2017 Global Sports Mentoring Program: Empower Women through Sports Book

U.S. Department of State & espnW

2017 gLOBAL SPORTS MENTORING PROGRAM In cooperation with the University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace, and Society

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Pictured: Julie Eddleman (left) of Google, mentor to Maíra Liguori (right) of Brazil

TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 5 6 7 8

Program Introduction Program Partners Social Media Program Schedule Overview GSMP Legacy

MEET THE CLASS OF 2017 13 14 16 17 19 23 27 31 35 39 43 47 51 55 59 63 67 71 75 79 83

2017 Emerging Leaders 2017 Mentors Meet the Matches Matches on the Map Nalwadda Chocho Immaculate (Uganda) + Val Ackerman & Ann Wells Crandall (Big East Conference) Sangeetha Manoharan (India) + Donna Carpenter (Burton Snowboards) Caroline Lembe (Belgium) + Lina Shields (Eli Lilly & Company) Xinyi Hua (China) + Patricia Betron & Katina Arnold (ESPN) Malak Hasan (Palestinian Territories) + Diane Morse (ESPN) Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke (Nigeria) + Jennifer Pransky & Lindsay Amstutz (Fox Sports) Claudia Contreras Dvorak (Venezuela) + Katie Montiel Vidaillet (Gatorade) Aline Silva (Brazil) + Julie Eddleman (Google) Megha Vora (India) + Julie Eddleman (Google) Minjei Jeon (South Korea) + Amy Wilson (NCAA) Po-Chun Liu (Taiwan) + Susan Cohig (NHL) Naoual Zaaraoui (Morocco) + Jenna Tidd & Laurie French (PGA of America) Carmen Pozo Rios (Bolivia) + Romina Bongiovanni (Saatchi & Saatchi, LA) Elvira Dushku (Kosovo) + Laura Dixon (Spurs Sports & Entertainment) Alejandra Rodriguez-Larrain (Peru) + Pam Catlett & Susie McCabe (Under Armour) Agnes Baluka Masajja (Uganda) + Laura Burton & Jennifer McGarry (University of Connecticut) Carole Ponchon (France) + Deborah Antoine (Women's Sports Foundation)

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GSMP: EMPOWER WOMEN Class of 2016 U.S. Department of State

B

uilding on the successes of past U.S.

committed to supporting young female leaders

excel on the playing field and in life. According to

Department of State sports diplomacy

by providing them with the opportunity to

studies by the United Nations and others, women

programs, the Global Sports Mentoring

cultivate management and business skills in an

and girls’ participation in sports is an important

Program is comprised of two pillars—

American sports environment.

social and economic empowerment tool:

GSMP: Empower Women through

Sports and GSMP: Sport for Community—that combine the power of mentorship and cultural exchange to connect international changemakers on a mission to make a positive impact in their home countries.

Emerging Leaders are nominated by U.S. Embassies overseas based on their accomplishments and commitment to making an impact in their countries’ sports sectors. These individuals demonstrate the potential to achieve significant success in their profession, as well

Launched in 2012 as a collaboration between

as the ability to teach and guide others in their

the U.S. Department of State and ESPN, GSMP:

home country—particularly girls—so that they

Empower Women through Sports enters its sixth

also experience the benefits of sports.

year pairing female Emerging Leaders from

• Women and girls who participate in

sport acquire new professional

networks and more opportunities to

become engaged in school and

community activities.

• Sports serve as a vehicle for women

and girls to enhance their leadership

roles and participate in decision-

making.

• Sports convene people regardless

For the mentorship to contribute to long-term

of background, culture, gender, or

positive change worldwide, each Emerging

belief system, and can promote

Leader works with her mentor to craft an Action

greater tolerance and understanding

Plan to implement upon her return home, with

among individuals and communities.

As part of the overall collaboration, espnW works

the common goal of creating sports opportunities

closely with the State Department to secure

for underserved women and girls.

activities provide an excellent platform

for promoting dialogue on the

importance of education and diversity.

around the globe with female executives at leading U.S. companies in the sports sector for a month-long mentorship experience.

mentors and host organizations for the Emerging Leaders participating in the program. Mentors include senior executives in business, education, media, non-profit, and sports sectors who are

GSMP: Empower Women through Sports is based on a growing body of evidence that women and girls who play sports are increasingly likely to 3

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

• Sports teams and organized sporting

• 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 footprint of Title IX—equality and opportunity for women—and support U.S. government endeavors

Hockey League (NHL) , PGA of America, Saatchi

India, Kosovo, Morocco, Nigeria, Palestinian

& Saatchi, LA, Spurs Sports & Entertainment,

Territories, Peru, South Korea, Taiwan, Uganda,

The list of 2017 mentors represent the following

Under Armour, University of Connecticut, and

and Venezuela.

organizations: Big East Conference, Burton

the Women's Sports Foundation. The list of

Snowboards, Eli Lilly & Company, ESPN, Fox

2017 Emerging Leaders represent the following

Sports, Gatorade, Google, NCAA, National

countries: Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, France,

in every corner of the world.

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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.

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.

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 unique Theory of Empowerment for Social Change, 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 inclusion around the world.

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SOCIAL MEDIA OFFICIAL GSMP HASHTAG:

#EMPOWERWOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH SPORTS INITIATIVE http://www.globalsportsmentoring.org facebook.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram @SportsEmpower youtube.com/globalsportsmentoringorg flickr.com/globalsportsmentoringprogram U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE/SPORTS DIPLOMACY 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

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program schedule overview

september SUNDAY, 24

october

Emerging Leaders arrive

SUNDAY, 1

in Washington, DC MONDAY, 25

Travel to espnW Women + Sport Summit in CA

Orientation Week

MONDAY, 2 –

begins

WEDNESDAY, 4 THURSDAY, 5

espnW Women + Sport Summit Travel to Mentorship Sites

THURSDAY, 5 –

Mentorship in the U.S.

WEDNESDAY, 25 THURSDAY, 26

Travel to Washington D.C.

SATURDAY, 28 –

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Action Plan

SUNDAY, 29

Presentations

TUESDAY, 31

International Departures

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

2016 ACTION PLAN THEMES

issue facing women and girls in their local communities or work place. Throughout the mentorship experience, the Emerging Leader works with her peers, program facilitators, and the mentoring team to develop a strategy for addressing this social issue through sport.

12%

12%

12%

15%

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

26%

business strategies.

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.

24%

Gender Equality

8

Technology & Communication

5

Sport Engagement

4

Youth Development

4

Leadership Development

4

Other*

9

Other themes include the following: Economic Empowerment, Health & WellBeing, Partnership Development/Coalition Building, and Underserved Populations. Many of Action Plans fit within multiple themes.

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GSMP LEGACY: GLOBAL IMPACT 5 YEARS. 82 WOMEN. Worldwide Reach.

13 10

15

12

REGIONS East Asia/Pacific South/Central Asia

16 16

Europe & Eurasia Near East Asia Africa Western Hemisphere

IN JUST FIVE YEARS, women and girls all over the world have experienced the ripple effect of the GSMP and its empowering

PROFESSIONAL FIELDS

message. By providing 82 women with the critical tools, resources,

4% 4%

and support needed to carry out their Action Plan ideas, thousands of women and girls have reaped the benefits. In fact, of the 82

21%

11%

women selected for this program, 88% 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 workplaces. By passing this message onto the next generation, the

5%

15%

12.5%

15%

12.5%

GSMP is creating a living legacy of women’s empowerment and Entrepreneur League/Federation NGO Corporate Government Media/Journalism Olympic Education Other

positive social change through sport.

NOTE: Some ELS were placed in more than one category.

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22 16 16 13 13 11 5 4 4

GSMP LEGACY: Global IMPACT A pre-test was conducted at the beginning of the 2016 GSMP: Empowering Women through Sports program 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 CONFIDENT in my ability TO LEAD OTHERS.

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

I am an EMPOWERED woman.

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 37.5% Agree 50% Unsure 12.5%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

50% 44% 6%

PRE-TEST Strongly Agree 12.5% Agree 75% Unsure 12.5%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

POST-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

81% 19% 0%

POST-TEST Strongly Agree Agree Unsure

100%

OF 2016 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT THE GSMP HELPED THEM BUILD A STRONG NETWORK OF SUPPORT

50% 50% 0%

94%

OF 2016 EMERGING LEADERS AGREED THAT THE GSMP CULTIVATED NEW ABILITIES TO CREATE AN ACTION PLAN

100%

OF 2016 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 was 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 felt a sense of responsibility. I felt like this is what I was born to do. I've talked with more women in the U.S. and in Vietnam who work in women’s empowerment. And, more people have started 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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69% 31% 0%

GSMP LEGACY: 2016 ALUMna highlight NOUR KAYYAL – FOUNDER OF SWISH BASKETBALL ACADEMY IN AMMAN, JORDAN Nour Kayyal loves her double life.

Every morning, she wakes up at 6:30 a.m., drives to the Rumi Cafe for a cappuccino, and commutes into the heart of Amman for her work as a senior private banking officer with Jordan Kuwait Bank. Throughout the day, she contacts prospective clients, builds relationships with existing ones, and gauges the strength of regional and global markets. But, by early evening, Nour transforms into something much different: a basketball coach.

As a former member of Jordan’s national women’s basketball team, Nour was determined to capitalize on the atmosphere created by the 2016 FIFA Women’s Under-17 World Cup, which had the country moving toward increasing the number of women playing sports. In May 2017, she launched Swish Basketball Academy, the first woman-led, sportbased non-profit organization in her country. Within four months, Nour and her three coaches have helped 66 youth participants experience the confidence, strength, and leadership development that comes with sport participation, something Nour cherishes.

“I remember this group of girls,” Nour says. “They all got into Swish

knowing nothing about basketball.

But after their sixth session with us they knew how to dribble, how to pass the ball, and how to set up shots. Seeing them improve—it was like a dream.”

However, success stories aren’t written everyday, and Nour knows it. During the planning process, she became overwhelmed by the cost of buying equipment, renting practice courts, and obtaining the required legal frameworks. She was also discouraged by those who questioned her ambition and entrepreneurial efforts simply because she was a woman–the World Bank reported that Jordanian women are often constrained by gender-related bias and restrictive social norms, particularly in relation to work.

Seeking guidance, Nour turned to the people who understood her situation best: fellow alumnae from the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP), an initiative implemented by the Center for Sport, Peace, and Society that aims to empower women and girls through sports worldwide.

“When things got really tough, I remember talking with (five other participants) during one week,” Nour says. “No one around me understood what I wanted to do, but they did.”

With the encouragement of her global sisterhood, family connections to legal guidance, and $9,000 of her own money, Nour connected the dots and gave life to Swish. The academy was the culmination of a plan she and her GSMP mentor, Hilary Shaev of the NBA, had worked to develop months earlier.

“I remember Hilary asking me, ‘Okay, Nour. What do you have in mind? How can I help you?’ I told her I wanted to learn everything I could about a big organization so I could implement something in my country on a small scale. And that’s exactly what I did. Swish might not be as big as the NBA or WNBA, but it’s big enough to fill my heart,” Nour says.

The final component to completing her mission with Swish is reaching 11

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

youth from low socioeconomic parts of Amman. To gain expertise in this area, this September she’ll collaborate with and host 2012 GSMP alumna Hayam Essam, founder Girl Power Egypt–a basketball program in Cairo with similar goals to Swish. Later in the month, Nour will also return to the U.S. for one week to serve as a guide to a new class of participants.

For Nour, the impact of the program has been transformational. “Being part of the GSMP, it’s the brightest side of my life,” Nour says. “It’s one of the best things that’s happened to me.”

It is an experience she continues to share with a growing group of changemakers who work alongside her to create a better world through sports.

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MEET THE GSMP

CLASS OF 2017

2017 EMERGING LEADERS

Caroline Lembe BELGIUM

Carmen Pozo Rios BOLIVIA

Aline Silva BRAZIL

Xinyi Hua CHINA

Carole Ponchon FRANCE

Sangeetha Manoharan INDIA

Megha Vora INDIA

Elvira Dushku KOSOVO

Naoual Zaaraoui MOROCCO

Chisom Mbonu-Ezeoke NIGERIA

Malak Hasan PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

Alejandra RodriguezLarrain PERU

Minjei Jeon SOUTH KOREA

Po-Chun Liu TAIWAN

Nalwadda Chocho Immaculate UGANDA

Agnes Baluka Masajja UGANDA

Claudia Contreras Dvorak VENEZUELA 14

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

2017 MENTORS

Val Ackerman big east conference

Lindsay Amstutz FOX SPORTS

Deborah Antoine WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION

Katina Arnold ESPN

Patricia Betron ESPN

Romina Bongiovanni saatchi & saatchi, la

Laura Burton UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

Donna Carpenter burton snowboards

Pam Catlett UNDER ARMOUR

Susan Cohig NHL

Ann Wells Crandall BIG EAST CONFERENCE

Laura Dixon SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Julie Eddleman GOOGLE

Laurie French PGA OF AMERICA

Susie McCabe Under Armour

Jennifer McGarry University of Connecticut

Katie Montiel Vidaillet GATORADE

Diane Morse espn

Jennifer Pransky Fox SPORTS

Lina Shields ELI LILLY & COMPANY

Jenna Tidd PGA OF AMERICA

Amy Wilson NCAA

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meet the matches

Nalwadda chocho immaculate Val Ackerman & Ann Wells Crandall Uganda

Big East Conference

Sangeetha Manoharan DONNA CARPENTER India

Burton Snowboards

Caroline Lembe Lina Shields Belgium

Eli Lilly & Company

Xinyi Hua PATRICIA BETRON & KATINA ARNOLD China

ESPN

Malak Hasan Diane Morse

Palestinian Territories

ESPN

Chisom Mbonu-EZEOKE Jennifer Pransky & Lindsay Amstutz Nigeria

Fox Sports

Claudia Contreras DVORAK Katie Montiel Vidaillet Venezuela

Gatorade

Aline Silva JULIE EDDLEMAN Brazil

Google

Megha Vora JULIE EDDLEMAN India

Google

Minjei Jeon AMY WILSON South Korea

NCAA

Po-Chun Liu susan cohig Taiwan

NHL

Naoual Zaaraoui Jenna Tidd & Laurie French Morocco

PGA of America

Carmen Pozo Rios Romina Bongiovanni Bolivia

Saatchi & Saatchi, LA

Elvira Dushku LAURA DIXON Kosovo

Spurs Sports & Entertainment

Alejandra Rodriguez-Larrain Pam Catlett & Susie McCabe Peru

Under Armour

Agnes Baluka MASAJJA Laura Burton & Jennifer McGarry Uganda

University of Connecticut

Carole Ponchon Deborah Antoine France

Women's Sports Foundation

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MATCHES ON THE MAP

Belgium Bolivia Brazil China France India India Kosovo Morocco Nigeria Palestinian Territories Peru South Korea Taiwan Uganda Uganda Venezuela

indianapolis, in LOS ANGELES, CA cincinnati, oh BRISTOL, CT NEW YORK City, NY burlington, vt cincinnati, oh SAN ANTONIO, TX palm beach gardens, fl LOS ANGELES, CA BRISTOL, CT baltimore, MD indianapolis, in NEW YORK CITY, NY hartford, ct boston, ma chicago, il

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NALWADDA CHOCHO IMMACULATE

Youth Councilor-Elect; Secretary of Sport & Environment for Sustainability

UGANDA

VAL ACKERMAN Commissioner BIG EAST CONFERENCE

ANN WELLS CRANDALL Chief Marketing Officer BIG EAST CONFERENCE

FROM UGANDA, NALWADDA CHOCHO IMMACULATE, an executive with the country's Olympic Committee, seeks to develop economic empowerment in women through sports and life skills education.

