, Nour must

a leader within the Norwegian

rent courts from private basketball

Refugee Council, with whom she

clubs, of which there are only two

completed the National Coaching

in Amman. With such limitations,

Certificate program in 2012.

she finds it difficult to organize tournaments for girls. Based on

For Nour to take her basketball

logistical challenges alone, many

vision to the next level, she will

coaches end up quitting or allowing

be mentored by Hilary Shaev, vice

their coaching license to lapse.

president for people experience

and developing the WNBA Pride platform. She understands the challenges that women’s sports face. With the support of her NBA and WNBA colleagues, Hilary will provide Nour with “insider” insights in the areas of marketing, project implementation, and fundraising.

Their partnership has the potential to build international bridges through basketball and empower generations of girls in Jordan.

empowerment, inclusiveness, and innovation – values that our organization holds dear – and it's an honor to be involved. This program has both global and local impact, and year after year continues to inspire great women to do great things. I'm incredibly excited to work with Nour as she develops her plan to create better opportunities for girls in Jordan through the game of basketball.

HILARY SHAEV NBA/WNBA

” 65

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

”GSMP is all about

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS IF YOU COULD HAVE SPECIAL ABILITY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I would love to not be tired with less sleep so I could live more in each day.

As Vice President of People Experience and Innovation

music business, where she held Executive Vice President

for the NBA, HILARY SHAEV is responsible

of Promotion posts at Capitol Music Group, Virgin

for employee engagement initiatives, people

Records, and Sony Music’s Epic Records. In these roles,

communications, and early career development at the

Shaev developed and executed promotional campaigns

league.

nationally for all artists on each label’s roster, including

Until 2015, Hilary oversaw all marketing initiatives for the WNBA, including brand management, marketing strategy, and promotion of events and platforms.

She guided the league’s brand identity update and

Janet Jackson, Norah Jones, Lenny Kravitz, and Celine Dion. A Duke University graduate, Shaev was named a Top Woman in Music by Billboard Magazine in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

IF YOU COULD MEET ANYONE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would love to meet Hillary Clinton since it’s her moment in time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? I like playing the piano and making the best mixes.

developed the WNBA Pride program. Shaev joined the NBA in March 2008 after a successful career in the

66 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FORM OF EXERCISE? I really enjoy my daily home workouts.

THE

BIG THREE

NOUR KAYAL

3 THINGS TO KNOW

JORDAN

#1: I'm always positive. #2: I’m passionate and love to learn.

3 GOALS

#3: I love a challenge.

#1: To take what I learn and empower girls in my country through sports

3 GOALS #1: To provide Nour a quality experience #2: To expose her to NBA & WNBA marketing & operations #3: To help her create an Action Plan

MENTOR: Role Model, Experienced, Decisive

#3: To develop an Action Plan that contributes to a more peaceful world

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Leadership, Productive, Decisive

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I worked in the WNBA for 7 years.

#3: I have a son in college and a daughter who plays basketball.

THE

BIG THREE EMERGING LEADER: Visionary, Open-Minded, Honest

HILARY SHAEV NBA/WNBA

MENTOR: Leader, Listener, Patient EMPOWERED WOMAN: Integrity, Goal-Oriented, Bold

67 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Open-Minded, Driven

#2: To develop lasting relationships

#2: I enjoyed developing the WNBA Pride platform.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

68 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

SILVIJA MITEVSKA

President of TAKT: Together Advancing Common Trust

MACEDONIA

SUSAN COHIG

Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Integrated Marketing

NHL

FROM MACEDONIA, SILVIJA MITEVSKA, President of TAKT (Together Advancing Common Trust), a sport-based NGO, brings a passion for women's competitive sports, outdoor adventure, and gender equality.

EDUCATION Silvija holds a master's degree in Physical Education and Sport Management. She is currently working toward a second master's degree in Human Rights.

EXPERIENCE In addition to more than 10 years involvement in paragliding and instruction, Silvija has worked as an activist and volunteer for women's empowerment initiatives.

SKILLS Silvija was a member of the Macedonian national paragliding team for seven years. She also published a book of short stories titled, "Whilst ‍Dante ‍is ‍Asleep."

FUN FACTS WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my family; my husband and son.

We are a very active family, and we do sports together. I also enjoy time with my brother.

We go paragliding and snowboarding together. He follows me in all the crazy stuff.

SILVIJA MITEVSKA has always been unique—the

becoming the first female tandem pilot in Macedonia.

kind of person who thinks and acts outside the box. As a

Over the course of her career in paragliding, she met

child coming from a small family in Skopje, Macedonia,

her husband, who has become an avid supporter

she recognized her natural inclinations early in life.

of her when she competes inside and outside of the

This inclination led her to start paragliding at the age

country. Silvija even introduced her 5-year-old son to

of 15, a sport in which she eventually rose to become

paragliding.

one of the top female practitioners in the Balkan region.

But when Silvija began competing and winning places on the podium, the rewards were not what she had

“My son has flown tandem with me twice and after he landed the first time he was crying, ‘It was too short, I

expected for her years of hard work and sacrifice.

want to go again!’” Silvija laughs. “He knows all the

“I was always given dresses and flowers,” Silvija recalls.

to people about how to take off! He’s so proud that he

“That was nice. But I didn’t want a dress. I wanted a

brought a picture of me to kindergarten to share his

trophy like the men!”

experiences with his friends.”

Eventually, Silvija did receive a trophy in Bulgaria and

Paragliding opened up Silvija’s world and gave her

proudly showed it to her friends and family. Many

a thrill for life, as well as a drive in human rights

more trophies and accomplishments followed, including

advocacy. In 2004, she completed a master’s degree

Paragliding World Cup victories in Slovenia and Italy in

in physical education and sport management from The

the early ‘2000s. More recently, Silvija had the honor of

Saints Cyril and Methodius University of Skopje, where

members at the club, and he even gives instructions

70 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I want to see TAKT get bigger, stronger, and more powerful.

I hope it can become an NGO that invokes change in Macedonia.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My paragliding instructor. He taught me not only to fly but to love life, to respect others, and to persue my dreams. He believed in me. I grew into a stronger, more determined, and more confident woman.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I was a role-model for other women.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? Chocolate and more chocolate!

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

”The NHL is honored to be

she is now completing a second

women generally not receiving

These efforts will help TAKT

master’s degree in human rights.

support from their families to

expand its impact in advocating

Silvija believes the sport has the

pursue competitive sport. And with

for women’s sport from a local to a

power to create a stronger, more

gender inequities in the workplace,

national level.

independent, and determined

women in the country find it difficult

generation of Macedonian women.

to take part in sport as a hobby.

Susan Cohig, senior VP of business

“I feel really strongly that it is my

at the National Hockey League

responsibility to be a role model,”

(NHL), is a strong match to

Silvija says. “With Ilina Arsova [a

support Silvija on her mission. As

colleague and U.S. Department

a three-time GSMP mentor, Susan

of State and espnW Global Sports

has spearheaded efforts to elevate

Mentoring Program alumna from

and support women’s hockey

2012], we’ve gone to high schools

in the United States as well as

to advocate, talking to educators

promote equality for women in the

and parents and telling communities

sports sector worldwide. With her

Macedonia.

that girls deserve the chance to play

extensive experience across various

sports. I want to show girls that even

marketing platforms—including

Despite Silvija’s success as a

in a society like Macedonia that

film, television, and digital

paraglider, women still make up

if you have the right support and

content— as well as her integral

only a small minority of extreme

make the right choices you can have

role in NHL business activities from

sports participants in the Balkan

the greatest job in the world.”

the grassroots to the professional

Silvija is president and co-founder of Together Advancing Common Trust (TAKT), an NGO based in Macedonia that aims to bridge cultural divides and promote social and gender equalities through sports and cultural activities. She has also worked for Doctors without Borders as a liaison officer and field agent, serving Syrian refugees entering

region. For the past 15 years, she has encouraged women to follow in her footsteps, but she still rarely sees another female on the mountain when she glides.

Silvija attributes this to Macedonian

Through participating in the GSMP, Silvija hopes to learn new ways to develop creative advocacy and marketing strategies, as well as stronger partnerships with the government and private sectors.

affairs and integrated marketing

level, Susan is an invaluable source for Silvija. We are very excited for the potential of this dynamic partnership to bring new waves of empowerment to women in Macedonia and beyond.

71

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

part of the GSMP again this year. Over time we have been matched with talented and exceptional Emerging Leaders and have gained so much from our engagement with them.

As our mentoring team, including Lynn White, Nicole Allison, Emily Favre, Andi Garavaglia, Aliya Meaney, Elaina Lombardo and Jessica Berman, is getting to know Silvija, we anticipate this year will be equally as rewarding. Silvija is a terrific example of how sports can empower someone to enact change given everything she has already accomplished.

We are looking forward to helping her build on those efforts to enable her to have even greater impact when she returns to Macedonia.

SUSAN COHIG NHL

”

GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR GSMP 2015 MENTOR

SUSAN COHIG is responsible for working

elevate league business and marketing activities

Before joining the NHL in 1996, Susan was

across all business areas of the National Hockey

through a continued partnership with NHL

with Ascent Entertainment, overseeing the sales

League office, including digital media, events,

teams, organizing and producing the annual

and servicing of corporate partner relationships

integrated sales, marketing and broadcasting.

club business meetings where league and

of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the

In her role as a senior VP, she evaluates

team executives gather to analyze and discuss

NBA’s Denver Nuggets. She was a part of the

opportunities, issues, and agreements, and

best practices and issues around sponsorship,

management team responsible for the move of

assesses their impact on the organization,

marketing, ticketing and digital media.

and introduction of the Colorado Avalanche.

Susan spearheads efforts associated with the

Susan has been recognized by Direct Marketing

NHL’s women’s hockey initiative, working to

News as a Marketing Hall of Femme honoree,

elevate and support women’s hockey by using the

Sports Business Journal Game Changer, and

Susan also negotiates licensing of the use of

NHL’s assets to spotlight the women’s game. She

Globe & Mail’s Power 50 list of Canadian Sports

league and team properties across various

connects the business with all levels of women’s

Figures. She earned a bachelor’s in business

platforms, including television and film

hockey — from grassroots to professional — as

administration and management from the

projects, manages league and team policy and

well as providing greater visibility by integrating

University of Denver, and a JD from the New York

compliance matters, and regulates internal

editorial coverage on NHL.com and incorporating

Law School.

business units to maximize value. She works to

involvement with key league events.

including all 30 NHL teams, in order to ensure the continued advancement of the league’s business priorities and strategic objectives.

72 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

THE

BIG THREE

SILVIJA MITEVSKA

3 THINGS TO KNOW

MACEDONIA

#1: I am a hard worker. #2: I tend to be resultsoriented. #3: I am very passionate about my job and work.

3 GOALS #1: To gain guidance and support for my Action Plan

3 GOALS #1: To support Silvija in the development of her Action Plan #2: To understand the challenges she faces and learn from them #3: To empower her to break barriers

MENTOR: Experienced, Patient, Empathetic

#3: To develop a strong network

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Determined, Unafraid

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I have an 11-year-old daugher who constantly amazes me.

#3: I love playing foosball.

THE

BIG THREE EMERGING LEADER: Inquisitive, Hard-Worker, Patient

SUSAN COHIG NHL

MENTOR: Asks Questions, Listens, Inclusive EMPOWERED WOMAN: Leans In, Curious, Resilient

73 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Committed, Optimistic

#2: To meet other international leaders

#2: I’m ran my first marathon two years ago.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

74 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

NATALIA ZBIRNEA External Consultant for Paris21 & OECD

MOLDOVA

RONNIE TUCKER Vice President for Marketing & Digital

NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS

FROM MOLDOVA, NATALIA ZBIRNEA, an External Consultant for Paris21, a statistics initiative, and OECD, a global economic cooperation organization, brings a passion for healthy living and poverty reduction among women.

EDUCATION Natalia holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and a master's degree in Diplomatic Studies, both from the Moldova Institute of International Relations.

EXPERIENCE In addition to extensive work in statistics, Natalia has experience in research, including database maintenance, survey collection, citation entry, and translation.

SKILLS Natalia speaks four languages: Romanian, Russian, English, and French. She is also a long-distance runner and participates marathon competitions.

FUN FACTS DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? I have one brother named Sergiu. He is older than me by 9 years.

It is hard to believe that NATALIA ZBIRNEA’s

everything. After this running hiatus, she called Anatoly

career as a marathon runner began with a clever piece

and asked, “Coach, I’m ready. Can I come back?” He

of bargaining from her longtime coach.

replied, “Of course!”

Born into a close-knit family in Chisinau, Moldova,

In the six years since her return to athletics, Natalia

Natalia loved to play sports as a child. She tried soccer,

has raced in marathons around Moldova, Russia, and

volleyball, and basketball, always searching to find

Romania. In July, she travelled to compete in France

her true passion. Then, when she was 13 years old,

for two weeks. “Running has mobilized me to be a

Anatoly—an athletics coach in the community—was

better person every day,” Natalia says. “It has grown

recruiting young people for running programs and

wonderful emotions and feelings in me. I am more

invited Natalia and her friends to practice. The offer

powerful. My problems melt away when I run.”

was simple: If you come and try athletics, then you can go swimming in our pool for free. “So we ran,” Natalia remembers, laughing. “But swimming was really the

Natalia balances her marathon career with a full-time job as a consultant for PARIS21, an organization

most important thing for us kids!”

launched in partnership with the United Nations aimed

Running became Natalia’s calling in life. She trained for

2014, she completed a master’s degree in diplomatic

five years, but stepped away from the sport after her

studies from the Moldova Institute of International

father passed away. Natalia needed time for her mind,

Relations to complement a bachelor’s degree in English

body, and spirit to heal. She wanted to be free from

language.

to better lives through improved global statistics. In

76 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I like spending my free time with my dog and a book because I enjoy the company and I like to read. Right now, I am reading “War and Peace” by the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? My favorite subject was chemistry because I like reactions, experiments, Mendeleev's table, and formulas.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My coach, Mr. Anatoly. He sets a wonderful example for me, and sometimes believes in me more than I do. He shares his knowledge with me so I can become a wonderful and powerful athlete.

Outside of testing herself on the

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

course, Natalia’s motivation also comes from a desire to tell her own story of overcoming tragedy to inspire and empower girls and women in Moldova. Through participation in the U.S. Department

”At New York Road

of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP), she hopes to bring together women in her community to talk about the importance of physical activity, diet, and healthy living as well as to create a new network of friendships and support for Moldovan women pursuing sports.

“I want to be fearless in front of other people when I tell my story,” Natalia says. “I want to connect women. I want to be able to share experiences together—to become a family.”

Another driving force for Natalia is a desire to alleviate the challenges facing marginalized Moldovan women as a result of poverty. Among Europe’s poorest nations, Natalia grew up in a lower income family herself, but was able to attend university and achieve success due in large part to her mother’s sacrifices. In worse circumstances, women seek work abroad and children are left to grow up without the presence of their mothers. Stemming from poverty, issues such as domestic violence, prostitution, and alcoholism also affect Moldovan women.

Guiding Natalia in her mission to

specifically, finding sponsorships,

create an empowered generation of

promotions, developing as a leader,

women in her country is Veronica

and storytelling. Honored as a

“Ronnie” Tucker, vice president

Game Changer by Sports Business

of marketing and digital for New

Journal, Ronnie and her team

York Road Runners (NYRR). With

at NYRR will support Natalia to

more than 20 years experience

maximize her own potential as a

in integrated marketing strategy,

change maker in Moldova, from the

Ronnie will provide Natalia with

track to the conference room.

RONNIE TUCKER New York Road Runners

”

the tools she needs for success; 77

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Runners, we believe in the power of running to change lives. I am excited to work with our Natalia and share with her the work we do and show her the positive impact of running on kids, adults, and communities. It is my objective to provide Natalia with the best possible learning environment and real-world experience so she may fully gain the insights, skills, and tools to achieve her goals and become a genuine change agent, promoting the power of a healthy lifestyle in her community.

FUN FACTS DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN? IF SO, DO THEY PLAY SPORTS? Yes, both of my kids – one son and one daughter – played ice hockey growing up. My son, who is now 20, plays at the D1 college level. My husband had our son on skates when he was three. He is a goalie.

I am also incredibly proud of my 22-year-old daughter who is trying to make a change in the world in the area of environmental sustainability.

Veronica “RONNIE” TUCKER joined NYRR in June

where she managed client account teams and delivered

2012 and leads the Brand Marketing & Communications

strategic planning and development of integrated

department. As the department’s functions continue

programming for client businesses. Before that, she

to evolve, Tucker is poised to provide leadership that

was the senior director of partnership marketing at the

will guide the BMC team and play a key role in overall

USTA, managing annual sponsorship and partnership

organizational growth. The team’s efforts will build

marketing activity for all professional tennis events in

upon NYRR’s recent brand initiative and Run for Life

the United States, including the U.S. Open and the U.S.

platform as the organization seeks to tell the bigger

Open Series.