EDUCATION Nalwadda holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from Kyambogo University. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Olympic Studies.

EXPERIENCE As one of Uganda's most influential female leaders in sport, Nalwadda has extensive experience in youth programming and representation in government.

SKILLS Nalwadda played basketball at Kyambogo University and is involved with the adaptive sports movement in Uganda, particularly wheelchair basketball.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? Besides learning from my peers, I want to build leadership, business, and networking skills.

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am an entrepreneuer, a youth leader, and a sports manager.

NALWADDA CHOCHO IMMACULATE never

aware of the different treatment given toward male and

expected to become a basketball player. In primary

female athletes.

school in Bukoto Mulira Zone—a disadvantaged area in Uganda’s capital city of Kampala—she ran the 100 and 200 meters on the track and field team, and played soccer. After graduating, she no longer had access to the facilities. But, she did find a basketball court near her home and soon began playing every time she had free time.

Nalwadda excelled as a player. With few Ugandan girls playing basketball in 2002, she earned attention from the prestigious Crane High School, which offered her an athletic scholarship. In both school and sport, she showed tremendous potential for success. When it came time for university, Nalwadda was offered a talented Young Scholars government scholarship to Kyambogo University, where she captained the basketball team and earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

As a student-athlete at university, Nalwadda became

“Our team trained a lot and had good results, but whenever teams were selected to participate in the East Africa University Games, they always sent the men and not the women,” Nalwadda says. “The university told us there was no money, but that wasn’t something new.

Women have always been marginalized; when there is little money, women are the first to be excluded.”

Spurred on by the inequality she encountered, Nalwadda garnered support from her team and ran for president of the Games Union, Kyambogo university’s student guild council. She won the election, then contested for further representation and was named as a student-athlete representative for the National University Sports Federation of Uganda (currently known as the Association of Ugandan University Sports), the country’s version of the NCAA. 20

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: I think that an emerging leader should display devotion, should be a go-getter, and should be influential to those around her and in her community.

MENTOR: A great mentor should be a good listener, should be knowledgeable, and should have the willingness to give back.

EMPOWERED WOMAN: An empowered woman is someone who is courageous, bold, and confident.

“People in Uganda often say,

basketball in the national women’s

‘Women cannot lead in sports.’”

league, working as a software

Nalwadda says. “And I respond:

developer, and running her own

“How do you know? Women have

tomato sauce manufacturing

always been left out.’ Sport is a

company.

language that all people in Uganda understand, and it transforms people so they can give back to their communities. If sports could empower me as a woman in the slum into the person I am today, it can empower any woman in Uganda.”

Throughout the years, Nalwadda’s passion for advocacy and gender equality has made her one of Uganda’s most influential female leaders in sport, and a role model for girls nationwide. In 2013, her leadership attracted the attention of the Uganda Olympic Committee, which appointed her to its women and sports commission. One year later, Nalwadda was selected to participate in the Women’s Sports Leadership Academy at the University of Chichester, alongside U.S. Department of State and espnW

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes I played–and still play– basketball, track and field, handball, and soccer.

“When I was growing up, there were no role models for us,” Nalwadda says. “I want make sure girls can look to me. I want to show them that sports, education, and empowerment are all connected, and teach them skills they can translate over into other areas of

so they realize they cannot make money in sports and leave. Our athletes are very vulnerable to

their lives.”

pressure. If a man can get you out

In Uganda, gender inequality

society to get back involved.”

affects women in many ways.

While the country ranks in the top half of the world according to the 2016 Global Gender Gap Report, Uganda is 120th of 140 countries when it comes to educational attainment, and 87th in economic participation and opportunity.

The OECD’s Social Institutions and Gender Index indicates high rates of discriminatory family code and lack of physical integrity and freedom

of sports, it is very difficult in our

By participating in the GSMP, Nalwadda seeks to unite life skills education with sports to make women economically empowered and provide a tangible result of the benefits of sport in their lives. She will be mentored by Val Ackerman, commissioner, and Ann Wells Crandall, chief marketing officer, for the Big East Conference. As the founding president of the Women’s

for women.

National Basketball Association

alumna Luz Amuchastegui of

Through her work, Nalwadda

Argentina. In 2016, Nalwadda was

States’ most respected women’s

plans to address the lack of

elected to her current position as

sports and basketball leaders,

sport facilities, sponsorship, and

a youth councilor for the Kampala

Val’s vast experience in sports

support for women’s sports, as

City Council.

business will be complemented

well as challenge negative social

by Ann’s strong background in

stereotypes that pressure women to

public relations, marketing, and

leave sport.

promotions. With the support of

Global Sports Mentoring Program

During all of this time, Nalwadda found a way to balance her many responsibilities and complete a

“There is nothing that entices

master’s degree in Olympic Studies

women to come play sports,”

from the German Sport University

Nalwadda says. “Our women’s

Cologne, while still playing

professional leagues are stagnant,

(WNBA) and one of the United

her mentorship duo, Nalwadda will have everything she needs to reach more girls and women with the message that sport can empower and transform lives.

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AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to have a sports school in my country and to also run a sports event management company.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My teammates because they put a smile on my face. We love talking sports, especially basketball.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION AND WHY? Yes, I've been to Barcelona, Spain. It was amazing!

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My greatest mentor has been the President of the Uganda Olympics Committee, Mr. William Blick. He believed in me when I was young and gave me responsibilities to serve on the women's commission when I was only 20 years old. I have gained exposure and opportunities because of his belief in me. He has given so unselfishly.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? Yes, a cat named Jiggy.

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SANGEETHA MANOHARAN

Head Coach of Ultimate Frisbee and Operations Executive; The Quad

INDIA

DONNA CARPENTER CEO

BURTON SNOWBOARDS

FROM INDIA, SANGEETHA MANOHARAN, a head coach of ultimate frisbee, brings a passion to advance the status of women in Indian culture through participation in sports and representation in civil society.

EDUCATION Sangeetha holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Applied Psychology, both from the University of Madras in Chennai, India.

EXPERIENCE In addition to training physical education teachers, Sangeetha has more than eight years experience in coaching and program coordination.ur

SKILLS Sangeetha competed in the 2017 World Championships for ultimate frisbee. She also speaks three languages: Tamil, English, and Japanese.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? Three of my goals are to gather knowledge about different initiatives that have helped bridge gaps for women in sports, to network and learn from other candidates and mentors, and to gain a better vision of career options.

It didn’t matter whether it was basketball or soccer.

on-field freedom in a culture where people often don’t

Growing up in Chennai, India, all SANGEETHA

know how to take responsibility for their actions. It

MANOHARAN wanted to do was play. Sports is

encourages a culture of accountability, and teaches

what made her feel healthy and whole, regardless of

people how to to resolve conflict while respecting and

what the rest of society felt about girls playing outside

listening to the views of their opponents."

with the boys.

As she continued through her master’s degree in

While studying for her bachelor’s degree in sociology

applied psychology, Sangeetha quit all other sports and

from the University of Madras, she discovered ultimate

began to focus on ultimate. By 2012, she was on the

(originally known as ultimate Frisbee). Sangeetha’s

advisory board for the Ultimate Players Association of

high school had offered disc sports, but she wasn’t

India (UPAI) and three years later was named the chair

aware there was a way to play them competitively at

of UPAI’s women’s committee.

the time. Just a few years later, with a group of people who would become friends, teammates, and members of Chennai Ultimate Frisbee, she forged a new path for her life in the sport that would ultimately define her.

"Ultimate teaches valuable life lessons that young adults in India often miss out on,” Sangeetha says.

“As a self-officiated sport, it helps players experience

In 2015, Sangeetha also made India’s first male and female team to participate in a World Championships of Beach Ultimate. This year she competed in her second WCBU for India, and in 2016 she was a part of its squad for the World Ultimate and Guts Championship.

After spending more than a year as the director of ultimate development for Chennai Ultimate Frisbee, 24

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I consider myself self-aware and believe in self-reflection as a path to sustainable growth. Second, I value honesty in people over all other things. And third, "Kaizen" is a concept that I hold close to me.

Constant, but small improvement.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Open, Adaptive, Assertiveness MENTOR: Invested, Experienced, & Enjoys Teaching EMPOWERED WOMAN: Resilient, Vocal, & Empathetic

Sangeetha took a position in

FUN FACTS

January as the head coach of ultimate and operations executive

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, multiple. Football, basketball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, and volleyball.

for the Quad, an optimal fitness company in the city. She sees the sport as playing a key role in empowering Indians of all backgrounds, deconstructing stereotypes around female ability

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Short -term: To work for Manchester United Football Club as a sports psychologist in any capacity. Long-term: Start an Olympic-level training facility and train athletes by merit.

and ambitions, and teaching important life skills.

“Through ultimate, you learn to trust your teammates, express yourself respectfully, and overcome your fears,” Sangeetha says.

“And you find a community that energizes you.”

Across India, gender inequality remains a significant challenge.

In the 2016 Global Gender Gap Index, the country ranked 87th in the world, with particularly low rankings in economic empowerment (136th), educational attainment (113th), and health and survival (142nd). In Chennai, girls are taught from a young age to conform to gender norms, suggesting men and women’s roles, methods of interaction, styles of dress, and careers are inherently different. For most families, as in

for India Ultimate into a gender

New York Times, Donna is a two-

and equity committee, focused

time mentor with the program and

on setting up policies for equal

one of the most prominent leaders

opportunity in representation, skill,

in the world of extreme and winter

growth and competition, as well

sports. At Burton, she oversees the

as establish an ultimate-focused

company’s internal mentorship

mentorship program for women.

program, women’s leadership

With her company, she runs a

initiative, and the launch of the

multiple-month Intro to Ultimate

Burton Girls online community. As

program that has been so successful

Sangeetha seeks to develop skills

that many players have graduated

in sports marketing, gender equity

and formed their own team,

policymaking, and fundraising,

Quadzilla.

she will be in an ideal environment

Sangeetha’s own case, sport is an

To take her platform and influence

afterthought, especially when it

to the next level, Sangeetha will be

comes to girls.

partnered with Burton Snowboards

Sangeetha has many ideas for how to use ultimate to make an impact for women in her community and throughout India. She would like to transform the women’s committee

CEO Donna Carpenter during her time on the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program. Labelled “the snowboard ambassador” by The

with an innovative mentor who understands how to balance developing a sport with creating a culture of empowerment. With Donna’s guidance, Sangeetha will take one more step on her path for changing the lives of girls in India through ultimate.

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

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Environmental studies.

It was a small class of five students and a great learning experience to understand people, economics, resources and policy through the glasses of environmental sustainability. It also exposed me to many unselfish humans fighting all odds relentlessly.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? I take care of five street dogs and one rowdy street cat. My family and I feed them twice a day. Their names are Puma, Milkface, Tyson, Mickey, and Vaithy. They expose me to the joy of unconditional love.

DO YOU PREFER TO SWIM OR RUN? Run because I never learned how to swim.

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

CAROLINE LEMBE

Assistant Trainer for N’Wicha Boxing School and Founder of Siki-Lab

BELGIUM

LINA SHIELDS

Senior Director Consumer Marketing Diabetes Business Unit

ELI LILLY & COMPANY

FROM BELGIUM, CAROLINE LEMBE, Assistant Trainer for N’Wicha Boxing School, brings a desire to help new generations of Belgian women discover strength, health, and empowerment through boxing.

EDUCATION Caroline holds a bachelor's degree in socio-educational care work from Artesis Plantijn University College. She also has a background in economics and language.

EXPERIENCE In addition to extensive work in boxing and youth coaching, Caroline has experience in organizational management and communication.

SKILLS Caroline is fluent in four languages: Dutch, French, English, and Lingala and has basic understanding in German. She also regularly works with underserved populations.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? During the program, I hope to learn methods about coaching and management skills, gain insight from others' experiences of empowerment in sports and its effects, and to establish a network of leaders in the sports sector.

For CAROLINE LEMBE, sport always meant more

Flint, Michigan and transformed herself into a living

than athletic performance. As the daughter of Congolese

boxing legend.

immigrants in Antwerp, Belgium, she grew up watching videos of Muhammad Ali on television. She came to admire him for the way he moved in the boxing ring and the way he spoke of a more equal world outside of it.

“When I began boxing, my body physically changed, and mentally I received this power and energy” Caroline says. “It was like one of my great escapes from stress and pressure. It made me conscious to different

But, Caroline never would have predicted that one day

capacities in myself: persistence, self-esteem. I’d say

she’d find her own way into boxing.

when I took my exams, ‘It’s just like boxing class, I can

Growing up, Caroline struggled with being overweight.

do this.’”