NYRR story of huge positive impact; our ongoing focus on broadening our engagement with runners of all types; our efforts to strengthen our alignment with, and support of, our corporate partners; and our opportunity to unlock the power of our community in supporting our youth- and cause-related efforts.

Additionally, Tucker was the director of brand marketing at InBev USA, where she was responsible for the development of national marketing strategies for such brands as Rolling Rock, Labatt Blue, and Beck’s.

During her seven-year tenure at InBev USA, she also led national field marketing and sponsorship, and she

Tucker is a senior marketing executive with a 20-year

established the customer marketing capability within

track record of integrating marketing strategy and

the organization.

brand positioning in areas of advertising, consumer

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK? I have lots of favorites, but right now I am reading Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography and connecting with it as I am from his stomping grounds in New Jersey.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Running has been an important part of my life for the past 30 years.

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? In middle school and high school I was on the track and field team and was a high jumper.

promotion, digital and social media, sponsorship and events, and public relations. Prior to joining NYRR, she was a senior vice president at Marketing Drive, a national marketing and consumer promotion agency, 78 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? One of my favorite quotes is, “Do one thing every day that scares you,” by Eleanor Roosevelt, another empowered woman. I also like, “If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough," by Albert Einstein. This one is especially true in marketing.

THE

BIG THREE

NATALIA ZBIRNEA

3 THINGS TO KNOW

MOLDOVA

#1: I am a very calm and patient person. #2: I take criticism well.

3 GOALS

#3: I am very openminded person.

#1: To absorb as much information as possible

3 GOALS #1: To assist Natalia as she develops her Action Plan

MENTOR: Smart, Intuitive, Actions Align with Values

#3: To develop my Action Plan and business perspective

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Organized, Knows Her Worth, Successful

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I'm a hockey mom. #2: I love running. #3: I have a very active family.

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Resourceful, Curious Enthusiastic

RONNIE TUCKER

NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS

MENTOR: Generous, Encouraging, Optimistic EMPOWERED WOMAN: Purposeful, Confident, Kind

79 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Responsible, Confident, Exemplar

#2: To develop friendships and an international network of support

#2: To provide her an outstanding experience to help her learn and grow #3: To inspire her to dream and fulfill those dreams

3 QUALITIES OF...

80 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

CAMILA PIRELLI

Athlete at the Ministry of Sports

PARAGUAY

GWEN CONLEY

Vice President & Group Media Director

RUBIN POSTAER & ASSOCIATES

FROM PARAGUAY, CAMILA PIRELLI, a heptathlete for the Ministry of Sports, brings a desire to inspire underserved girls to pursue their own dreams and goals through confidence-building sport experiences.

EDUCATION Camila graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2012 from Oral Robert's University in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in biology and a 3.7 grade point average.

EXPERIENCE Camila holds more than a dozen national records, including those in the 200, 400, and 800 meter sprints, the 100 meter hurdles, the shotput, and the long jump.

SKILLS Camila speaks three languages: Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

She also brings superb leadership skills through more than a decade of international sport competitions.

FUN FACTS HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I like nature and the beauty it reflects through landscapes. The Dominican Republic and Cuba are two of my favorites.

CAMILA PIRELLI was born to be an athlete.

Raised in the town of Ayolas, Paraguay, near the border with Argentina, her father was a former basketball

achieve several Paraguayan records in track and field, as well as to win gold medals in both the Bolivarian Games and South American Games.

player and her mother a pentathlon champion. With

In 2007, Camila was offered a sports scholarship to

a passion and affinity for sport in her blood, Camila

attend Oral Roberts University, a liberal arts school

became a champion figure skater and swimmer by the

in Oklahoma. As a university student abroad, Camila

time she was a teenager. But, at the age of 16, she

excelled at balancing the demands of classes and a

discovered her life’s true calling.

career in athletics. Camila set the university record in

It was at that time that a track and field coach from Asunción, the capital, saw Camila running outside and identified her as a future record-breaker. The coach reached out to Camila’s mother and told her, “I’m going to make your daughter a South American champion in 10 months.”

The prediction came true when Camila won her first gold medal in pentathlon at the South American Youth Championships in 2006. Since then, she has gone on to

the indoor pentathlon and heptathlon as well as the javelin. In 2012, she graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology and was named an Athlete of Excellence as the highest academic performer among student-athletes.

Despite her success in the classroom and on the track, Camila has regularly battled injuries and recently missed out on competing in the Rio Olympics after her 2014 season was interrupted by a severe shoulder injury. She chooses not to be discouraged, though, as 82

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Biology and science were my favorites because I love nature and animals.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU'RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. I never thought that I could be a leader because I didn't think that athletes could occupy an important place in my country.

I always thought you had to be the daughter of an important person or that you had to have a lot of money. I have always wanted to help others achieve their goals, but I never really thought I could use sports to empower other people.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? I have 8 cats named Nubecita, Yin, Latifa, Yodito, Kui, Kenchi, Merli, Arco, and Iris. I also have one dalmatian named Fix.

she believes sport teaches how to

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

cope with failure and still persevere.

“On the track, there are moments when your body or mind want you to stop and you have to fight against it,” Camila says. “I always

”It’s so exciting to be

compare life to a hurdle race. When you get past one challenge, you are happy. But you have another one right in front of you. Sport teaches you to fight and embrace the

The platform for this message

journey ahead.”

is her own success as an athlete and female icon. She previously

In Paraguay, Camila recognizes

volunteered with the Paraguayan

that the culture of machismo puts

Minister of Sports and Serving

women in the face of violence and

Paraguay, an NGO that provides

discrimination, giving them a sense

children with opportunities to train

of disempowerment. In the outskirts

in track and field.

of Asunción, where marginalized communities live in shantytowns,

“There are so many kids with

high rates of domestic violence

potential out there” Camila says.

and criminality disproportionately

“They are 8 years old and they get

affect women. And while prominent

on the track and want to race me!

women have risen in the ranks of

They ask to train with me, and I

Paraguayan politics, women in the

love that. They are so innocent. If

country still face the stereotypes

they have the proper education,

that they are better suited for

they’re not going to be criminals—

motherhood or domestic jobs.

they’re going to be successes.”

“There aren’t conversations with

Camila wants to leverage the power

girls about becoming professionals,”

of track and field as a way to

Camila says. “If you are 30 years

encourage girls and underserved

old and don’t have a family you

youth in Paraguay to set goals

are considered a failure by society.

and increase their confidence.

Because of this mentality there is no

While she has the support of the

hunger for change no dreams for

Ministry of Sports, Camila knows

girls to achieve greatness.”

she needs to develop and refine skills in leadership development,

Camila refuses to accept this

organizational management, and

limitation for herself and feels a

storytelling to entice sponsors

passion for sharing this message

and the public as she develops

with girls throughout Paraguay.

her program. Gwen Conley,

vice president and group media director for Rubin Postaer and Associates (RPA) will work well with her on these goals. With more than 20 years of experience in the advertising industry, Gwen is a proven leader and expert in integrated marketing and communications. Having previously served as a U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program mentor, Gwen is a longtime supporter and committed contributor to the program. With Gwen’s support, Camila will be able to gain the knowledge and experience needed to develop a sports platform that inspires thousands of girls and women throughout her country.

83

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

part of a program that matters and is truly making a difference. The women I have met in past years from the GSMP have been amazing.

They’ve all inspired me with their passion, dedication, and leadership.

I can’t wait to meet Camilla and see what she accomplishes. I have no doubt she’ll reach her goals and I'm thrilled to help guide her .

GWEN CONLEY Rubin Postaer & Associates

”

GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR GSMP 2015 MENTOR

GWEN CONLEY joined Rubin Postear and

FUN FACTS

Associates (RPA) in 2015, where she works on growing the firm’s media business and contributes to the talent

WHAT ANIMAL ARE YOU MOST LIKE AND WHY? My father once told me that I am just like a pitbull – when I set my mind to something, I just won’t let it go.

development and growth of the media group. She has over 20 years in the advertising business, including a seven-year tenure on the Toyota portfolio at Saatchi & Saatchi, where she oversaw all paid media for the company.

WHAT SEASON IS YOUR FAVORITE AND WHY? I come alive in the summer!