She and two of her close friends began swimming and

Caroline is now an assistant boxing trainer at N’Wicha

running to lose weight. As she became healthier, she

Boxing School, founded by Muay Thai kickboxing world

noticed the benefits carrying over into her daily life and

champion and pro boxer Najat Hasnouni. She trains

her academics. Two years into her bachelor’s degree in

around 50 women and offers private lessons to men.

socio-educational care work at Artesis Plantijn University

The school works with people from diverse backgrounds

College, Caroline first tried a boxing class with a friend.

including disadvantaged children, teenagers with

She had been inspired to give the sport a try after

self-esteem and other social issues, single mothers, and

learning the story of two-time Olympic gold medalist

immigrants in civic integration programs.

Claressa Shields, who overcame abuse and poverty in 28 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am energetic and ambitious. I'm also very eager to learn. But, sometimes I can be too critical of myself.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Respectful, Self-Confident, & Influential MENTOR: Reliable, Adaptive, & Consequent EMPOWERED WOMAN: Self-Confident, Optimistic, & Sees the potential in herself and others

FUN FACTS DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? I have an older brother and sister. I'm the youngest.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I love boxing, running, riding my bike, and playing tennis, although it's been a long time since I've played tennis.

“When I see that the girls are

sees clear disparities for girls and

to break down these stereotypes

insecure about their bodies, I

women from underprivileged

and inject new energy in girls and

feel the need to motivate them,”

backgrounds, especially those from

women. She is passionate about

Caroline says. “It’s important to

immigrant communities. According

working with those who have

let girls know through sports they

to OECD statistics, non-native

suffered physical and emotional

can develop themselves and realize

Belgians or those from immigrant

violence, the elderly, and people

their potential and talents. It’s

households are likely to have

with disabilities. Lina Shields, senior

important for girls to realize there’s

lower educational attainment, and

director of consumer marketing

not only a physical component.”

household income that is 30 percent

for Eli Lilly & Company, will serve

less than native Belgians.

as Caroline’s mentor for the U.S.

Outside of boxing, Caroline runs her own company, Siki-Lab, which

“People coming from disadvantaged

recreates hospital rooms and

communities tend to have less

medical environments for medical

opportunities in the job market and

students to practice their techniques.

the education system,” Caroline

She started the company with her

says. “There are still people that

sister with the vision of raising the

tend to see it very black and

quality of the healthcare system in

white—either you’re going to make

Belgium.

it or you’re not going to achieve

For many years, Belgium has been among the most gender equal in Europe and much of the world, with

anything. There are stereotypes people from different backgrounds and origins face.”

Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program.

Eli Lilly is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry with a decorated history of community service that dates back to the late nineteenth century. During the mentorship, Lina and her team will share important business, networking, and communications skills with Caroline that will directly translate over to both her boxing

strong economic participation and

By growing up with a generation of

and medical work, as she seeks

educational attainment statistics for

empowered girls who, like herself,

to spark more opportunities for

women. In Antwerp and throughout

have discovered their strength

Belgium’s women to experience the

the Flanders, however, Caroline

through boxing, Caroline hopes

empowering potential of sports.

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

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be a multicolor crayon because it would represent me as a person, my character, and my openminded mindset.

WHO ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY? My sister and mother.

They are the strong and inspirational women in my environment who teach me to be happy with what I have and to share that with others.

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Yes, my grandmother.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? When I feel stressed or under pressure I enjoy prayer and or training sessions in boxing. I also enjoy swimming and running.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT OR ICE CREAM? Pistachio & vanilla ice cream.

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

XINYI HUA

Chief Writer and Deputy Director of the Sports Department for Xin Min Evening News

CHINA

PATRICIA BETRON Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing

ESPN

KATINA ARNOLD Vice President of Communications

ESPN

FROM CHINA, XINYI HUA, Chief Writer and Deputy Director of the Sports Department for Xin Min Evening News, seeks to develop innovative approaches to help spread a message of women's empowerment in her country.

EDUCATION Xinyi holds a bachelor's degree in sports journalism from the Shanghai Sports Institute and a master’s degree in Journalism from Fu Dan University.

EXPERIENCE As one of the leading women in journalism in China, Xinyi has extensive experience in international sports reporting and has won many awards for her work.

SKILLS With nearly 15 years in her current role, Xinyi has covered three Olympic Games and a host of other international events. She also writes a bi-monthly column.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? Through the program, I hope to create sports opportunities for undeserved and disadvantaged populations, to share knowledge and act as a change agent in local communities, and to gain a deeper understanding of how social media can be used in daily working life.

XINYI HUA had not always been passionate about

Although she had no athletic ambitions of her own,

soccer. Born with asthma, she had not grown up playing

Xinyi dreamed of a future as a sports journalist so she

sports as a girl in Shanghai, China. If her physical

could one day cover her favorite team. Her parents

education teachers asked her to run, she would walk.

were not in agreement and wanted her to study English

And, if there was a way to get out of class altogether,

instead. When it came time for university, Xinyi tried

she would find it.

bargaining with them, but they refused. Unwilling to

That all changed in high school when Xinyi became a fan of the local soccer club, Shanghai Shenhua. Soon enough, soccer became a powerful and influential force

give up her dream, she locked herself in her room for days and cried until her mother finally told her, “Okay, Xinyi, you can be a sports journalist.”

in her life—so much so that she’d often skip studying to

By 2002, Xinyi had completed her bachelor’s degree in

go to the stadium and cheer on her team.

sports journalism from the Shanghai Sports Institute

“In school, we had endless tests.” Xinyi says. “If my grades dropped my teachers would tell me, ‘Xinyi did you go to the stadium to watch football—is that why your grades dropped?’ And they were probably right.

It was.”

and a master’s degree in journalism from Fu Dan University. At the age of 22, she was hired by Xin Min Evening News, where she has worked for the past 15 years, climbing the ranks from summer intern to chief writer to deputy director of the sports department.

Throughout her time with the newspaper, Xinyi has done much more than cover her favorite soccer club; 32

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I am quite good at reading people, and I am generally outgoing, although sometimes I like a bit of a warm up with people.

Also, I am very good with writing and creativity in advertisements.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Caring, Integrity, & Vision MENTOR: Patience, Honesty, & Vision EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Kind, & Interesting

she has covered more than 25

FUN FACTS

Grand Slam tennis tournaments, the FIFA World Cup, three Olympic

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I really enjoy yoga.

Games, and the NBA Finals. Since 2005, she has also won first or second prize in the Chinese Evening

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love spending time with my husband. We can talk about anything, serious or silly. And, he always makes me smile.

News Group’s Best Annual Sports Stories every year, and was named the Shanghai Presswoman of the Year in 2016.

Outside of her own professional success, Xinyi credits sport for uniquely opening her eyes to the world. On one occasion, her job might take her to cover a Wimbledon Final. But, on another occasion, she might be visiting a local hospital in South Africa during a break from World Cup coverage to see children being treated for HIV. As she travels more, it becomes natural for Xinyi to see how

to male athletes, and women’s

Xinyi seeks to develop innovative

sports are not marketed in the same

approaches that will help her

way, making acquiring sponsorships

spread the message of women’s

a challenge. Even in the journalism

empowerment through sports

field, when Xinyi travels to the

in China. To do so, she will be

annual meeting of sports evening

supported by mentors who can help

news directors (China has more

her develop skills in organizational

than 100 evening newspapers),

management, communications in

usually only two or three women

changing media landscape, and

are in the room.

fundraising. Patricia Betron, senior

sport and social change become

Xinyi believes a key way of

interconnected.

combatting these challenges is

“It seems like nothing related to sport, but football gave me the chance to go so many places, to see innocence and suffering, and to share these stories,” Xinyi says.

“For me, sport is a culture and the

to increase the opportunities for Chinese women to empower themselves through sports. Once empowered, their impact can naturally spread from Shanghai across the entire country.

VP of sales and marketing, and Katina Arnold, vice president of communications, are two of the most prominent female leaders at ESPN. Patricia has been named one of the most powerful women in cable television, and leads the sales team for women’s sports, while Katina has spent more than a

power of the mind, and life, coming

“You must start by empowering

decade in corporate communications

together.”

yourself,” Xinyi says. “A man can be

for the company. As a duo, Patricia

physically stronger than a woman

and Katina provide valuable

and lift 100 kilos over his head, but

experience and wisdom to support

we live in a modern world now. We

Xinyi. With their guidance, Xinyi will

are equal. I want women to see they

raise her voice as a female sports

have their own value.”

leader in China and clear a path

While women’s sports participation is increasing as China’s female athletes become more successful, stereotypes and discrimination against women in sports careers are still widespread. Working women

During her time on the U.S.

in China, including female athletes,

Department of State and espnW

are drastically underpaid compared

Global Sports Mentoring Program,

for a new generation of women to enjoy sports from both the field and the press box.

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

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to write a book, a pure literary one to pay the tribute to my favorite writer, Dostoevsky .

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? Yes, I have traveled quite a lot. My favorite destination was Prague. I believe what makes your journey special is not only the views,but the people you meet and the things you experienced.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Chinese. I love literature and have always been fascinated about the language. Books are my life-long best friend.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE CAREER YOU'RE CURRENTLY IN? Yes. I am quite happy in my role. I have freedom to express my own view points and opportunity to help younger people to achieve their dreams.

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

MALAK HASAN

Secretary General, Palestinian Boxing Federation Senior News Editor, WAFA News Agency

PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES

DIANE MORSE Chief Counsel

ESPN

FROM THE PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, MALAK HASAN, a journalist and entrepreneuer, looks to use her platform as a leader in sports to promote gender equality and women's empowerment.

EDUCATION Malak holds a master's degree and bachelor's degree in media practice and public relations from Swansea University. She also studied English language,

EXPERIENCE In addition to serving as a panelist and speaker on media and international relations, Malak brings five years experience as a multi-media journalist.

SKILLS Malak is fluent is two languages: Arabic and English. She has also spent time as a spoken word poet and enjoys creative writing, boxing, and cycling.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? During the GSMP, I hope to network and meet influential women; learn how to turn my skills, knowledge and plans into action; and to leave with an understanding of how to increase women's participation in sports, especially the decisionmaking positions. Girls deserve a fair chance.

It had been years since MALAK HASAN had

University, Malak returned to her country a changed

pedaled a bicycle.

woman. She took a job as chief correspondent for The

When she was 13 years old, her parents left the United Arab Emirates, where Malak was born and enjoyed a

Arab Weekly newspaper. Then, one day, she took her first steps into the boxing gym.

childhood full of activities like karate and swimming.

Boxing is a long way from cycling, and not what many

The family moved to the small village of Biddu in the

in her community would expect for a woman. But in this

Palestinian Territories, a place where sports facilities for

tough environment, Malak found a place to challenge

women were non-existent and even water and electricity

ideas about gender norms.

were privileges. When she saw the green bicycle in the shop window during her time studying overseas in Wales, it brought her back to those earlier years. So, she bought it right there on the spot.

“I Skyped my family and told them I was planning to exercise every day,” Malak says. “By the end of the year, I was cycling 20 to 30 miles. I kept my promise.”

“When I first walked into the gym, I was the only girl,” Malak says. “The coaches asked me, ‘Why do you want to do this?’ I asked them if they asked boys the same question.’”

In the gym, Malak met an 11-year-old girl named Zaina. When she looked at her hitting the punching bag and working on drills in the corner, she saw the

After finishing her master’s degree in communications,

change that women like her can make for girls across

media practice and public relations from Swansea

the Palestinian Territories. With a lack of female role 36

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I love to talk and am a passionate debater. Also, photography is a huge part of me. And finally, I am very ambitious and set high standards and expectations WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Unafraid to fail, Determined, Humble MENTOR: Remembers that once she/he was also a beginner, Respectful, Motivational EMPOWERED WOMAN: Bold, Caring, Respects herself, body, & mind

models, it is very challenging for

FUN FACTS

girls to believe they have a future in sports. One of the country’s female

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I did Karate, swimming, and was part of a Palestinian folkloric dance group.

However, I stopped when my dad moved us to Palestine because it was impossible to reach the city with the political unrest and the lack of facilities.

Olympians, Woroud Sawalha, who Malak tried to interview for a story after she participated in the 2012 London Olympics, was largely forgotten after she did not medal.

“For our society, the story of Woroud shows the struggle all women face,” Malak says. “You either win or you’re forgotten. But, girls need role models.”

Now, Malak is embracing her own potential as a sports leader. She

A lack of resources and facilities

a documentary series, Palestine

receives emails and messages from

prevent Palestinian women from

by Bike, documenting the stories

girls who have heard about her

having full access to sports. Women

of everyday Palestinians, with the

cycling on weekends in a headscarf,

have limited participation in key

hope that awareness and education

or running through drills with the

sectors with only 13 percent holding

will help to break down stereotypes

boys at the boxing gym. At the

positions in national parliament

and inequalities.

urging of her boxing coach, she

and 62 percent of women under 25

ran for and was elected as the

years old unemployed.

youngest and first female general

By participating in the U.S. Department of State and espnW

“We have a semblance of equality

Global Sports Mentoring Program,

in Palestine, but the limited

Malak looks to learn more about

participation of women means this

how she can use her platform as a

equality does not translate over to

female sports leader and journalist

reality,” Malak says. “When you’re

to promote gender equality and

not represented by the system or in

women’s empowerment. She will

“People always say women are

the institutions, your voice will not

be mentored by Diane Morse,

weak, emotional, and incapable

be heard. I believe sports is just as

chief counsel for ESPN. A more

of making decisions,” Malak says,

important as art, music, economics,

than 20-year veteran of working in

“but I’m showing you through

policy, and if we can start to make

legal affairs for the global sports

sports that these stereotypes are

an impact in the sports world, which

media company, she will share key

not true. For me, sport is a symbol

is so dominated by men, then it will

insights on leading as a female in a

in society of whether women are

make an impact everywhere else.”

male-dominated sports world, and

secretary of the Palestinian Boxing Federation. She is also a founding member of Cycling Palestine—an NGO devoted to promoting bicycling in the community.

oppressed or free. In order to have a liberated society anywhere women should be able to choose.”