Prior to her time at Saatchi, Gwen worked at a variety of agencies on automotive brand portfolios for Lexus, Kia and Acura. In addition to automotive, her in-depth experience includes retail, tech and gaming. She served as the integrated marketing director at davidandgoliath,

Gwen earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Florida. She also runs a travel blog, travelinghillbilly.com.

where she created and ran a new department within the agency. Her team was responsible for maximizing clients’ marketing investment across all communication channels

84 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT MOTTO OR SAYING TO YOU LIVE BY? I recently found a great philosophy inside a fortune cookie that said, “Live each day like it’s a separate life.” I love the sentiment and truly want to live by it. But I have to admit that it’s very difficult to do everyday.

THE

BIG THREE

CAMILA PIRELLI

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am very social and enjoy meeting new people.

PARAGUAY

#2: I am very active, creative, and open-minded.

3 GOALS

#3: I want to create change in my country.

#1: To develop a strategic Action Plan

3 GOALS #1: To help Camila reach her goals #2: To be inspired to make a difference #3: To learn about another culture

MENTOR: Trustworthy, Inspirational, Reflective

#3: To use my experiences to inspire others

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Bold, Trusts Herself, Strong

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am truly excited to meet Camila and to help her reach her goals.

#3: I love dogs

THE

BIG THREE

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Tenacious, Kind-Hearted

GWEN CONLEY RUBIN POSTAER & ASSOCIATES

MENTOR: Empathetic, Passionate, Good-Listener EMPOWERED WOMAN: Self-Confident, Giving, Focused

85 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Communicator, Strong Perspective, Giving

#2: To learn more about myself and my values

#2: I love traveling the globe and sharing in adventures.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

86 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DIANA CURRIE

Training and Institutional Development Coordinator for Fight for Peace

BRAZIL

ROMINA BONGIOVANNI Earned Media Director SAATCHI & SAATCHI, LA

FROM BRAZIL, DIANA CURRIE, a Training and Institutional Development Coordinator for Fight for Peace, brings a passion for greater gender awareness through advocacy and conflictresolution programming.

EDUCATION Diana holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations and post-graduate diplomas in Conflict Resolution and Project Management.

EXPERIENCE In addition to program delivery, Diana has experience creating space for dialogue, discussion, and debate on difficult topics and how to develop healthy responses.

SKILLS Diana brings extensive skills in nonviolent communication and mediation. She also speaks four languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English, and Japanese.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to invest in young people so they also become change makers who are aware of their rights and dreams. I want to empower people to develop great ideas that can make this world a better place.

When she was a young girl in

arts with softer virtues. If her father

While her life’s purpose has always

the mountainous Brazilian city of

raised the sisters for battle, then she

been to make a difference in society,

Petropolis, DIANA CURRIE often

taught them about the power of love

Diana did not immediately forge

asked her father, a Scottish martial

and care once the battle is over.

her path into using sports for social

arts sensei, to teach her about the bushido or “warrior’s path.”

Outside of martial arts, Diana

“My sister and I annoyed him until

She was a star track-and-field

he let us do it,” Diana remembers.

athlete in her youth and as an adult

“When he finally accepted, he made

she climbed Mt. Fuji, the tallest

us commit to one whole year. We

mountain in Japan.

had to wake up at 6 a.m. when it was very cold in the mountains.

After a while, I wanted to give up and run away—it was too hard! But that journey helped make me the person I am today.”

Diana’s mother, a psychologist, balanced the hard lessons of martial

always loved to move her body.

“I truly believe sport is lifechanging,” Diana says. “It gives you determination not to be better than other people, but to be better than yourself. You get ownership of who you are. Sport makes you more self-aware.”

change. In 2007, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. She later completed post-graduate diplomas in conflict resolution and project management, drawing her to Fight for Peace’s mission.

Prior to joining Fight for Peace in 2013, Diana worked as the senior conflict resolution training coordinator for Partners Global in Brazil. One day during a course for her management diploma she met 88

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I lived in Japan for 4 years. It was incredible to experience a culture so different from my own.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? I didn't have a favorite one, but I have always been a curious person. I liked to understand how things worked.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? Gail Sadalla. She was my Conflict Resolution mentor, and she lived her values and set good examples in practice.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? I adore my sister's dog named Mr. Pickles Man!

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

with Juliana Tibau, project manager

”I’m beyond proud to

at Fight for Peace, to talk and was told they had a job opening. When she learned the job involved using martial arts to positively impact communities affected by violence nationwide, she decided to take it.

“Combat sports in these communities is attractive because people want to defend themselves from violence,” Diana says. “Sometimes children come to Fight for Peace because they want to avenge a death. A lot of children come from broken families and see their coaches as fathers and mothers. We want to change how young people see themselves, relate to others, and see their futures.”

Diana’s role is to study the map of violence in cities like Salvador, Fortaleza, and Manaus and work with partner organizations to share the Fight for Peace methodology of personal development through boxing and martial arts, education, employability, social support, and

by a machista culture that is especially strong in the favelas, where domestic violence and early pregnancy are widespread.

“We do gender workshops to show girls they have rights and what they can do to fight back,” Diana says. “I can see when these girls join martial arts how their body language changes. They stand up straighter.

They become more confident.”

Recently the organization received news that United Nations Women, partnering with Women Win, has selected Fight for Peace for a training program. Diana wants to take advantage of the opportunity to provide training on women’s health, economic empowerment, and nonviolent communication, among other areas. Afterward, she would like to launch a national

such as Pepsi, DirecTV, Starbucks, and Xbox. A former president of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA) and established Latina leader, her experience in the marketing, advertising, and business worlds will be vital for Diana as she maximizes the impact of Fight for Peace across Brazil. Romina will especially work to support Diana in developing

youth leadership.

campaign on gender awareness.

A significant majority of the

Romina Bongiovanni, earned media

strategies to promote the

director for Saatchi & Saatchi Los

organization’s empowering work.

Angeles, is the ideal mentor for

Through their partnership, we are

Diana. For more than a decade,

sure that Diana and Fight for Peace

Romina has built and led campaigns

will continue to make their impact

on behalf of clients that include

felt throughout the most vulnerable

many of the world’s top brands,

areas of Brazil.

victims of violence and conflict in Brazil are women. The country is currently ranked 85th in gender inequality by the World Economic Forum, influenced in large part

key marketing and networking

89 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

be mentoring Diana Currie from Brazil and immersing myself into all the magic of the GSMP. Her cause not only speaks to me personally, as I’m also from South America, but because it is relevant in many countries, it makes me want to help even more.

It’s with passion, strategic thinking, and determination that I will aim to support Diana and help move Fight for Peace’s mission forward. I can’t wait to get started!

ROMINA BONGIOVANNI Saatchi & Saatchi, LA

”

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I was involved in tennis, gymnastics, classical dance, volleyball, and swimming.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My daughter. She's hilarious and teaches me something new every day!! My girlfriends give me energy to tackle anything. My husband who supports my crazy schedule and still loves me unconditionally. My mom, father and siblings are my pillars, they remind me who I am, where I come from and what's important.

An industry veteran in the communications field, ROMINA BONGIOVANNI has built and led campaigns on behalf of many of the world’s top brands and organizations. Before joining Saatchi & Saatchi

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? I've been so fortunate to have many great mentors throughout my career, but those who have impacted me long term had one thing in common: they believed in me.

in 2015, she worked at cross-cultural agency, Sensis, where she built the earned media practice for the firm.

Romina also ran her own boutique firm, Journey PR & Marketing, where she led campaigns on behalf of clients such as Pepsi, DIRECTV, Actavis, Noom Coach, and Flipboard. Earlier in her career, Romina developed

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes, an almost four year old miniature Australian Shepherd that my husband and I adopted from Mexico. She's a hand full, still acts like a puppy in so many way, but is very sweet and a ton of fun! Her name is Coco.

and led Edelman’s multicultural vision as senior VP of the global firm, where she served clients such as Microsoft, Xbox, Starbucks, Levi’s, Bush’s Beans, Nestle, American Heart Association “Go Red for Women,” and The Latin Recording Academy.

A former president of the Hispanic Public Relations Association (HPRA), Romina has also held leadership roles at top U.S. Hispanic agencies, RL Public Relations

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO HOW MANY? Yes, 4! Three sisters (two are half sisters from my father) and one brother.

and La Agencia de Orcí and have received some of the industry’s highest accolades for her work. Romina earned her bachelors degree in business administration in Argentina and a marketing diploma from UCLA.

90 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

THE

BIG THREE

DIANA CURRIE

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am excited to empower girls at home.

BRAZIL

#2: I work with communities affected by crime and violence.

3 GOALS

#3: Fight for Peace received a prize from the Los Angeles Mayor's Office.

#1: To learn new skills and broaden my perspective

3 GOALS #1: To provide Diana and our organization an outstanding experience

MENTOR: Knowledgeable, Supportive, Listens

#3: To design an Action Plan for women and girls in my country

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Bold, Driven, Visionary

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I like to keep a solutions-driven approach. #2: I moved from Buenos Aires to Los Angeles in 1997. #3: I like planning ahead.

THE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Clear Priorities, Positive Attitude, Balanced

BIG THREE ROMINA BONGIOVANNI SAATCHI & SAATCHI, LA

MENTOR: Excellent Listener, Strategic Thinker, Encouraging EMPOWERED WOMAN: Solutions-Drive, Expresses Gratitude, Driven

91 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Creative, Visionary

#2: To feel inspired and motivated to achieve

#2: To build relationships that can support Diana #3: To better understand the needs of women worldwide

3 QUALITIES OF...

92 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PAOLA KURI

Founder & Creator of #FutSinGénero

MEXICO

JOAN CORAGGIO

Group Director of Sponsorship & Experiential Marketing

SAATCHI & SAATCHI, LA

FROM MEXICO, PAOLA KURI, Founder & Creator of #FutSinGénero, an initiative that aims to provide access to sports for youth from marginalized areas, brings a passion for promoting gender equality.

EDUCATION Paola holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from IberoAmerican University and a master's degree in Fine Arts from Florence University of the Arts.

EXPERIENCE In addition to founding the initiative #FutSinGénero and work in youth soccer instruction, Paola has worked for seven years in the local arts scene.

SKILLS Paola has played soccer since the age of three and continued her career as a member of her collegiate soccer team from 2007-2012.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to become someone history can remember for making something greater for women around the world. And to be happy!

When PAOLA KURI describes her family, it brings

to seem a little tougher and get them to let me play. I

up the image of the large and lively family in the

always had to prove myself.”

famous film, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” “Growing up, if we traveled or went to a restaurant it would always be like an army of us,” Paola laughs. “When we

Paola’s gravitation to sports reached its peak one holiday season when she was still young. She had

walked in we’d ask, ‘Table for 30, please.’”

dropped hints to her family about wanting new soccer

Born and raised in Mexico City, Paola began playing

she also used it to deliver a special message to her

sports at 3 years old with mixed enthusiasm from her

“tomboyish” daughter.

family. Although her father was a golfer, she says her mother and the other women in her family had little interest in sport. They encouraged Paola to try other

equipment as a gift. Paola’s mother obliged. But

“I specifically asked Santa Claus for goalkeeper gloves, a soccer ball, and cleats,” Paola recalls. “I was afraid I

activities in her free time.

was doing something wrong for wanting boys toys. But

“As a kid, I would go into my garden and take the fallen

were – but they were pink!”

leaves and imagine they were soccer players and I’d have to get the ball and try to pass them,” Paola recalls.

“I imagined I was in this huge stadium playing. Once I went with my friends to play in the park and there was this huge group of boys and I turned my cap backwards

when I walked over to the Christmas tree there they

Paola continued her soccer career through college.

In 2012, she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Ibero-American University while playing for the university’s women’s soccer team. In 94

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my family, including my dog. It's my most beloved circle. I also enjoy spending time with my friends, teammates, and teachers. And of course, my girlfriend. We share passions, adventures, and laughs.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? I loved Italy. When I studied arts and theatre, I was face to face with myself. Art opens doors everywhere, so I discovered my whole new self through struggle, fear, and lately, bravery. I also enjoy Vail where I can use time to rest, think, and create new ideas.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? I love anything chocolate!

FROM THE MENTOR’S PERSPECTIVE

”

The GSMP has been the most impactful program

addition to her passion for sport,

play, they can become great people

Supporting Paola to fulfill her

Paola has always been drawn into

and great leaders for our country.”

mission for Mexican girls is

art and culture. Channeling this passion, she completed a master’s degree in fine arts from Florence University of the Arts.

In 2015, Paola turned her passion into a career into when she launched #FutSinGénero (Soccer Without Gender), an initiative

Although sport has been her

which provides equipment, life

lifelong pursuit, Paola senses a

skills training, and soccer clinics

general apathy in Mexican society

for girls in communities that don’t

when it comes to women’s sport.

have access to sport. The initiative

In comparison to sports programs

has been so successful that Paola

for boys and men, few sports

regularly receives invitations from

opportunities exist for girls and

men’s clubs to lead training. But,

women. Paola sees sport as a tool

she is usually unable to accept

that can reach underserved girls in

because of a lack of funding and

marginalized areas—giving them

time. Currently, her main source of

hope and promoting opportunities

income comes through Ethos Arte,

for young women in professional

an art exhibition that Paola runs

and non-elite sports.

with her brother in Mexico City.

“Sport cures you in a lot ways. I’ve

“I am constantly inspired, but I

been to places where girls have been

lack structure and clear objectives,”

abused and they use soccer to help

Paola says. “With the GSMP, I can

them forget and to move forward,”

enrich my capabilities. Though I’m

Paola says. “It is about playing the

starting in Mexico, I want it to grow

sport we love, but it’s also about

from here. I need someone to help

creating better people. If girls can

me understand how to make it

Joan Coraggio, group director of sponsorship and experiential

on. I’ve done some incredible things

marketing for Saatchi & Saatchi

in my career, but

Los Angeles. With more than two

this has been a

decades of experience in planning and executing event sponsorships

completely different

and experiential marketing

experience for

programs, Joan and her team have promoted a wide range of events, including the Lollapalooza music festival, Supercross motorcycle racing, triathlons, and Oprah's The Life You Want Tour. Her experience in the marketing, promotions, and

me. It’s incredibly fulfilling to use my skill set to help women who are

business worlds will be vital for

developing NGOs

Paola as she grows #FutsinGénero

and meaningful

to impact the lives of more girls in Mexico. During her time with Joan, Paola will develop key skills

programs in their

to make her gender equality

countries, and I'm

projects even more successful and

thrilled to work with

far-reaching. Together, these two strong, creative women will make a dynamic team.

Paola this year.

JOAN CORAGGIO Saatchi & Saatchi, LA

”

happen right.”

95 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

I’ve ever worked

GSMP 2012 MENTOR GSMP 2013 MENTOR GSMP 2014 MENTOR GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE? My daughter because you are forced to re-examine and explain your opinions and beliefs constantly. It’s great self-reflection.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Strangely, I do a really great chicken imitation – yep!

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes, I have a 130lb Great Dane named, Coach. He’s a sweetheart.

WHAT IS YOUR GREAT ESCAPE WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I love the beach and the sound of the ocean. There is something very healing about water to me. I love California for the easy access to “aqua therapy.”

A four-time GSMP mentor, JOAN CORAGGIO

sports, music, and other lifestyle interests that support

has built a 20-year career in the strategy planning

the 23 vehicle models. Programs include a variety of

and execution of event sponsorships and experiential

music festivals, such as Lollapalooza and Stagecoach,

marketing programs. She has worked to evolve event

sports relationships such as Supercross, Bass Fishing,

marketing into a more multi-dimensional experience

Triathlons, and the Dew Tour, as well as athlete

that includes the latest social, digital and media

sponsorships and strategic partnerships including

integration, reflecting the changing technology trends.

Oprah's 8-city The Life You Want Tour. In 2014, her team

In her current role focusing on Saatchi’s Toyota

managed over 300 events across 1,000 event days.

portfolio, Joan guides strategies that focus on lifestyle

Joan earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and

passion points and consumer interests. Her team

communications from the University of Arizona.

develops and oversees national Toyota sponsorships in 96 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DO YOU PREFER TO BE BEHIND THE CAMERA OR IN FRONT OF IT? Definitely behind the camera.

I LOVE photography. I think it is the most moving art form.

I had my own dark room for many years when I was younger.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU SEE SPORT PLAYING? Every day I see the benefits of what sports can do for girls.

I want every girl, no matter where she lives, to have the opportunity to experience it.

THE

BIG THREE

PAOLA KURI

3 THINGS TO KNOW

MEXICO

#1: I have a lot of energy. #2: I want to help others. #3: I don't quit.

3 GOALS

3 GOALS #1: To provide Paola with experiences that inspire her passion and work #2: To provide skills and tools that she can use #3: To build a lifelong friendship and foundation for mutual idea exchange

#1: To learn how to advance #FutSinGénero

EMERGING LEADER: Patience, Character, Honesty

#2: To learn business and management skills

MENTOR: Wise, Memorable, Experienced

#3: To develop an international network

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Warrior, Persistent, Believer

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I'm the mother of a 12-year-old girl who loves sports. #2: I would spend my last dollar on an experience instead of a thing. #3: My sense of humor is valuable for networking.