Already a prominent voice for gender equality, Malak regularly appears on radio and television shows. She is currently working on

will connect her with the technology, methodologies, and media practices for how to promote women’s sports in the Palestinian Territories.

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

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have two sisters–Lujain and Dareen–and two brothers–Ahmad and Seif.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My husband, Yazan. We love to watch movies and talk about politics, life, and work.

Most importantly, we dream about our future.

DID YOU INTEND TO PURSUE THE PROFESSION YOU'RE IN NOW? When I was 14, I wanted to become an ambassador, but I quickly realized that ambassadors do not represent the people as much as they represent their governments. So after six months working as a translator, I was offered a permanent position to train to become a journalist and professional writer. Now, I am doing exactly what I wanted to do when I was little: educate the people, represent my country, and help change lives.

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

CHISOM MBONU-EZEOKE

Sports Reporter, Producer, Television Anchor SuperSport Nigeria

NIGERIA

JENNIFER PRANSKY Coordinating Producer, Features Division FOX SPORTS

LINDSAY AMSTUTZ Assistant General Manager FOX SPORTS

FROM NIGERIA, CHISOM MBONU-EZEOKE, a sports journalist, producer, and television anchor, brings a vision for gender equality, one she hopes to advance through the development of youth sport.

EDUCATION Chisom holds a bachelor's degree in english from the University of Abuja, which she eaerned in 2002.

She is currently the only female anchor with SuperSport Nigeria.

EXPERIENCE Chisom has nearly 15 years experience in sports journalism and sales and marketing. She serves on the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria.

SKILLS Chisom has outstanding skills in technology development and management. She has also covered more than 20 international sporting events, including the World Cup. THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? I hope to develop leadership skills and my core values, expand my network and build longlasting relationships, and develop viable strategies for empowering girls in my community.

It didn’t take very long for CHISOM MBONU-

After finishing her bachelor’s degree in English from

EZEOKE to be known as “the football girl” among

the University of Abuja, she worked three years in sales

her friends in Enugu, Nigeria. Word spread fast around

and marketing before hearing about the FIFA agent

her high school about the girl who knew even more

licensing program. After some research, Chisom learned

about soccer than the boys.

that no Nigerian woman was licensed to represent the

“Many boys listened to me talk more than other boys because they were shocked a girl could know so much,” Chisom says. “I would watch SuperSport back then and tell my friends, ‘I’m going to work for this station one day and talk about football on television.’”

Chisom was athletic as a girl; she competed on the track and field team during her school years. But, she preferred a life in the stands and behind the notepad.

From the time she was 7 years old, she would go with her father to the nearby Enugu Rangers stadium, dreaming of a career in sports journalism.

country’s players at the time. In the testing room, she was the only woman in a room of 15 men. And, she passed. “I really wasn’t interested in selling players,” Chisom says. “I just wanted to be noticed. It was a way of getting my foot in the door.”

Soon afterward, Chisom traveled to watch Nigeria’s men’s national soccer team play an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja. Once there, she was invited to dinner, where she unexpectedly met the head of SuperSport Nigeria—one of the country’s largest media outlets covering professional soccer. After their meeting, she got a phone call from her now-boss with surprising news.

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I dream big. I want to learn how to plan, coordinate, and implement my action plan. And, I want to gain everything I possibly can from my five weeks. I hope my mentor will work me to my bones.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Innovative, Visionary, & Collaborative MENTOR: Enthusiastic, Provides constructive feedback, & Invested EMPOWERED WOMAN: Unwavering, Always learning, Empowers others

“He said the head of SuperSport

Chisom witnesses inequalities

was so impressed; he’d never met a

play out regularly in the sports

girl so passionate about football,”

world. For example, SuperSport

Chisom says. “They wanted me to

hosts a show, Let’s Play, where

come in for an audition.”

Chisom and a production team

The audition was a success and Chisom was hired as the first female soccer analyst on the SuperSport network. After two years as an analyst and basketball presenter, she began anchoring coverage of Spain’s La Liga and the English Premier League. A decade later, she remains the only female anchor for SuperSport Nigeria.

Nigeria to introduce sports to children in partnership with national federations and coaches.

Approximately 90 percent of their participants are boys. When she visits schools to recruit girls, she is told either they do not want to play, or their parents will not let them play. To Chisom, this mentality denies girls the opportunity to

“Now I’m a leader and an influencer,” Chisom says. “But,

future children.

wasting my time and should pursue something else. And, I say, yes doctors and teachers are very important. But many kids in Nigeria cannot afford school or the hospital.

Imagine if they could use sports to receive an education and create better lives for themselves?”

The case is the same in professional sports, where women’s facilities

Super Falcons, have been paid considerably less than the men’s Super Eagles, despite outperforming the men and winning the Africa’s

117 million people—live off less

country.

poverty, and gender inequalities have put Nigeria among the world’s lower-ranking countries in women’s educational attainment, health, and political empowerment.

and teach women how to produce, edit, and write scripts for their own sports stories. She has many other ideas, too, from advocating for new legislation ensuring equal funding and training for women’s sports teams to incorporating sports

During the U.S. Department of State

national soccer team, the

the population—approximately

are often the worst victims of

that she seeks to use to empower

unequal. The senior women’s

more times than the next closest

Development Programme. Girls

an online storytelling platform

programs in schools.

In Nigeria, nearly 63 percent of

statistics from the United Nations

In 2016, she founded Akoni TV,

are lacking and pay is drastically

continental championship eight

than $1.90 a day, according to

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I was a sprinter. I ran the 100 meters and 400 meters.

travel to communities around

better their lives and empower their

initially, people thought I was

FUN FACTS

“People think it doesn’t matter, but it matters so much to the girls,” Chisom says. “They are breadwinners. Their families look to them for help. Aren’t we all Nigerian citizens, entitled to the

and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, Chisom will work with mentors Jennifer Pransky, senior coordinating producer of features, and Lindsay Amstutz, assistant general manager, for Fox Sports.

With their combined experience in sports media and belief in promoting women’s empowerment through sports, they are ideally positioned to support Chisom’s vision for gender equality. With a focus on developing business and sports management, fundraising,

same benefits?”

and leadership skills, Chisom

Chisom believes positive change

lasting change for Nigerian women

can come as more women are

through sports journalism.

will return home poised to make

exposed to sports at early ages.

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

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have seven siblings, 4 brothers and 3 sisters.

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My children because they are the calming effects on a mentally stressful day.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to become the first female sports minister in my country and directly affect society through gender equality in sports.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST IDOL AND WHY? I've never met her, but Oprah Winfrey has had a biig influence on me. She broke glass ceilings and achieved against all odds.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I love going to the movies.

That dark room with huge screens and surround sound.

Heavenly.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to leave a world for my daughters where they are free to express themselves without discrimination.

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

CLAUDIA CONTRERAS DVORAK Sports Psychologist, Andrés Bello Catholic University Project Manager, Deporte Para el Desarrollo

VENEZUELA

KATIE MONTIEL VIDAILLET

Director of Public Relations and Communications

GATORADE

FROM VENEZUELA, CLAUDIA CONTRERAS, a sports psychologist and entrepreneuer, brings a passion for social advancement and empowerment through sports participation, especially for underserved populations.

EDUCATION Claudia holds a bachelor's degree in sports psychology from Andrés Bello Catholic University. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in the same subject.

EXPERIENCE As the founder of a NGO, Claudia brings nearly five years experience in organizational management She has also worked as a sport psychologist for three years.

SKILLS Claudia is certified in eight key areas, including coaching, strength and conditioning, key-factor analysis, anti-corruption, and 7-a-side rugby.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? I hope to enhance my management and business skills, to network with those in sport communities, and to share experiences, points of view, and methodologies in the field of gender, sport development, and social issues.

In Venezuela, as in most of the world, sport is

women’s rugby team. By 2012, she was captain of

traditionally seen as a space where men can dominate.

the Venezuelan national team, leading her country to

In CLAUDIA CONTRERAS’ home in Caracas, the

strong performances at the Bolivarian Games (2013),

reality is quite the opposite.

Central American and Caribbean Games (2014), and the

From the time she was a little girl, Claudia swam, ran, played volleyball and basketball, climbed mountains, and challenged her younger brother in anything that meant she’d have a chance to compete.

“The funny thing is that I am better than my brother in sports,” Claudia laughs. “The stereotype is that boys are supposed to be stronger and faster. Sports is for them.

But, that wasn’t the case in my family.”

South America Women’s Sevens championship (2016).

Last year, the team competed in the Women’s Rugby Olympic Repechage in Dublin, Ireland—Venezuelan rugby’s most important competition to date.

Throughout the years, Claudia balanced her rugby career with work as a sports psychologist for several clubs in different sports. Since 2013, she has also coached the women’s rugby team at her university, and earned several certifications from World Rugby,

In 2003, while studying for her bachelor’s degree in

the sport’s international governing body. Yet, despite

sports psychology at Andrés Bello Catholic University,

the country’s progress in rugby, and Claudia’s personal

Claudia was first exposed to rugby, the sport in which

athletic success, the stereotypes of women’s ability to

she would find her fullest expression. She soon worked

compete remain as stark to Claudia as they did when

her way to being named captain of the university’s

she was a girl.

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I am from Venezuela, a country in social, politic, and economic crisis. However, this situation also brings great opportunity to develop programming for vulnerable and at-risk populations.

Second, I used to play in the national rugby team as a captain. And finally, I am sport psychologist.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Good listener, Empathetic, & Motivational MENTOR: Good communicator, Empathetic, & Sees the best in others EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Bold, & Unwavering

“In Venezuela, people think rugby

FUN FACTS

is for men and ballet dancing is for women,” Claudia says. “I had an Argentine coach on the national team—and you know Argentina is one of the best in the world—and he confessed to me that he didn’t think rugby was for women. I was like, ‘What?! You’re our trainer—you can’t think that!”

The coach later left for a position in

Venezuela faces serious economic

tolerance and respect for your

and social challenges. In 2016,

opponent and the referee—that’s

the country had the second-

what makes a community. If I

changing his mind.

highest murder rate in the world.

can make it visible that girls are

According to World Bank statistics,

interested in rugby, then they can

In 2013, Claudia and a group

poverty has trended upward for

start to believe that girls can be

of close colleagues launched

the past five years, bringing with

leaders, too.”

Deporte para el Desarrollo (Sport

it food shortages, malnutrition,

for Development), an NGO that

and a significant increase in

provides sports opportunities to

child mortality rates. Claudia

youth and coaches in Venezuela’s

has experienced the realities

most disadvantaged communities.

firsthand, and her organization

The organization consists of

began providing meals for children

14 team members, including

participating in sports activities

sociologists, psychologists, and

after many arrived too unhealthy

anthropologists, who apply the best

for physical activity.

Europe and reconsidered his view on women in rugby. He thanked Claudia for the role she played in

in international sport development

As she joins the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, Claudia brings a diversity of talents and ideas for how to create sport-based social change across Venezuela. She will be mentored by Katherine Montiel, director of public relations and communications for Gatorade.

With increasing tensions and

As a leader within one of the

divisions, Claudia believes in the

world’s most prominent sports

power of sport to include and

brands, she will provide Claudia

empower people. Part of the reason

with important marketing, public

she continues to coach women’s

relations, partnership development,

children and youth.

rugby teams (as well as a boy’s

and fundraising resources. With

under-18 team), is the sport’s ability

a history of supporting youth and

“Sport is a great space for children

to draw fans and players across

community development through

to learn because they want to be

social strata and education levels.

programs such as Gatorade Play It

to Venezuela’s context. As of 2017, Claudia and her organization have worked with more than 400 trainers across the country, positively impacting more than 12,000

there,” Claudia says. “We know not every child is going to be a highperformance athlete, but every child has a to be a good citizen. We’re developing human beings.”

“Rugby is a physical sport,” Claudia says. “But you don’t play to injure anyone. We’re there because we love the sport. It teaches you about

Forward, Katherine and her team will connect directly with Claudia’s mission and support her to make a lasting difference in the lives of youth and women in Venezuela.

45

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to become a recognized sport psychologist and coach, a leader capable of helping people become independent. I would also love to see the growth of my organization "Sport for Development," and have this provide financial stability.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, HOW MANY AND WHAT KIND? Yes, I have two dogs: Bacco and Oreo. I also have a cat named Boo. WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I hope to inspire girls and women to pursue their dreams as an athlete, professional, or coach. I want to empower women in the sport environment.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Purple. It represents transformation and it´s my favorite color.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Literature because I like to read. And physical education because it was a place to play, have fun, and learn sports.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? Yes, my favorite destination was Machu Picchu, Peru.

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

ALINE SILVA

National Wrestler Brazil Olympic Committee & SESI

BRAZIL

JULIE EDDLEMAN Global Client Partner

GOOGLE

FROM BRAZIL, ALINE SILVA, an accomplished wrestler, seeks to expand her message of empowering girls and women through sports and establish an organization called, "Women Warriors in the Fight," to do so.

EDUCATION While training and competing, Aline studied cosmetology and esthetics and is now a sergeant in the Brazilian Navy.

EXPERIENCE For the past decade, Aline has represented her country in international wrestling competitions and won more than 10 medals in these global events.r

SKILLS Aline competed in the 75kg category for women's wrestling at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? First, I want to take in the full experience and learn how to empower others. I also want to connect with other women and keep in touch with them. And finally, I hope to learn about the realities in other countries and learn what I can do to help.

ALINE SILVA was exhausted, but she had to keep

The medals podium, however, is not where Aline’s story

diving for her opponent’s legs. Another takedown

began. Raised by a hardworking single mother in Sao

might bring her closer to history. It was the semifinals

Paulo, at a young age she found herself hanging out

of the 2014 World Wrestling Championships in

with the wrong crowd. Her lifestyle led to many late and

Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and she stood across the mat

scary nights for Aline’s mother and her family.

from Ochirbatyn Burmaa, a dozen-time Asian and international medalist from Mongolia. Aline was one win away from earning her place as the first Brazilian wrestler—male or female—to medal at a world championship.

“When you’re wrestling at that level you’re so tired,” Aline says. “You’re fighting your brain: ‘Don’t stop! Don’t give up! You can do it!’ Wrestlers can never give up.”

Aline didn’t give up. She won the match and earned her place in the finals, where she narrowly lost to American Adeline Gray, a gold medalist at the last two world championships. That evening in Uzbekistan, Aline made history.

“Without supervision, I started skipping school and spending most of my time on the streets,” Aline says. “I looked older than my age, so I hung out with the older kids. We smoked cigarettes and drank. I didn’t know kids did these things. I was 11 years old. But I wanted to be a part of the group.”

Afraid of what might happen to her daughter, Aline’s mother transferred her daughter to a new school, where she discovered judo and wrestling.

Finding a positive outlet through sports, Aline transformed herself into a promising Olympic hopeful.

In 2006, she won her first gold medal at Brazil’s 48

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I was raised by my mother, a single, Black woman, so I know how important it is to encourage women to believe in themselves. Also, I'm the only world championship medalist in wrestling in Brazil, and sometimes male athletes are still valued more than me. And finally, I want to create an organization for women so they can achieve what they want in life.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Positive, Eager, & Aware MENTOR: Passionate, Helpful, & Prepared EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Grounded, & Unafraid

national junior championships,

Aline says it’s as if “girls are

followed by a silver medal at the

never given the chance to start

Pan-American Games in 2011. She

dreaming.” As someone who

finished on the podium in several

personally knows the powerful

other national and continental

role sport can play in changing the

tournaments before her ultimate

course and expectation of women’s

triumph at worlds.

lives, she feels called to act.

“When I won the silver medal in

“People laugh when I tell them that

Uzbekistan, I understood I would

at the Olympics the Brazilian teams

never again doubt myself,” Aline

get together and say, ‘We must

says. “I would never give up on my

fight like girls, not men,’” Aline

dreams.”

says. “Have you ever seen little

Aline qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she finished ninth in the women’s 75kg category,

girls fight? They’re tough! We need to remind women how tough they really are inside.”

losing in the quarterfinals to the

Aline is already a role model to

eventual bronze medalist. Aline was

millions of girls across Brazil.

devastated, but still received the

Now, she and her mother plan to

applause of the crowd. The support

create an association, Guerreiras

she received kept the dream from

na Luta (Women Warriors in the

slipping away from her.

Fight) to expand her message of

As she experienced her own transformation, Aline’s eyes opened to the millions of Brazilian girls wandering aimlessly through life.

Poverty, domestic violence, pay inequality and societal stereotypes of women who play sports remain significant challenges in the country.

empowering girls through sports.

Through this association, they plan to provide wrestling classes for girls and women. Aline, who studied cosmetology and esthetics and is a sergeant in the Brazilian Navy, will also teach professional skills that will help women become

FUN FACTS WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My family. They are the only people I can be myself with.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? Becoming an Olympic medalist was a dream come true!

With a new dream of extending her triumphs to girls across her country, Aline is partnered with mentor Julie Eddleman, global client partner for Google, who has been involved with the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program since 2012. Julie has previously mentored four Brazilians as part of the GSMP—Cassia Damiani (2012), Daniela Castro (2013), Paula Korsakas (2014), and Maíra Liguori (2016). A former athlete herself, she is among the United States’ most knowledgeable and prominent marketing and branding experts, and will help Aline develop important

economically independent.

management, fundraising, and

the past decade has seen women

“I didn’t win these medals alone,”

With Julie’s guidance, Aline’s new

with greater access to education and

Aline says. “My mom tells me every

dream of impacting millions of

economic empowerment, but Brazil

time I give a speech the people ask

girls across Brazil through sports is

still ranks outside of the top 100 in

her, ‘How do you feel about your

certain to become a reality.

female political representation, and

daughter?’ She answers with a big

has been called the most dangerous

smile. She is proud and happy. My

place in the world to be a woman

winning is her winning. Despite

for its high rates of gender violence

everyone who doubted, she could

and female homicide.

raise me to be a success.”

A push toward gender equality over

business skills for her association.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? Portuguese was my favorite subject because I like to communicate well.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I hope I'm remembered as someone who helped other people achieve their goals.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE " WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I love reading.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have two half-sisters and two half-brothers.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My mother and my grandma. They always encouraged me to be better.

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

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WERE YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATIONS? Yes, I traveled a lot. My favorite destinations were New York, Italy, and Spain.

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

MEGHA VORA

Founder & Chief Instructor Women’s Self Defense Centers of India

INDIA

JULIE EDDLEMAN Global Client Partner

GOOGLE

FROM INDIA, MEGHA VORA, the founder and chief instructor of a women's self-defense center in Mumbai, seeks to expand the impact of her boxing program and message of gender equality throughout her country.

EDUCATION Megha holds a bechelor's degree in commerce from Mumbai University. She is also a firstdegree black belt in karate and jiu-jitsu.

EXPERIENCE In 2000, Megha and her husband founded India’s first free-of-cost self-defense training center.

In the past 15 years she has served more than 20,000 women.

SKILLS Megha is fluent in four languages– English, Hindi, Marathi, and Gujarati. She is also a master self-defense trainer and a master yoga trainer.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? I would like to learn and prepare myself to reach the next level of sports marketing. I would also like to to bring international concepts and standards for self-defense back to India.

And I hope to connect with sports leaders and achievers from all over the world to create a global platform for empowering women in India.

The gang of boys was out on the street again. In

had inside me. All these years of being quiet and not

MEGHA VORA's neighborhood in Mumbai, India,

doing anything. That made a big difference in my life.”

they seemed to everywhere, harassing the girls as they walked back and forth to school. As a young woman, she would tell herself, “Just put your head down and

In 2000, Megha and Mehul were married and they now have two children together. After their marriage,

get straight home.”

they began organizing free martial arts tournaments

Raised in a conservative Hindu Gujarati family, Megha

attention of prominent Indian film actor Akshay Kumar,

was not trained to react to hostility. When she left

who endorsed them. Their first tournament was held

for Mumbai University, where she was completing a

over four days with 5,000 children in attendance. The

bachelor’s degree in commerce, she befriended a boy

impact was so incredible that Megha and Mehul have

named Mehul, a black belt in karate, and told him

organized these events for the past eight years.

about the boys from her neighborhood. Mehul offered to give her free classes for a few months. Later, when a boy known for physically abusing and teasing girls

for kids in Mumbai. The tournaments gained the

After the Nirbhaya gang rape case shook India and attracted international attention in 2012, Megha

threatened Megha, she finally stood up for herself.

decided to shift her focus to women. She and Mehul

“Something snapped in me that day,” Megha says. “The

2014. Since then, they have launched six more centers

courage came to me; I bashed that boy up black and

around India. In total, more than 20,000 women

blue. That was the first time I experienced the power I

have graduated from the Women’s Self Defense

opened their first self-defense center for women in

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I take pride in what I do. I also believe in patience and perseverance. I know it takes time to bring about social change in any form.

And finally, being a woman I am aware of the problems a woman faces everyday.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Honest, Confident, & Good Speaker MENTOR: Motivating, Socially-Aware, & Leads by Example EMPOWERED WOMAN: Bold, Courageous, Exemplifies the Change

Center’s (WSDC) basic course,

FUN FACTS

which includes physical training, confidence exercises, and preventive

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have two older sisters.

training like screaming and verbal de-escalation. Megha serves as the chief instructor at the main center

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I like spending most of my time with children because of their innocent perspective toward life. They teach me to get happiness from little pleasures in life.

in Mumbai.

“Every day women have these gender differences drilled into our heads,” Megha says. “We’re fighting 6,000 years of culture and conditioning to be quiet. Most of our women aren’t able to scream. These are women overcoming rape and domestic abuse. They are so strong, and this is making a difference. We will never shut this down.”

According to statistics from United Nations Women, India ranks 125th

nutritional component to the course,

as well as how to approach

in the world in gender equality.

as well as a legal panel where girls

corporations for Corporate Social

Although laws exist to protect

can come to learn about how they

Responsibility (CSR) investment.

women, 37 percent of women across

can seek justice if they need it. We

the country report experiencing

need to get them actual counselors;

physical or sexual violence.

these girls have gone through abuse

Addressing these challenges

and violence, and we know we’re

also provides its own cultural

not trained to advise them in the

complications. According to Megha,

best way.”

goals. Julie Eddleman, global client

Megha would like to create a train-

experience in working with global

the-trainers program for graduates

brands, and is the five-time

of the course who want to return

returning mentor to the program,

as coaches. This program would

who mentored India’s Pavithra

serve as an avenue for providing

Chandra in 2015. Julie’s vast

employment opportunities, as well

network and knowledge of working

as a way of expanding her network

with corporate entities that support

physical activity and sports.

and reaching her ultimate dream of

women’s empowerment initiatives

launching on 1,000 centers across

will be key resources for Megha as

“The WSDC is bigger than the

India. To achieve these goals, she

she gets one step closer to making

martial arts,” Megha says. “Women

seeks a greater knowledge of global

communities around India safer for

have many needs. We want to add a

best practices and training methods,

women and girls.

many parents who hear about her seminars will send their sons instead of daughters to classes. The concept that women are not suited for martial arts permeates Indian culture. In many communities, this results in girls and women lacking the stamina and health required for

Through the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, Megha will have an ideal mentor to achieve her partner for Google, has extensive

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

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My husband. He was the one who introduced me to martial arts. After training with him, I have become a different person. He encouraged and helped me establish the women's self defense center.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to empower women to the extent to where no women's self-defense centers are required.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be orange because it's the color of the sunshine.

It fills me up with brightness.

WHO IS THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY? My mother. She is a very strong-willed woman who taught me to stand up for myself against all odds while growing up in a very conservative environment.

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

MINJEI JEON

Deputy Manager, Department of School Sports for the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee

SOUTH KOREA

AMY WILSON Director of Inclusion

NCAA

FROM SOUTH KOREA, MINJEI JEON, a member of the planning committee for the PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, brings passion to develop accountability in her country's collegiate athletic system.

EDUCATION Minjei holds bachelor's and master's degrees in sport science and physical education from Seoul National University, which she earned in 2009 and 2012.

EXPERIENCE In addition to working as an interpreter and research assistant, Minjei has more than seven years experience in international sport event managment.

SKILLS Minjei is an experienced ski instructor with three certifications.

She has also been involved with several academic studies that expore student-athlete experiences.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? First, I would like to learn about non-profit sports in the U.S. and how to promote partnerships between public and private organizations.

I also hope to make a plan to develop a better sports system in Korea to promote school sports, especially for girls. And finally, I look to expand networks with leaders in other countries.

MINJEI JEON was a 5-year-old girl in Busan, South

“When I’m on the slopes, it’s like I’m outside of my

Korea when her mother first enrolled her in figure

reality,” Minjei says. “It’s like I’m living a second life.”

skating lessons. From the skating rink, Minjei made her way to the basketball court, the soccer field, and anywhere her parents were willing to take her to fuel

Minjei’s future career in sports was cemented in 2012, when she completed her master’s degree in sport

her thirst for sports.

science from the same university. Soon afterward,

“In elementary school, I was the only girl who played

Committee, where she has moved through different

soccer with the boys at school,” Minjei laughs. “My

departments—budget team, international youth

parents wanted me to experience everything. My

exchanges, international games—until landing in her

brother was the first one who told me, ‘Minjei, you know

current positon as a deputy manager in the department

it’s not normal for you to play with the boys, right?’”

of school sports.

While Minjei was open to playing any sport as a girl, it

In 2016, the KOC merged with the Korea Council of

was as a college student at Seoul National University,

Sport for All, resulting in a shift away from focusing

where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sport science

only on elite sports to also working on increasing

and physical education, that she discovered her true

participation in “school sports,” and sport for people

passion for skiing. From the age of 20, she earned three

of all ages. As the shift occurred, Minjei became

ski instructor certifications, and spends an average of

responsible for developing student-athlete culture and

two months every winter on the slopes.

managing communication with the Ministry of Culture,

she was hired by the Korean Sport and Olympic

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I cannot live without sports. Sports make my life energetic. My biggest goal is to improve the the studentathlete system in Korea. And I believe the present is more important than the past or the future, so I keep studying and working my whole life.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Empathetic, Driven, & Organized MENTOR: Honest, Empathetic, Guides EMPOWERED WOMAN: Confident, Passionate, Good Communicator

Sports, Tourism and Ministry of

many are allowed to pass through

Education regarding school sports

the education system despite failing

policies.

to perform academically.

At the university level, Minjei has

“What this means is many athletes

already received strong feedback

are limited to careers in sports after

from girls, who have told her that

they retire or are injured,” Minjei

participating in sports has helped

says. “Some become coaches. But, it

to relieve academic stress and meet

isn’t easy. Less than half of retired

different people who they’d never

athletes can find jobs outside of

meet outside of sports. It is this kind

sports. Still, many parents of strong

of motivation that pushes Minjei

athletes will tell me they only want

forward in her work, believing that

their children to focus on sports

sport can make a great impact in

training and not studies.”

the lives of women.

For Minjei, collaboration between

“The challenge is many parents do

government, schools, sports

not believe sports are necessary

federations, parents, and NGOs

for education, especially for girls,”

is fundamental for guaranteeing

Minjei says “When I was in school,

the best experiences for student-

there were no school sports clubs.

athletes, and establishing a

Sport was seen as only for elite

new culture of balance between

athletes.”

academics and sports. As she joins

As Minjei explains, until recently in South Korea the mentality was divided between sports and academics. According to Korean Sport and Olympic Committee research, before 2016 only 1 to 2 percent of elementary and secondary school students participated in sports as studentathletes. With the establishment of a school sports department within the KSOC, that number has grown

the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, she is on a mission to reform the sports system and increase participation of girl students in school sports across South Korea. With the upcoming PyeongChang Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, she believes the time is right to maximize on the exposure the country’s sports system will receive in the next year.

as schools offer sports clubs and

On this journey, Minjei will learn

classes on weekends.

from leaders at the National

On the other end, elite studentathletes face alternative realities.