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Genuine, Curious, Confident

JOAN CORAGGIO SAATCHI & SAATCHI, LA

MENTOR: Empathetic, Exemplar, Communicates EMPOWERED WOMAN: Curious, Confident, SelfAware

97 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

3 QUALITIES OF...

98 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

FRAN MCEWEN

Health and Wellbeing Partnership Leader for Wellington City Council

NEW ZEALAND

LAURA DIXON

Executive Director for Community Responsibility

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FROM NEW ZEALAND, FRAN MCEWEN, a Health and Wellbeing Partnership Leader for Wellington City Council and founder of "Shift," brings a desire to expand healthy living for women from underserved areas.

EDUCATION Fran holds a bachelor's degree in Social Sciences and a diploma in Information and Library Science, both from the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

EXPERIENCE In addition to supporting programs that create healthy and active communities, Fran has experience in the areas of sport engagement and awareness.r

SKILLS Fran possesses wide knowledge of health and well-being issues for underserved women, specifically including physical activity, nutrition, and mental health.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream would be for Shift to stand alone as its on entity, for it to be financially sustainable, and for it to make a difference in thousands of women's lives.

Growing up a five-minute stroll from the Hutt River in

experienced a difficult upbringing in order to lose your

New Zealand, FRAN MCEWEN spent many of her

way, but we all face challenges and I am evidence that

childhood days swimming in the river, flying kites,

it can happen to anyone.”

and climbing trees. Born and raised in Upper Hutt, a small, outdoorsy city about 21 miles from Wellington, she lived what she calls “the quintessential 1980s New

Eventually, Fran found herself again and, while working full-time, began to study. In 2002, she completed a

Zealand childhood.”

diploma in information and library sciences from the

Sports seeped into Fran’s life through her father, a

coincided with a decade-long career of working as a

sports producer for national television. He would cover

library advisor and specialist in the areas of children,

the rugby and soccer World Cups, Olympic Games, and

youth, women, and communities. The difficult period in

other events around the globe, and sometimes he’d

Fran’s life when she felt detached from herself served as

take her along with him to soak in the experience.

a catalyst for her dedication empowering young women.

But, something changed in Fran during her teenage

In 2015, she earned a bachelor’s degree in social science

years. She stopped playing sports and moved out of the

from the Open Polytechnic to cement her commitment to

home. Eventually, she dropped out of school and felt

making a difference in the lives of others.

disconnected from society.

Open Polytechnic of New Zealand. This academic phase

“I made so many terrible mistakes as a young woman,”

“It was like I was walking along the edge of a line,”

she says, “and I want to support other young women to

Fran says. “Some people think that you have to have

make better choices.”

100

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? Karyn Stillwell, my previous Manager at the City Council.

She sent me applications for opportunities that have changed my worldview. She has also introduced me to entrepreneurship and has been a champion of Shift since it's inception. She likes to do things differently. She questions. She's blunt. She's a star.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My papa. He is my inspiration and my number one fan. We nearly lost him 15 years ago, so I feel like I got a second chance.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? I liked PE and English. I loved the teachers, and the topics matched my interests.

FROM THE MENTORS’ PERSPECTIVE

”All of our teams

While completing her bachelor’s

and good health habits. I believe

the growing numbers of migrant

degree, Fran found her way to

it is the vehicle to being the best

and refugee women entering New

working in sport. The Upper Hutt

version of yourself.”

Zealand from the Middle East. In an

City Council needed a manager for its sports and recreation team.

Given Fran’s extensive background in community development and human-centered strategies, the

Shift, focuses on getting young women—especially those who are inactive or are from underserved communities—into sport through

effort to achieve these goals, Fran hopes to diversify funding streams, engage corporate sponsors, and better market to young women.

holistic activities that target both

Laura Dixon, executive director

as a strong fit.

body and mind. Since March,

of corporate responsibility for

approximately 500 young women

Spurs Sports & Entertainment, will

Four years later, Fran now works

between the ages of 12 to 20 have

mentor Fran so that she can hone

as the health and wellbeing

participated in the program.

in on her vision. Leading the Spurs

council’s leadership identified Fran

partnership leader at Wellington City Council. Knowing first-hand the important role sport can play in women’s lives, Fran recently founded Shift (“shift your body, shift your mind”), a community outreach program that uses sports

The challenges faced by women in New Zealand are the same as in many Western countries: pay gaps, increased rates of diabetes and obesity, and mental health issues. The country has a high youth

to promote mindfulness.

suicide rate, spurred by issues like

“Sport builds social-connectedness

peers—also trends that discourage

and a sense of community, which is

young women from excelling.

really important for women,” Fran says. “It creates self-esteem and body confidence; leadership skills

cyber bullying and pressures from

Fran wants to increase the reach and impact of Shift, especially with

organization’s work in the San Antonio-area for the past seven years, Laura shares Fran’s passion for the health and wellbeing of her community and will complement Fran’s drive with successful strategies for engaging public and private entities. With the assistance of Laura and her dynamic team, Fran can grow the reach of Shift, while measuring its ability to empower young women in Wellington and other parts of New Zealand.

101 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

have international players, and with the GSMP, our business operations staff has the opportunity to gain a mroe global perspective.

While that is awesome, the simple truth is we end up having a great time learning with each other and planning how to change the world.

We are excited to meet Fran and get to work!

LAURA DIXON Spurs Sports & Entertainment

”

GSMP 2015 MENTOR

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I really like running and Yoga, but when I do each depends on what my body says.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? That I lived a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

WHEN IS YOUR BIRTHDAY? New Years Eve Eve (Dec. 30)

LAURA DIXON joined Spurs Sports & Entertainment

NBA All-Stars and Olympic Gold Medalists, agents, pro

in January 2010 to direct the organization’s community

sports teams, amateur athletic organizations, and NCAA

responsibility efforts and serves as the executive

coaches, including the 2008 Men’s Basketball National

director of Silver & Black Give Back. At SS&E, Laura and

Champion coach, Bill Self.

her team manage the CSR efforts of the San Antonio Spurs, Silver Stars, Rampage, Austin Toros, and the AT&T Center.

In addition to serving as a mentor with the GSMP Empower Women program in 2015, Laura was selected for Partnering for Stronger Communities, a grant

Laura spearheaded the reorganization of the Spurs

program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural

Foundation, rebranding the 25 year old public charity,

Affairs and implemented by the International Research

now known as Silver & Black Give Back. With her team,

& Exchanges Board.

they created a service learning program, the Team Up Challenge, which empowers young people to change the world by connecting classroom curriculum with community service, bringing education alive in powerful ways. The CSR initiatives her team has implemented focus on the needs of the AT&T Center neighborhood,

Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition from Texas Tech University and MBA from the University of Texas-Austin. She grew up on a farm north of Dallas, and her love of community and sport come from her family, where she is one of 12 children.

military families, and health and wellness in San Antonio.

Before joining the Spurs family, Laura was a partner at Victor Credo Sports, where her clients included two

102 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF THE USA? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I've traveled to Colombia, Cuba, Italy, and Barbados. My favorite destination always depends on who I travel with.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU'RE IN NOW? PLEASE EXPLAIN. Yes – kind of. I originally wanted to be a missionary… and I wanted to work in sports.

Pretty decent combination here.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? Yes, I have three dogs: Cooper, Avery and Otis.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes , I have 7 brothers and 4 sisters.

THE

BIG THREE

FRAN MCEWEN

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I truly believe I was put on this earth to make a difference.

NEW ZEALAND

#2: I have a dog named Ollie. She is why I get out into nature everyday.

3 GOALS #1: To build meanigful relationships with likeminded people

3 GOALS #1: To provide resources and support for Fran as she develops her Action Plan #2: To create connections for future projects #3: To improve understanding and perspective of our work

#3: I love change, challenge, and innovation.

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Me! Confident, Self-Aware, Open

#3: To develop an achievable Action Plan

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: My beliefs, values, and confidence are Biblically based.

#3: Being wasteful and lazy scares me.

THE

BIG THREE

EMERGING LEADER: TeamOriented, Passionate, Motivated

LAURA DIXON

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MENTOR: Team-Oriented, Values Driven, Motivated EMPOWERED WOMAN: Curious, Flexible, Persistent

103 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: OpenMinded, Eager, Reflective MENTOR: Patient, Supportive, Practical

#2: To learn about methods and models that I can apply to Shift

#2: I’m a mother to a 4-year-old boy.