With no expectation of success,

Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which regulates sports for nearly half a million studentathletes from 1,123 colleges and

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I played many sports with my family, including skiing, bowling, swimming, and skating. We went skiing every winter since I was 6, and in elementary school, I played football and basketball with boys.

universities in the United States. The NCAA has an established history of not only developing school sports, but also providing crucial support to student-athletes in the form of professional and academic support, health and wellness, and financial assistance. Minjei’s mentor, Amy Wilson, director of inclusion for the NCAA, has spent her nearly 30-year career in higher education.

For the past decade, Amy has worked on equity issues in intercollegiate athletics and given numerous presentations on Title IX and gender equity across the United States. Her wisdom and experience will combine with the years of Minjei’s own insight in developing student-athlete programs. Through this mutually-beneficial mentorship, the two women will play a key role in increasing women’s sports participation and developing a student-athlete system that empowers and educates Korean students of all backgrounds and abilities.

57

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes, I have one older brother.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? To help people enjoy sports and improve their lives through sports.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECTS IN SCHOOL? Physical education because it relieved academic stress and math because it’s logical and if I ponder the principle then I can get the right answer.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My mother. She provides encouragement and always helps me become a better person.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Blue because it's the color of the sky and sea and makes people cool and calm.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT? Strawberry and green tea ice cream and cheesecake.

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

PO-CHUN LIU

Head of Public Relations, Taiwan Women's Baseball Advocate Association; Baseball Umpire; & Project Manager, The Garden of Hope Foundation

TAIWAN

SUSAN COHIG

Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Integrated Marketing

NHL

FROM TAIWAN, PO-CHUN LIU, the first female umpire in her country, is an advocate for gender equality in sports and hopes to develop a baseball academy for girls so they may also benefit from participation.

EDUCATION Po-Chun holds a bachelor's degree in social work from National Taipei University and master’s degree in religious studies from National Chengchi University.

EXPERIENCE A recognized leader in the field, Po-Chun has more than a decade of experience in baseball and umpiring through international and national events.

SKILLS Po-Chun has published five books about her experiences in baseball. She also serves as an adjunct professor at HsuanChuang University.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? First, I want to empower myself to become a leader in sports, especially baseball.

Next, I hope to learn about management and leadership from my mentor.

And finally, I want to establish lasting relationships with global leaders in the sports sector.

PO-CHUN LIU grew up believing she could make

“I had no idea I was going to be the first woman to

baseball history. Before she could walk, her father

umpire baseball in Taiwan,” Po-Chun says.

would take her to the stadium to teach her about the sport that would define her life. He told her: “You are

After a few years of serving as a base umpire, Po-Chun

capable of anything, Po-Chun.”

sought to make the big move to becoming a plate

But, when Po-Chun walked into tryouts for her junior

was no equipment for female plate umpires. Even her

high school baseball team, she received a different

colleagues told her, “No, that’s enough. Aren’t you

message. The coaches told her there was a “no skirts

satisfied?” Undeterred by the negative reactions, Po-

allowed” policy and turned her away. Taiwanese girls

Chun pushed ahead. While interpreting for the New York

weren’t supposed to play baseball.

Yankees during their visit to Taiwan in 2009, the team

Refusing to give up her ambition to play the game,

umpire. The local baseball association told her there

learned about her story and offered to sponsor her gear.

a young Po-Chun volunteered with Little League

“That night I told my parents, ‘This is surely my

Baseball. She assisted with summer camps, collected

destiny,’ Po-Chun recalls.

paperwork, and began interpreting for Taiwan’s baseball association during international competitions. At national tournaments, she noticed the poor quality of the umpiring and knew she could do a better job, so she began taking the first steps toward becoming a game official.

Since 2006, Po-Chun has umpired for World Baseball and Softball Confederation (WBSC) tournaments in Venezuela, South Korea, and Hong Kong. But, she never had the chance to play the sport she loved. In Taiwan, 60

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I have great passion in advocating for gender equity in baseball and other sports.

I also have experience in English, teaching, writing, presenting, and coordinating. And finally, I am committed to public service and spreading the message of equality through social media.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Sharp, Influential, & Open-Minded MENTOR: Committed, OpenMinded & Driven EMPOWERED WOMAN: Bold, Committed to Gender Equality, & Eager

women’s baseball only exists at

FUN FACTS

the amateur level. At one point, Po-Chun organized an international

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes, one brother and one sister.

tournament, inviting women’s teams from all over the world, and booked the largest stadium available. It had never been done before. One of her friends even told her, “Maybe the men are right. How can we play on a regular field? We don’t deserve that.”

According to world gender equality statistics, the gender gap in Taiwan is closing, with women attaining higher levels of economic opportunity, education, health, and political empowerment than ever before. But, for advocates like PoChun, it can often appear as if there is a brick wall separating women and sports.

“Sometimes I feel like I live in another world when I play baseball,” Po-Chun says. “In Taiwan, women can be highly educated. But our traditions say we must not play sports. We should be in the kitchen. And, if we should be in the kitchen, then we certainly shouldn’t be playing baseball.”

Despite the challenges, progress is happening. Po-Chun, who has a bachelor’s degree in social work from National Taipei University and master’s in religious studies from National Chengchi University, has published five books about her experiences, including her 2016 publication, Safe & Out:

The Courage of Persistence and

ultimate dream is to one day run a

Introspect: How Baseball Teaches

baseball school in Taiwan.

us about Frustration and Attitude.

She often appears on television and is asked to contribute columns to national newspapers. Her junior high school, which denied her the chance to play more than two decades ago, even invited her back

Through participation in the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, Po-Chun will learn vital marketing and sports management from experts in the United States, as well

to speak to the girls.

as share her unique perspective

“In Taiwan, I am called the mother

umpires. Of American women

of baseball,” Po-Chun says. “I want

leaders in the sports sector, few

to make girls believe they have the

have the expertise and wisdom

potential to take charge in their

of four-time mentor Susan Cohig,

lives despite traditional stereotypes.

senior VP of business affairs and

My baseball journey isn’t the same

integrated marketing for the

as every girl, but I show girls that

National Hockey League (NHL).

it can help you pursue a career and

For almost two decades, Susan

happiness. Baseball makes you feel

has worked in the company’s

like you can do anything.”

national office overseeing all areas

In addition to her umpiring duties, Po-Chun works as a project manager for The Garden of Hope Foundation, an NGO that serves women victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking. She believes that sport can change lives across all backgrounds and wants to see more female leaders in government and greater financial support from sponsors for women’s sport. Her

as one of the first female baseball

of business, integrated sales, and digital marketing and media. She knows what it feels like to be a female voice in the male-dominated world of sports, and how to work with leagues and teams to promote women’s initiatives in the U.S. and abroad. With her own unending determination and Susan’s close guidance, Po-Chun is guaranteed to write new chapter of success for women’s sports in Taiwan.

61

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My classmates in university.

They are all social workers and work at NGO organizations. We support and encourage each other.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM AND WHY? My biggest dream is to have a baseball school in Taiwan that would cooperate with Taiwan Sports University.

We would provide various courses, including training, coaching, and umpiring.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION? My favorite country is the USA. It's the first place I felt encouraged on the baseball field. No one laughed at me for dreaming.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL ?

History because it teaches me to think. All things are rooted in the past and we shall do something for the future if we have a dream.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I hope my life can encourage people who face challenges.

I want to empower them, especially girls to pursue their happiness.

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

NAOUAL ZAARAOUI Track and Field Coach Royal Moroccan Athletics Federation

MOROCCO

JENNA TIDD Section Business Operations Coordinator PGA OF AMERICA

LAURIE FRENCH Director of Technology Operations PGA OF AMERICA

FROM MOROCCO, NAOUAL ZAARAOUI, a national track and field coach, brings an entrepreneurial spirit to the advancement of gender equality nationwide through sports and outdoor activity.

EDUCATION Naoual holds a master's degree in sports management and governance from the National School of Commerce and Management.

EXPERIENCE In addition to nearly eight years in track and field coaching, Naoual has also helped organize national sport events and served as a youth basketball coach.

SKILLS Naoual speaks four languages– Arabic, French, German, and English. She also holds several coaching and training certifications, including one in sport psychology.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? During the GSMP, I hope to enrich my knowledge about sports and gender equality, develop skills related to those ideas, and learn from other leaders worldwide. I also look forward to learning from my mentors and peers.

NAOUAL ZAARAOUI was born to become an

training from the Royal Institute of Sports, however, she

athlete. From the time she was 5 years old, Naoual

suffered a knee injury that ended her competitive career.

would accompany her father, El Ghazi, a 1964 Olympian and seven-time track and field world champion, to the track. She was his shadow, mimicking all his movements. Whereas most of her friends in Rabat preferred to stay inside to play with dolls, Naoual wanted to be outside moving, whether it was playing soccer with the boys, jumping around in gymnastics class, or eventually competing on the track herself.

“I’d come home all the time with dirty clothes,” Naoual says. “My mom never punished me. She said, ‘Every time you bring home dirty clothes, it shows me you will follow your dad into sports.’ She told me she wanted to

Naoual’s new focus became a career in sports management. In 2016, as she was completing her master’s degree in sports management and governance at the National School of Commerce and Management, she was accepted for an internship at the University of Leipzig. Naoual excelled at the university and was later named the Moroccan sports ambassador for the prestigious International Trainer Course (ITK).

After returning home, Naoual worked as a project manager for TIBU Basketball Academy, an NGO focused on basketball and youth development, and

see me as sports minister one day.”

as a brand ambassador for Nike. She was then hired

Through her school years, Naoual competed on the

track and field coach with the Royal Moroccan Athletics

athletics team, and specialized in the long jump. In

Federation.

by the Ministry of Sports and assigned to be a youth

2010, while she was working on a diploma in sports 64 AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I'm a curious person, a hard worker, and a big dreamer. I believe that sports can bring about equality, and I'm working hard to achieve that.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Confident, Hard-Worker, & Empowering MENTOR: Honest, SociallyAware, & Supportive EMPOWERED WOMAN: Powerful, Self-Motivated, & Makes Good Choices

“My dream in life was to discover

FUN FACTS

the other parts of the world through sports,” Naoual says. “For me,

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

sport brings together people from all cultures, regions, and religions.

It made my dreams come true.

Sport is not just about good health and body image. It can give you everything.”

While Naoual believes in sport’s ability to positively impact the lives of girls and women in her country, there are significant challenges

aesthetic benefits, and not for

leader in Morocco. During the U.S.

developing healthy lifestyles.

Department of State and espnW

preventing them from experiencing

“But, then you see women who

its benefits. Morocco ranks among

are 40 years old running with

the lowest in the world in key

traditional clothes just because

gender equality indicators, such as

they love sport,” Naoual says. “I

economic empowerment, education,

want to prove women can do sports

and health. According to an

everywhere and any time they

International Monetary Fund study,

want. We don’t need any special

78 percent of girls in rural areas

facilities to run. From a small thing,

do not attend school, and only 25

we can make a big thing.”

percent of women are part of the country’s workforce.

Although Naoual’s ultimate dream

In a push toward gender equality,

female sports minister, she also

the Moroccan government passed

hopes to create her own company,

key legislation in the past decade,

The Golden Horse Agency, as a way

expanding the rights of women

of providing women with career

in marriage, guardianship, child

opportunities.

custody, access to divorce, and a constitutional guarantee for equality. While access to sports is increasing, cultural challenges persist. From Naoual’s experience, many women cannot or are unwilling to exercise or practice sports in places where men are present. For those of Naoual’s generation, fitness and physical activity are also seen for their

is to become Morocco’s second

Global Sports Mentoring Program, she will be mentored by Laurie French, director of technology operations, and Jenna Tidd, senior business operations coordinator, for the PGA of America. As the world’s largest sports organization, with more than 28,000 men and women golf professionals, the PGA of America has a strong record promoting women’s initiatives, as well as organizing some of golf’s most important events. Laurie and Jenna will collaborate to provide Naoual with the sports marketing, communications, and organizational leadership skills she needs to pave her entrepreneurial path in

“I want to prove that when a

Morocco. Naoual will also share

woman creates a project, she can

her own experiences, international

take it to the last step,” Naoual

perspective, and knowledge of

says. “For us, the project is like a

women in sports with the PGA of

baby. We must do everything to

America, a global brand. Together,

make it grow up and have a good

this trio of women will inspire a new

future. With this we can change the

and brighter future for generations

way of thinking toward women.”

of working women and aspiring female athletes in Morocco.

Naoual is ready to maximize her platform as a female sports 65

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 niece. When I'm with her, I feel like I'm two years old as well. I enjoy playing and having fun with her.

HAVE YOU TRAVELED OUTSIDE YOUR HOME COUNTRY? IF SO, WHERE? Yes, I've traveled to Germany, Belgium, and several Scandinavian countries.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My dad. He's had an indirect influence, but he's my idol and teaches me so much.

He's shaped me into the person I am today.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I enjoy spending time in nature.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOW WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be pink so people would feel safe and happy.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, HOW MANY AND WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES? I have one cat named Leo and a small dog named Zeya.

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

CARMEN POZO RIOS

Founder & Director Las Super Poderosas Magazine & Soccer Academy

BOLIVIA

ROMINA BONGIOVANNI Group Director of Earned Media and Public Relations SAATCHI, LOS ANGELES

FROM BOLIVIA, CARMEN POZO RIOS, a social entrepreneuer, sports journalist, and educator, hopes to expand her message of gender equality and inclusion through public awareness campaigns.

EDUCATION Carmen holds a bachelor's degree in social communications from Catholic University of Bolivia.

She also has experience teaching English.

EXPERIENCE In addition to nearly two decades of experience in sports journalism, Carmen also founded a magazine and leads a youth soccer academy for girls. ur

SKILLS In addition to covering more than 20 national and international events, Carmen covered the 2012 London and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? First, I hope to learn many strategies for using sports as a tool to empower women in Bolivia. I also hope to find ways to create opportunities for women to succeed in life, to fight discrimination, and to be more confident, all through sports. Finally, I would like to learn about the structure of sport in the US.

CARMEN POZO RIOS was daydreaming in class

Carmen laughs at the memory now. Despite her early

again. She wanted to get to her next assignment. A

blunders, she quickly found her footing as a journalist,

sports journalist does not have time to waste, and there

working on television and for local newspapers for

was still so much for her to learn.

the entirety of the 1990s. She was among the first

Born and raised in La Paz, Carmen attended Catholic

recognizable women to cover sports in Bolivia.

University of Bolivia, where she played volleyball and

“Sport is an area that was meant for men, and in

pursued a bachelor’s degree in social communications.

Bolivia only men could talk about it,” Carmen says.

As a student, however, she recognized her real interest

“Then a woman started talking about sports—me—and

was in sports media. One day, after class, she took her

I did it well. People started believing in me. And they

tape recorder and approached the famous Bolivian

think that I know more about sports than men. I opened

reporter Fernando Bustillo, asking him to help her

the road to many other women to do the same.”

become a real sports journalist.

In 2007, Carmen and her best friend Zdenscka

“Fernando sent me to all the games so I could bring

Bacarreza were preparing to launch a new television

him news to put on his radio program,” Carmen recalls.

show. Her friend’s husband, Argentine sports journalist

“I didn’t know how to do interviews, so I’d talk to the

Fernando Berdeja, suggested the duo, who were

volleyball and tennis presidents, for instance, and say, ‘I

known for having fun and working hard together,

have to do an interview, Mr. President, but I don’t know

call themselves las super poderosas (“super powerful

how, so can you tell me what to ask you?’”

women”). The name stuck and the show became a hit.

68

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I was the first woman in Bolivia to work in sports journalism, and I fought discrimination. I also work hard and make every effort to achieve my dreams. In fact, I work at a school in the mornings. I don't make much money out of sports or journalism, but it's part of my life, and I love it.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Grounded, Open-Minded, & Unifying MENTOR: Optimistic, RoleModel, & Knowledgeable EMPOWERED WOMAN: Passionate, Bold, Courageous

"There is even a girl’s wheelchair

FUN FACTS

basketball team in Bolivia with the same name,” Carmen says,

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I did track and field for about 8 years. I also played volleyball for about 10 years, and now I play racquetball

“inspired by our television program.

Everywhere we go people know us as the super poderosas.”

In 2015, the program evolved into a free magazine that Carmen and

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? Yes, I have two brothers, Marcos and Sergio.

her colleague publish and distribute throughout La Paz. The positive response propelled the women to launch their own soccer academy by

Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report.

messages about women and

the same name. Carmen convinced

But, while the country is a world

encouraging them to play. She also

the principal at St. Andrews School,

leader in women’s health and

wants to use the academy to recruit

where she works as a kindergarten

political empowerment, it still

and train more girls to become

teacher, for permission to use their

faces other gender challenges.

athletes and soccer leaders.

soccer field. From the 18 girls who

Bolivia ranks 98th in the world in

showed up to the first practice two

women’s economic participation

years ago, the number has more

and educational attainment,

than tripled. Girls are graduating

and gender-based violence has

from the academy and becoming

proven to be a very serious issue

coaches—it is the country’s only

nationwide. Despite a 2013 law

soccer academy with five female

against femicide, there have been

coaches. Now even mothers attend

thousands of reports of violence in

practice after seeing the positive

the past four years.

changes taking place in their daughter’s lives.

Carmen believes sport can play a lead role in addressing Bolivia’s

“People think soccer is a man’s

gender issues. Arriving to the U.S.

sport only because they never

Department of State and espnW

see women playing it,” Carmen

Global Sports Mentoring Program

says. “But sport gives you power.

with a decorated resume in the

Girls carry themselves different

media industry, she believes the

after kicking a soccer ball. They’re

program can equip her with new

confident. Other girls see this and

tools to make an even broader

want to play. Even the boys look at

impact. Among her ideas, Carmen

the girls practicing and see there’s

would like to create a city-wide

no difference between them.”

public awareness campaign using

Bolivia is ranked 23rd among 144 countries by the World Economic

short radio messages, billboards,

“I stick my nose everywhere and I like to fight for what is right,” Carmen says. “Sometimes people pay attention, sometimes they don’t. But I will never stop trying.”

Romina Bongiovanni, group director of earned media and public relations for Saatchi & Saatchi Los Angeles, is the ideal mentor for Carmen. A prominent Latina leader in the U.S. media industry who has decades of experience in creative campaigns for top international brands such as Pepsi and DirecTV, she will be a key source of knowledge and innovation.

Together, Carmen and Romina form a powerful duo of strong women with a commitment to spreading the message and impact of women’s sports throughout Bolivia.

and posters with Bolivia’s most popular athletes sending positive 69

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? Besides my son, I spent most of my time with my business partner. We both work for our magazine, have the soccer academy, and go to the gym together.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? I would like to be the Sports Minister in my country so I can support the athletes here and empower women to be leaders, good professionals, and committed people WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR AND WHY? My greatest mentor was my mom. She was a hardworking person, somebody who fought for her beliefs.

She was also a well-known athlete in Bolivia who was very humble. There were no barriers for her.

DO YOU HAVE ANY NICKNAMES? Yes, my nickname is Piña, and I prefer to be called that.

It sounds funny, but it is me!

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

ELVIRA DUSHKU

Acting Secretary General Kosovo Basketball Federation

KOSOVO

LAURA DIXON Head of External Relations

SPURS SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT

FROM KOSOVO, ELVIRA DUSHKU, an executive with the Kosovo Basketball federation, hopes to revitalize women's basketball in her country and get more women into decision-making roles and coaching positions.

EDUCATION Elvira holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications from AAB College in Pristina. She is also pursuing a master's degree in sports administration.

EXPERIENCE In addition to her new role in sports admistration, Elvira also has experience in sports journalism, coaching, volunteerism, and nonprofit work.

SKILLS Elvira played professional basketball for more than a decade.

She also speaks four languages– Albanian, Turkish, Serbo-Croatian, and English.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? During the GSMP, I hope to learn how to strengthen the role of women in sports in Kosovo. I would also like to learn best practices and standard ways to practice sports from the early ages.

And finally, I'd like to learn how to reach girls and women in rural areas.

ELVIRA DUSHKU was still in elementary school

After the war ended, a former men’s coach approached

in Pristina, Kosovo when her older brother invited her

Elvira on a mission to form a new women’s club,

to watch him and his friends play basketball. No girls

Univerziteti Priština. She joined the team and played

were on the court, so at first she waited patiently on

competitively until 2007, winning numerous best player

the sidelines. But, after two or three times, she couldn’t

awards and national championships before she suffered

take it anymore and put herself in the game

a serious knee injury and retired.

“I told my brother, ‘Why can’t I play with the boys,

“For me, playing basketball is about passion,” Elvira

too?’ Elvira says. “So, I did.”

says. “This sport made me achieve everything I have in

From that point forward, the basketball court became

my life.”

her second home. One day, a former Yugoslavian

At one point, women’s basketball thrived in Kosovo.

national basketball team player, whose daughter

In 2003, Elvira’s club had been invited to participate

attended the same school as Elvira, spotted her talent

in an international league for the first time—the FIBA-

and asked if she was interested in joining the local

sponsored EWWL Trocal League. The club competed

women’s club. By the age of 14, she was playing at the

against teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, and

highest level. But, then came the war in Kosovo, and

Bosnia. The attention that came with participating in a

Elvira was separated from playing the sport she loved

major European league caused a shift in how women’s

for nearly two years.

sport was viewed nationally.

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? I'm very outgoing and approachable, I prefer to be challenged with new ideas and perspectives as much as possible, and I'm a team player.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Positive, Has Potential, & Values-Driven MENTOR: Positive, Objective, & Shares Expertise EMPOWERED WOMAN: Independent, Empowers Others, & Passionate

“We’d play at stadiums around the

and then promoted to its acting

country and they’d be filled—2,000

secretary general. She is one of

people and more,” Elvira says.

the country’s few female sports

“People were standing outside

executives. In March, she was also

because they couldn’t get in. And

selected to participate in FIBA’s

we were girls! It was incredible.”

TIME OUT program, a partnership

However, the club was not invited to participate in the next season of the league, and the sport dropped in popularity. After she retired from playing in 2007, Elvira began a bachelor’s degree

and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, which allows for exceptional retired players like Elvira to receive a master’s degree in sports administration.

“I want to be a voice and role

AAB College in Pristina, and was

model in my country,” Elvira says.

hired as a reporter for the Kosova

“I’ve heard parents say , ‘Elvira,

Sot newspaper. Around the same

my girl wants to be like you.’ This

time, her basketball club asked

can continue to the other sports

her to return as its women’s sports

federations, where all the front

coordinator.

offices are men. It can start with basketball.”

between men’s and women’s sport

Since she began as acting secretary

in Kosovo became even more

general, Elvira and the federation’s

apparent to Elvira. The club—one of

executive committee have ensured

the country’s largest—dedicated most

that coaches of men’s and women’s

its budget to the men’s team, and

teams are paid equally, and that

did not invest in its women’s team.

women’s teams are prioritized

Elvira had to go to the government,

in scheduling of practices and

speak with the director of sports

games. She has many ideas for

in Pristina, and make pitches for

how basketball can be further used

funding from small sponsors.

for the development of gender

“Kosovo is a patriarchal society,” Elvira says. “We don’t have female role models either to challenge this.

There are no women’s sports figures who little girls can look to for their futures.”

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? My former teammates and my best friend because we share the same interests and sense of humor. We also recently worked together managing a basketball club in Pristina.

between FIBA, the European Union

in mass communications from

In her new role, the disparities

FUN FACTS

equality. She would like to start formal basketball leagues for girls and women, while also partnering with schools and physical educators in rural areas to develop more coaches.

coaching to grow because this is how we build role models. Girls see women playing and coaching and it sets a new goal for them.”

For her time during the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, Elvira will work with two-time mentor Laura Dixon, head of external relations for Spurs Sports and Entertainment. A leader within one of U.S. basketball’s top clubs, Laura has extensive experience in using sport for local impact, particularly how to promote campaigns that mobilize communities and engage stakeholders to action. As the global popularity of basketball grows, the Spurs organization has hosted at least three delegations of Kosovoan basketball players over the years, most recently a U.S. Department of State Sports Visitor program organized with Elvira’s support.

Laura and the Spurs will be vital resources for Elvira, as both a

“In the villages, 22 of our 23

female leader at the elite level of

In 2015, Elvira was hired by the

coaches may be men,” Elvira says.

sport, and for providing her with

Kosovo Basketball Federation

“I need the number of women

the best practices for engaging girls and youth through basketball.

73

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to someday become the first female president of the Kosovo Basketball Federation.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? I liked history because it teaches you about the past, and it provides us the skills to apply critical thinking for the future.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR? My greatest mentor has been Soren Karlstrom, the former chairman of the Swedish sports' education NGO, SISU. When I worked there, Mr. Karlstrom took me under his wing and selflessly advised me on all aspects of how to run an NGO. He was very attentive to the staff's needs and would never ask others to do what he wouldn't do himself.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Red because it symbolizes a daring and passionate personality.

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

ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ-LARRAIN

CEO of Peru Runners

PERU

PAM CATLETT Senior Vice President and General Manager of Women's UNDER ARMOUR

SUSIE MCCABE Senior Vice President of Global Retail UNDER ARMOUR

FROM PERU, ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ-LARRAIN, CEO of Peru Runners, seeks to expand the impact of her organization to include rural and underserved women and to spread her message of gender equality.

EDUCATION Alejandra holds two bachelor's degrees, the first in business and the second in economics and finance, both from the Universidad de Piura.

EXPERIENCE For nearly six years, Alejandra has led Peru Runners, one of the largest running organizations in her country. She also leads a program for blind runners.

SKILLS Alejandra speaks three languages– Spanish, English, and French. She also has experience teaching, volunteering, and in sport management.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? My biggest goal for the GSMP is to be inspired by amazing people and experiences, so I can can return to Peru with even more strength to make a difference. I also hope to learn how to make a nonprofit organization attractive to potential sponsors and donors.

ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ-LARRAIN's

Since 2011, Alejandra has participated in the New York

childhood was filled with car drives to and from sports

City Marathon five times, and completed half-marathons

lessons. If it wasn’t tennis, it was swimming. If it wasn’t

in Spain, Chile, Colombia, North Carolina, and Florida.

swimming, it was golf. But, nothing made Alejandra feel the way she did when she stepped onto the track.

While working on her second bachelor’s degree in

Inspired by her father, an attorney and marathon

(Alejandra earned a degree in business from the same

runner who raced in marathons in New York City and

university in 2008), she began helping her dad with

the Andes mountains, Alejandra joined and competed

an amateur running club he founded in 1984, Peru

on the track and field team at her primary and

Runners. In 2012, as the club formed into a full-scale

secondary schools. She thought one day she might run

organization promoting running across the country,

next to her father in a marathon. But, there was no

she joined full-time as its CEO and lead on social

rush. Then, in 2011, he announced he was going to run

development programs.

for the last time.

economics and finance from the Universidad de Piura

As the head of the organization, Alejandra grew Peru

“I remember I called my sister and told her I signed

Runners to six running clubs nationwide, including two

both of us up to surprise him,” Alejandra says. “I told

women’s and one trail running club. The organization’s

her, ‘We’ve got to start training in two weeks.’ She was

membership also grew to 1,000, as it expanded to host

mad. But, it wasn’t my dad’s last marathon. He’s 64

32 major events a year, with even more local events for

years old now and still running.”

runners.

76

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, I love challenges. I am also outspoken. And, I have many interests (economics, business, art, architecture, and literature) and love to combine them.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Confident, Humble, & Brings out the best in others MENTOR: Authentic, Inspirational, & Believes in you EMPOWERED WOMAN: Self-Assured, Uses her voice, & Determined

But, even as Peru Runners

FUN FACTS

flourished, Alejandra wanted to do more than just promote running.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? My home, a long run, the ocean, a book.

Her parents had made sure she was aware of social and economic injustices in society, and she wanted to make a bigger impact.

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE? I want to be remembered as someone who fought for and provided justice and access to opportunitie, for the less favored groups or minorities.

“Peru is a place where economic and gender differences are very stark,” Alejandra says. “There is a long coast with modern cities, where some girls have access to economic assets and don’t feel different from the boys. Then we have the highlands and the jungle, and poor communities even in the big cities. These are places where many girls have to fight to even get an education.”