3 QUALITIES OF...

3 QUALITIES OF...

104 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

JESSICA WU

Youth Ambassador for Sustainable Consumption and Production for UNEP & Switch Asia Project

PHILIPPINES

LAURA BURTON

Associate Professor of Sport Management

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

JEN MCGARRY

Professor and Department Head of the Department of Educational Leadership

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

FROM THE PHILIPPINES, JESSICA WU, a Youth Ambassador for Sustainable Consumption and Production for international environmental initiatives, brings a passion for women's rights and social change.

EDUCATION Jessica holds a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication and a certificate in Women's Studies, both from Silliman University, which is in the city of Dumaguete.

EXPERIENCE Jessica has extensive professional and volunteer experience in a variety of fields, including environmentalism, gender awareness, and gender advocacy. r

SKILLS Jessica has practiced Tae Kwon Do for more than 10 years She also has great technical skills in soccer and often plays as a goalkeeper or midfielder.

FUN FACTS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? Right now, I'm into wall climbing to keep my upper body strength. I also train in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for self defense, and my husband teaches me Kali, a type of martial arts in the Philippines.

But nothing beats my all time cardio favorite: soccer.

JESSICA WU has always stood firm in her hope for

studying at Silliman University, where she earned a

a brighter future in the Philippines and the role she

bachelor’s degree in mass communications in 2009

can play in shaping it. “I want to create a society where

and later a certificate in women’s studies, soccer was

feminism isn’t for women only,” Jessica says, “but that

a constant comfort for her. A 12-hour bus ride away

gender equality is a fight for women and men together.”

from her family and with no one else around to support

Born in Iligan City in the Philippines, Jessica spent her early years in Marawi City where Muslim insurgents and the government forces regularly clashed. When she was young, Jessica’s parents were forced to move their family

her, the soccer team became a new family to her. Even though she wasn’t the most talented player, Jessica’s teammates and coaches helped her to believe in her own strength and potential.

to Iligan, a buffer zone between the conflict regions.

“I didn’t have many ball skills or technique,” Jessica

It was there where she lost two of her siblings who

recalls. “But my college coach gave me one-on-one

died before the age of two. Amidst these challenging

training and I gained confidence in my abilities. For the

transitions, Jessica struggled with a sense of inferiority

first time in my entire life, I was appreciated. I realized

to those around her because of her darker skin color.

sport could offer me support and could help anyone who

Jessica sought out an escape through gymnastics—her

suffered the same horrible things I did growing up.”

first venture into sports. She admired the grace and

That wasn’t the end to Jessica’s challenges. Harassment

poise of the gymnasts, who resembled princesses to

and discrimination followed her into adulthood. But these

her. She also explored taekwondo and soccer. While

experiences only convinced her to stand up and become 106

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I enjoy spending time with my son. He turned two this past July. Time flies so fast. I want to cherish every moment with him while he is still young.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My dream is for prejudice to end. I hope that someday all of humanity can be unified even with differences in skin, gender, race, religion, and beliefs. We are all humans. We need to let love win.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? History. When I was younger, I taught myself to read basic hieroglyphs through the Encyclopedia. The ancient world is an amazing part of the human existence.

FROM THE MENTORS’ PERSPECTIVE

”

a voice for women. In Mindanao’s

work extends to other roles with

patriarchal culture, where there is

the United Nations Environment

what she calls a “belief barrier”

Programme (UNEP) in Asia-Pacific,

that affects efficient collaboration

Dakila’s Climate Revolution, and the

between communities of Muslims,

Climate Reality Project of former

Christians, and indigenous

United States Vice President Al Gore.

populations, she knows women’s voices are lost in the noise. And she

Through participation in the U.S.

refuses to let that trend continue.

Department of State and espnW

“There is too much silence when it

(GSMP), Jessica dreams of creating a

comes to women’s issues,” Jessica

center that focuses on rehabilitation

says. “That is why it is my mission

and reintegration for victims of

to help oppressed women and

sexual assault in Iligan City. She

children. This is empowerment for

envisions an open facility for women

me—to go from being a victim to

and children all over Mindanao,

someone who could make a real

along with an inclusive program

difference in my society.”

for persons with disabilities. At this

Aside from working with her husband in women’s rights advocacy, Jessica is a football master trainer for the ASA Foundation/Asian Soccer Academy

Global Sports Mentoring Program,

center, she plans to use sport-based education and life skills training to bring together women in a safe space where they can heal and find empowerment together.

and the regional coordinator

Jessica will work to achieve this

for Let’s Do It! Philippines, an

goal with the help of mentors Laura

organization that mobilizes

Burton and Jennifer McGarry at the

volunteers to clean up illegal

University of Connecticut. Laura,

dumping sites. Her climate change

an associate professor of sport

management, has focused much of her career on studying gender issues and organizational leadership

LAURA BURTON University of Connecticut

development. She is co-editor of one of the first textbooks focusing

”

on leadership in sport, Sport Leadership in the 21st Century.

Jennifer, head of the Department for Educational Leadership and executive director of Husky Sport, is an expert on barriers and supports for women from marginalized ethnic and socio-economic groups.

With the support of her mentors, Jessica will gain the vital networks, development, and sustainable planning skills she needs if her center is to become a reality. Their partnership has the potential not only to achieve Jessica’s plans, but also to create a safer and more equal society for thousands of women in the Philippines.

107

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

We are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with such an accomplished group of women and organizations in support of this year’s GSMP. We believe that the mission of our Sport Management program, to use sport as a vehicle for social change, matches Jessica’s vision for her Action Plan. Further, we appreciate the commitment from the UConn Athletic Department in support of the important work that can be accomplished through the power of sport.

”

UConn’s Sport Management Program and Division of Athletics are excited to be a part of this year's GSMP. Jessica's vision for reducing gender based violence through the creative use of sport-based programs aligns well with our collective belief that sport can be a vehicle for social change.

JENNIFER MCGARRY University of Connecticut

”

LAURA BURTON has taught at the University of Connecticut since 2004,

JENNIFER MCGARRY has been a part of the sport management

following a short time teaching at Carolina State University. She earned

program at the University of Connecticut since January of 2002 after

her Ph.D. in the social science of sport from UConn in 2002. Her areas of

spending eight years as an athletic administrator and volleyball coach

expertise include gender issues in sport, leadership in sport organizations,

at Kenyon College in Ohio, including two years as athletic director. She

and sport management. Laura’s research interests include understanding

received her Ph.D. in sport management with a concentration in sociology

leadership in organizations (particularly sport organizations) and exploring

from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in English from Morehead State

development, access and success in leadership. In her work, Laura focuses

University and a B.A. in English and secondary education from the

on issues of gender in leadership contexts and specifically how stereotypes

University of Notre Dame.

and discrimination impact women in sport leadership.

Jennifer’s research has focused primarily on barriers and supports for

Laura is also co-editor of one of the first textbooks focusing on leadership

women and those from marginalized ethnic and socio-economic groups. She

in sport, Sport Leadership in the 21st Century. In 2009, The North American

is a research fellow with Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of

Society for Sport Management (NASSM) awarded her a NASSM Research

Sport in Society and the North American Society for Sport Management.She

Grant for her project Understanding the Role of Athletic Participation in

is also the program founder and director for Husky Sport, which provides

Managerial Career Progression: An Evaluation through the Lens of Role

mentors (UConn students) as planners of sessions at community sites in

Congruity Theory. Laura has a master’s degree in physical education

Hartford, Conn. that emphasize exposure and access to sport and physical

(concentration: athletic training) from Illinois State University and

activity, and advocate good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

bachelor’s degree in biology from Fairfield University.

108 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

THE

BIG THREE

JESSICA WU

3 THINGS TO KNOW

PHILIPPINES

#1: I am passionate advocate for women's rights, indigenous people, and the environment.

3 GOALS

#2: I am an eager student.

#1: To expand my knowledge of community development and sports

3 GOALS

#2: To develop connections with likeminded people

#1: To expose Jessica to knowledge and resources

#3: To develop a strong Action Plan

#3: I am a mother.

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Persistent, Servant Leader

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: Laura: My research is focused on the influence of stereotypes and discrimination on women. #2: We are ready to provide Jessica an outstanding experience. #3: Both: We love our work!

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Passionate, Committed, Brave MENTOR: Passionate, Listens, Brave

LAURA BURTON & JEN MCGARRY UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Strong, Courageous, Convicted

109 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Aggressive, Open-Minded, Passionate MENTOR: Open-Minded, Passionate, Optimistic

#2: To collaborate with her and help her develop an Action Plan #3: To develop a longlasting relationship for future projects

3 QUALITIES OF...

110 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

PAMELA AKPLOGAN Sports Journalist & Chairperson for Africa Scout Youth Forum

BENIN

DEBORAH STROMAN Professor of Sports Business & Entrepreneurship

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

FROM BENIN, PAMELA AKPLOGAN, a Sports Journalist and Chairperson for the Africa Scout Youth Forum, brings a passion to empower girls from disadvantaged communities through sports and competition.

EDUCATION Pamela holds master's degrees in Business Law and Social Science and Education. She hopes to pursue a PhD in the future.

EXPERIENCE In addition to working as a sports journalist for nearly 5 years, Pamela has served in leadership and advocacy roles for a decade promoting global education. ur

SKILLS Pamela speaks two languages: French and English. She also has outstanding speaking, motivational, and project management skills.

FUN FACTS WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I enjoy spending time with my best friend. She is a good listener and very funny. I met her at university and being friends was natural for us.

PAMELA AKPLOGAN’s childhood was not easy. But,

degree in business law at Université d’Abomey-Calavi

despite the challenges that came her way, she had sport

and eventually joined Benin’s national team. During her

to help her find strength to face them and push ahead.

time at the university, another coach saw her playing on

Raised in rural Benin, she and her family were met with great sorrow when her father passed away. With few financial resources at her disposal, Pamela’s mother tried

the court and thought she might also be a strong fit for judo. He asked if she would train for one month in judo to see whether he was right.

her best to support the young family. Then, shortly after

“I told him I didn’t like to fight or watch people

his passing, one of her colleagues coaching basketball in

fighting,” Pamela says. “I didn’t think I could do it. And

the area invited Pamela to come train with him. It was a

he asked me just to try. I was very afraid, but I made

moment of discovery for her as a young woman.

my decision and I went.”

“Basketball taught me how to express myself and help

Pamela excelled in judo and won a bronze medal at the

others understand me even when it is difficult to find

Benin National Judo Championship in 2015.

words,” Pamela says. “It allowed me to become an actor of change. Through basketball, I’ve become a very

Pamela did not initially plan to mix her passion for

strong woman.”

sports with her profession. While at university, she

Pamela won her first basketball medal at 14 years old.

station. After her colleagues learned of her basketball

She continued playing as she began her bachelor’s

experience, she was invited to join the sports coverage

accepted a journalism internship at a local radio

112 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to build the OLADE Network – it's a youth network for Sport, Education, and Agriculture. I wish to wake up each day with a lot of happy kids around me through the foundation's social actions. I will make it by working hard to get my PhD and engaging myself in challenging positions during my career. My perspective is to be a phenomenal African woman and one of the best sports journalists. So I see myself on a good way to run my country, the AU, or one the of the UN offices.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? My favorite subject in school was psychology. I love learning about human beings and communities, which strengthens my social engagement.

FROM THE MENTOR'S PERSPECTIVE

”Being a host for an

team. She is now a sports journalist

and education, sees a need for

for Radio Tokpa, in addition to

promoting women’s sports in rural,

serving as a leader within the World

disadvantaged areas. She wants to

Organization of the Scout Movement

use her platform to create a program

(WOSM), for which she was named

where girls from underserved

the chairperson of the Africa Scout

communities can train at sports clubs

Youth Forum through 2018. Pamela

in Porto-Novo, Benin’s capital city.

leads talks on leadership and

Pamela would follow the girls over

entrepreneurship throughout Africa

the course of six months and then

and uses her public role to launch

organize a large competition that

service projects and regularly

would be aired on television.

engage with her community through sports and other activities.

“Since I started basketball, I’ve

“I have a lot of duties and

only for girls and young women,”

responsibilities to promote sport and

Pamela says. “My program would

grow its platform in my society,”

put a focus on the girls who need

Pamela says. “People view sport

it most. I want to go back to places

as just a game. They don’t realize

like my hometown, Kouti, and show

you can strengthen the community

people there is hope and light in the

and spread positive messages—it

world. Yes, there are challenges, but

can be used for development and to

as judo taught me, if we stay focused

help people blossom. This is about

and calm through the challenges

human beings, not just boys and

then we can find solutions.”

girls. This is about human rights.”

never seen anyone promoting sports

professional women who can serve as mentors to her in Benin.

In an effort to achieve her goals, she hopes to expand her skills as a leader and influencer, as well as add new tools in business and sports marketing. Deborah Stroman, the director of the Center for Sport Business at the University of North Carolina, is a strong fit to guide Pamela on her journey. A former college basketball player and assistant coach, Deborah has more than three decades of business, entrepreneurship, and athletic industry experience. She has a dynamic set of skills and lessons that she will impart to Pamela to direct her own goals. Together,

Although Pamela has the strength

these two strong women will find

Pamela, who also recently earned

and support of strong women like

the solutions needed to bring hope

a master’s degree in social science

her mother, she has not found

to the girls and women who most need it throughout Benin.

113

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Emerging Leader in GSMP is an important opportunity to learn and share.

The convergence of sport, business, entrepreneurship, and global connections serves as a model for everyone in the world to promote respect, empowerment, and collaboration. I am elated to do my small part to welcome the bright and gifted Pamela Akplogan to UNC-Chapel Hill and show her the many wonders of North Carolina in and outside of the classroom.

DEBORAH STROMAN University of North Carolina

”

FUN FACTS HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE THE USA? IF SO, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Yes, I've traveled to Greece, South Africa, Israel, and the Caribbean. I also traveled to Brazil at the end of September.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Recess! But, really, I love History. How it all began is very fascinating and helps to bring context as to where we are today.

DEBORAH STROMAN is director of the Center

Basketball Coaches Association. Her LASER company

of Sport Business. With a focus on sport business and

assists former professional athletes through the

entrepreneurship, her teaching and research interests

transition from their sporting careers to valued careers,

include leadership, marketing and social issues in sport.

business ownership and/or completion of academic

Deborah researches sport's social and economic impact

degrees.

in North Carolina and promotes campus and Triangle

Deborah received the 2015 Pauli Murray Human

region collaborative opportunities for students, faculty,

Relations Award (Orange County), Class of 1996 Award

staff and professionals working in the sport industry.

for Advising Excellence (2012-13), UNC General Alumni

Working with MBA students and high-performing

Association Harvey Beech 2013 Outstanding Faculty/

undergraduate students, she directs the Basketball

Staff Award and the 2006 state of Maryland’s Top

Analytics Summit, Carolina Sport Court, and the Black

Minority Business Enterprise Award from the Governor’s

Business Roundtable held during Black History Month.

Office.

She also collaborates with UNC colleagues for the College of Arts & Science’s Entrepreneurship Minor (sport) and the offering of entrepreneurship consulting for sport-related ventures.

She received her PhD in business from Capella University, her MA from UNC-Chapel Hill and her BS from the University of Virginia.

With more than three decades of business, entrepreneurship and athletic industry experience, Deborah served in management for Prudential Financial, Inc. and GE Capital and provides consulting to sports teams and sport-related organizations including the NCAA, Atlantic Coast Conference and the Women’s

114 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR RELAXATION? I love the ocean. It is peaceful and rests my spirit.

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, I was named after the judge in the Bible, Deborah.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, I have one cat named Kalumba Koko Marie.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? I love cookies and cream!

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I was definitely involved in athletics growing up. In high school, I played volleyball, basketball, softball, and was a manager for our school's American football team. Later, I played college basketball and coached.

THE

BIG THREE

PAMELA AKPLOGAN

3 GOALS #1: To develop a longlasting relationship with Pamela so she feels inspired and comfortable

3 THINGS TO KNOW

BENIN

#1: I am eager to learn, quick to understand, and creative.

3 GOALS

#2: I like challenges and am determined to succeed.

#1: To share my passion for sports and gain a strong network of support

#3: I am passionate about social engagement.

#2: To increase my knowledge of sports marketing, journalism, and communication

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Growth-Minded, ValueDriven, Courageous

#3: To learn from other women leaders

3 THINGS TO KNOW #1: I am resourceful. #2: I am happy. #3: I love Africa.

THE

BIG THREE

3 QUALITIES OF...

EMERGING LEADER: Curious, Flexible, Optimistic MENTOR: Listening Skills, Positive Attitute, Good Communicator

DEBORAH STROMAN UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Courageous, Empathetic

115 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

EMERGING LEADER: Confident, Selfless, Inspires Action MENTOR: Expressive, Role Model, Communicates Well

#2: To share the vast resources, people, and paople with her #3: To promote positivity and collaboration

3 QUALITIES OF...