While gender inequalities exist across Peruvian society, Alejandra is most concerned by how they affect poor and rural women. In 2014, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the country’s government to tackle gender discrimination, particularly high rates of teenage pregnancy, racism, and violence.

Alejandra believes running provides a positive environment where women gain confidence to fight for their rights and improve the quality

greater, and you should enjoy

government leaders across Peru. By

every step. Running builds life

participating in the U.S. Department

skills, confidence, body awareness,

of State and espnW Global Sports

friendships, and creates safe

Mentoring Program, she seeks

environments for women to connect

to maximize the organization’s

with each other.”

current platform, while learning

Since Alejandra became CEO of Peru Runners, women have grown to represent 45 percent of its membership. Outside of the clubs, she organizes key programs, such as Correr te Hace Libre (Running Makes You Free), aimed at empowering men and women in prison, and campaigns to spread awareness of street harassment of women who run and do other physical activities outside.

“With everything, we’re trying to promote women’s equality,” Alejandra says. “We want women

of their lives.

to be healthy and sporty, not

“In running, you will suffer,”

like they are less than men.”

Alejandra says. “It is like life. There will be sacrifices and obstacles along the way, but the rewards of overcoming them are much

overweight, depressed, and feeling

new management and leadership skills to take Peru Runners’ impact to the next level. Guiding her on the journey are Under Armour mentors Pamela Catlett, senior VP of and general manager of women’s, and Susie McCabe, senior VP of global retail. Two senior female leaders in one of the world’s global sports brands, who possess more than 20 years of experience with prominent companies such as Ralph Lauren and Nike, Pamela and Susie will provide Alejandra with key resources for working with and attracting new sponsors, as well as innovative ideas for growing Peru Runners around the country. With her mentor’s support, Alejandra is certain to change the lives of

Through years of hard work and

hundreds more underserved women

success, Alejandra has cultivated

in communities throughout her

strong relationships with civic and

country.

77

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? Blue. It is my favorite color because it represents profundity, calm, peace, truth, and action.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have 1 sister and 1 brother.

DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? Yes, I did running, swimming, tennis, and golf.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS? IF SO, WHAT KIND? I used to have a Jack Russel Terrier named Gretta, but she passed away 1 month ago at the age of 17.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF DESSERT OR ICE CREAM? I love anything chocolate or strawberry.

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

AGNES BALUKA MASAJJA

Sports Tutor, Busitema University; Head of Education Commission, Association of Uganda University Sports

UGANDA

LAURA BURTON Associate Professor of Sport Management

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

JENNIFER MCGARRY Professor & Department Head for Educational Leadership UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

FROM UGANDA, AGNES BALUKA MASAJJA, an executive with the Associaion of Uganda University Sports, brings a passion to expand athletic participation opportunities for girls and women in her country.

EDUCATION Agnes holds a bachelor's degree (Makarere University) and a master's degree (Ndejje University) in Sports Science. She is also pursuing her PhD.

EXPERIENCE Agnes has more than a decade of experience in roles as a coach, administrator, executive, and tutor.

She has also worked in sports recreation management.

SKILLS Agnes speaks four languages– English, Kiswahili, German, and French–and speaks several local languages. Agnes also has experience with research.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? First, I hope to develop skills related to management and business that will help me contribute to economic growth. I also hope to learn about U.S. sports and nonprofit environments so I may implement similar ideas at home.

When it came to sports as a girl, AGNES BALUKA

in the eastern Ugandan city of Tororo, she attended

MASAJJA was a natural. In school, she played

Makarere University, where she received a scholarship

netball, soccer, and ran track and field. All the students

to study sports science. She then earned a master’s

knew that when it came time for the 400-meter sprint,

degree in the same subject from Ndejje University in

Agnes was going to take home the medal.

2014. Now, Agnes is writing her dissertation, “A Gender

But, as is the reality for many girls in Uganda, there came a point when Agnes’ father pushed her to focus on academics and leave the sports world behind. She didn’t listen.

“I would have to hide when I ran so he wouldn’t find out,” Agnes laughs. “I would avoid any national competitions or races where there’d be media coverage because I didn’t want to get in trouble. By the time I got to university, I told my dad, ‘This is my career. This is my destiny.’ So he couldn’t refuse me anymore.”

Contrary to what her father believed, sports only improved Agnes’ performance in the classroom. Raised

Perspective of Leadership in Sports Organizations in Uganda,” for her Ph.D. in gender issues in sports at Makarere.

“What sports has done for me I feel it can do for girls throughout Uganda,” Agnes says. “If you go to the hospital when you’re sick, what do they say? Go for a walk, a run, or a swim. You need to take care of your physical body. But with sports we can also talk about other issues. Sports becomes a platform for a bigger conversation.”

The issues Agnes refers to are the many challenges facing Ugandan women: early marriage and pregnancy, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, poverty, 80

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? My dissertation is, “A gender perspective of leadership in sports organizations in Uganda.” I'm also interested in learning about women's empowerment programs, specifically through track and field. Finally, my major goal is to change the attitude of parents who think that sports make girls too masculine.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Respectful, Committed, & Humble MENTOR: Knowledgable, Good Communicator, & Role Model EMPOWERED WOMAN: Educated, Confident, & Financially Stable

and lack of access to adequate

FUN FACTS

education. According to a Ugandan government survey from 2011, 40

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

percent of women must ask their husband for permission before leaving their homes. More than half of women have experienced physical or sexual violence.

Far more widespread, however, is the mindset that men and women are inherently different, and sports falls within the natural domain of men and not women. For Agnes, the expectations placed on her by her father were not the same for her brothers, who were able to play soccer freely. Generally, Ugandan girls are tasked with helping their mothers with cooking, housework and other domestic duties. If they are able to continue with sports through their school years, there have been cases of sexual harassment, with male coaches taking advantage of female athletes. This has reinforced this idea of keeping women away from sports, especially those such as athletics and swimming where dress codes are adverse to traditional Ugandan culture.

Agnes’ story, however, is evidence that Ugandan women can excel in the world of sports. For the past decade, she has thrived in roles as a coach, administrator, and executive. Currently, she is the sports tutor for Busitema University.

In this position, Agnes coordinates and supervises the university’s 16

sports programs. For now, only five

By participating in the U.S.

of these programs are available to

Department of State and espnW

women, which drives her to create

Global Sports Mentoring Program,

more opportunities in the future.

Agnes hopes to learn about U.S.

On top of her work with the university, Agnes is the head of the education commission for the Association of Uganda University Sports. She organizes national and international tournaments, coaching workshops for sports trainers and tutors, as well as larger seminars and conferences across Uganda.

As a former track and field athlete herself, she also coached the country’s athletics delegation for the 2015 World University Games in South Korea, and will do the same for the 2017 competition in Taipei.

“At work, I’ve earned the nickname ‘globetrotter,’” Agnes says. “I’ve been to South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, South Korea, England and many other countries. It opens your eyes when you can travel the world because of sports. Our girls, most of them have not traveled before, and

sports business, management, and media concepts to grow athletics participation and support in Uganda. The University of Connecticut has a strong history as one of the dominant forces in American university sports, with 21 national championships across its sports teams—including 11 women’s basketball championships. Laura Burton, associate professor of sport management, and Jennifer McGarry, department head for educational leadership, are both experts in gender issues in sport, especially those for marginalized ethnic and socio-economic groups.

Their long-time leadership experience, and familiarity with university sports systems, will connect directly with Agnes and her goals for using education and sports to empower women in Uganda.

it’s overwhelming. They get very excited.”

81

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

WHO DO YOU ENJOY SPENDING THE MOST TIME WITH AND WHY? I love my time with female students because my passion is to empower women. I enjoy listening to their challenges and advising them.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to become a powerful female sports administrator known globally and a mentor of young girls.

IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE AND WHY? I would be red because in Uganda red stands for brotherhood. I love helping others and working with others, especially fellow women.

WHO HAS BEEN THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY? My mother because she has been there for me in all aspects. She paid my school fees and always counsels me.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I enjoy going to the beach and swimming.

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

CAROLE PONCHON

Public Relations & Projects Manager, European Observatory of Sport and Employment CEO of BeInnovActiv

FRANCE

DEBORAH ANTOINE CEO

WOMEN'S SPORTS FOUNDATION

FROM FRANCE, CAROLE PONCHON, a public relations manager and entrepreneuer, brings a vision to provide connections between education, civic duties, and sports to create a more equitable country.

EDUCATION Carole holds two master's degrees, one in Marketing and Management (2008) and another in Sports Management (2009).

EXPERIENCE In addition to more than eight years experience in project management and public relations, Carole also founded her own company, BeInnovActiv, in 2013.

SKILLS For the past 10 years, Carole has played on her local soccer club.

She also has helped draft position papers, published seven articles, and, given many presentations.

THE BIG THREE WHAT ARE THREE OF YOUR GOALS FOR THE PROGRAM? I hope to get to know an inspriring network of strong women and be part of a global movement. I also hope to be inspired and empowered to act as an agent of change. And, I wish to define a path and action plan. I believe in the power of sport to contribute to development.

CAROLE PONCHON was raised in the small,

would hear parents shouting from the sidelines, ‘C’mon

rural village of Haute-Rivoire in France, where she

don’t get beaten by a girl!’”

lived what she calls an ideal childhood. There was only one problem: children could not join soccer leagues in

Carole played as a defender on mixed-gender teams

Haute-Rivoire until age 6.

until she turned 13, when she joined a women’s soccer

Although Carole traveled the world through her endless

with players who were in their twenties and thirties. She

book collection, she had her eyes set on the soccer

retired from playing five years ago, but the significant

field. When she was old enough, her mother signed her

impact sport made on her life was enough that she

up for the local club, where she was one of the only

dedicated her entire career to it.

girls among the boys. It was on the soccer field where Carole, the shy bookworm, transformed into Carole, the

team in another village, competing as a goalkeeper

In 2009, Carole completed master’s degrees in

relentless competitor.

marketing and management from the Groupe ESC

“Football was a way of expressing the wild part of me,”

management from the Troyes University of Technology.

Carole says. “I was very quiet and introverted, but on

For four years, she worked as the European project

the field I was a different person. Football helped me

leader for the Sport and Citizenship Think Tank, and

show people—and, more importantly, myself—that I

in 2013 founded her own company, BeInnovActiv,

could do anything. I never felt stronger then when I

an exchange platform for sports programmers,

Troyes Champagne School of Management, and sports

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

WHAT ARE THREE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU? First, learning is my driver and self-criticism is my backbone. I am also a critical thinker and one who is transparent. And finally, I am a sensitive person, which is something I see as an asset.

I can feel what other people think.

WHAT ARE THREE QUALITIES OF AN EMERGING LEADER, A MENTOR, AND AN EMPOWERED WOMAN? EMERGING LEADER: Eager to learn, Takes initiative, & Passionate MENTOR: Values others, Empowering, & Open EMPOWERED WOMAN: Innovative, Self-assured, Caring

practitioners, and advocates. “In

are faced with two prominent

society, showing your strength is

boundaries: a glass ceiling of

vital for men,” Carole says. “But,

opportunity and an imbalance of

sports help women and girls to also

family responsibility.

show their own strength. Practicing sport as a woman, even if you don’t realize it, you gain knowledge of your inner-self, get out of your shell, and open minds and

FUN FACTS DID YOU PLAY SPORTS GROWING UP? IF SO, WHICH ONES? I tried all sorts of sport growing up and have been playing on a soccer team for more than 12 years.

“In Western societies, we tend to believe gender inequality exists in developing countries,” Carole says.

“But in our own homes we don’t see

boundaries.”

what is happening. We don’t notice

Carole is currently the public

events are not the same for men

Global Sports Mentoring Program,

relations and projects manager

and women. We ignore the body

Carole will be based at the

for the European Observatoire of

image issues and the pressure for

Women’s Sports Foundation, the

Sports and Employment (EOSE),

women athletes to be one way.”

ideal place for a woman with her

an international organization building bridges between education, employment, sport and physical activity. Together with her colleagues, she works with clubs and federations across Europe, identifying needs and providing skills development training programs for volunteers and employees. EOSE currently runs a sports administration project with Tennis Europe, the European Federation of Company Sports, and the International Sports and Culture Association.

Although France ranked 17th in the world in gender equality, and first in both educational attainment and women’s health, according to the Global Gender Gap Index, gender issues still exist. Women’s sports coverage remains minimal, despite government funding that has seen it increase from 7 to 15 percent since 2013. At the same time, many women who want to pursue sports

comments from journalists at sports

caliber of experience in gender and If French society places a greater

sports issues. She will be mentored

value on sport, Carole is certain it

by CEO Deborah Antoine, a

would lead to a positive impact for

longtime champion of social change

the country’s women. She seeks to

through sports, who previously led

create a platform to increase the

the largest tennis and education

connection between education, civic

program in the United States—New

duties, and sports; demonstrating

York Junior Tennis & Learning—

to others how sport provides a

which serves more than 75,000

significant and measurable impact

children. Deborah will provide

in the lives of women and men.

Carole with important resources to

“Right now, you could put on your CV that you’ve been a basketball player for 10 years,” Carole explains, “but if the person in front of you doesn’t have a sports background they don’t realize what that means. They don’t realize that

develop skill in public campaigns and advocacy, innovative CSR strategies, and sports governance.

Together, these two women will work to demonstrate the power of sport to create a fuller, healthier society in France and beyond.

because of sports you’ve acquired self-esteem, confidence, respect for rules and others, teamwork, dealing

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL AND WHY? I loved all subjects, but if I had to choose one, I'd say history because it's crucial to know where we come from to understand the world we are living in.

WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE OR ANYTHING? I was named after a rose. My mum was a florist.

WHAT IS YOUR "GREAT ESCAPE" WHEN YOU NEED REST OR PEACE? I enjoy reading and spending time outdoors.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM? My biggest dream is to make the world a better place to live in, which starts with small things.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? I enjoy all activities that are part of a game, although I'm only doing fitness at the moment because its easy to manage time availability.

with success and failures—all these soft skills that are transferrable to daily and work life.”

During her time on the U.S. Department of State and espnW 85

AN INITIATIVE OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

DO YOU HAVE ANY SIBLINGS? IF SO, HOW MANY? Yes, I have one young brother who got married in August.