DSC partners with Women Leaders in Sports and StrongHER TogetHER to Support and Inspire Emerging Leaders and Next Generation of Athletes

 The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is excited to be a part of two upcoming events empowering women through sports and community engagement. On April 6, the DSC will sponsor the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel in conjunction with StrongHER TogetHER, and on April 9, the DSC will host one of its signature events, the third annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in partnership with Women Leaders in Sports.

This marks the third consecutive year the DSC and Women Leaders in Sports are bringing the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit to the Durham Convention Center. The event unites women eager to advance as leaders in sports and business. Registration opens on Feb. 3 and runs through March 17, with early bird pricing available through Feb. 24.

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network with like-minded individuals, connect with industry professionals and build a powerful system of leaders to support them throughout the event and beyond. Those who have professional experience of seven years or less are encouraged to attend, including current undergraduate students or recent graduates.

“Durham is known as a vibrant sports hub, and we are excited to build on that reputation by hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit for the third consecutive year,” said Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission Kaila’Shea Menendez. “This high-energy event empowers those looking to enter the sports industry and provides a transformative leadership experience for women who are already thriving as emerging leaders. We could not be prouder to continue driving social impact in our community and paving the way for the future of women in sports.”

This year’s programming and speaker lineup will be announced closer to the summit. Building on the success of previous years, attendees can expect to hear from several inspiring speakers and participate in networking roundtable discussions, each of which will allow them to tap into their true potential and explore new leadership insights. Several topics were discussed at last year’s summit, including managing up, building strategies to elevate communication, navigating transitions, unlocking leadership potential and fueling visions through motivation. This year, the City of Durham is proud to sponsor the networking roundtable portion of the program, and Durham County will sponsor the networking reception immediately following the event in the Durham Marriott City Center lobby.

Since the inaugural Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit in 2023, the event has gained momentum and has shown a significant increase in the number of women involved. Last year, 169 women registered, 23 guest speakers presented, and 28 educational institutions and 25 organizations were represented. The expanded scope of the event offers increased opportunities for networking and collaboration while enhancing the valuable tools and strategies gained from peers.

“We are proud to deliver impactful leadership programming in partnership with the Durham Sports Commission,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “Each year, the summit has proven to be a powerful platform for advancing the growth and development of women in sports and related industries. We’re excited for another incredible turnout and eager to see the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit expand in the years ahead.”

Ticketing information and additional details can be found at https://www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders. Scholarship opportunities are available for those who are in need of financial assistance to attend the summit, and applications will open from Feb. 3-24. Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Greater Raleigh is offering its members a $25 discount on event registration. Members will receive a discount code via email.

In addition to hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC is sponsoring the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel, reflecting its commitment to supporting young aspiring athletes. On April 6 from 12-1:30 p.m. at North Carolina Central University, girls in grades 8-12 from Durham Public Schools, as well as local private and charter schools, will be able to hear firsthand experiences from collegiate athletes who have successfully balanced academics and athletics. In addition to the panel event, students will participate in an interactive Q&A session and are encouraged to connect with athletes for various mentorship opportunities. Through initiatives like this one, which leads into the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, the DSC aims to create a pipeline of empowered, confident women leaders ready to excel in any area. Registration for the InspiHER Movement Athletic Panel opens on Feb. 10 with details available on the @inspiHERmovement Instagram page and at stronghertogether.org.

About Durham Sports Commission  

The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is a collaboration of the City of Durham, the County of Durham, the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce and Discover Durham. The DSC was established in 2016 as a 501(c)(3) with a mission to create economic and social impact by leading the community’s efforts to attract, support, and promote youth, amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting and recreational events and is operated by Discover Durham. The DSC provides leadership for sports-based initiatives and creates positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, X, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Women Leaders in Sports (Women Leaders) is the leading professional membership organization devoted to developing, connecting, advancing, and championing women working in sports. Since its inception in 1979, Women Leaders has sparked a vibrant movement, uniting over 6,000 members nationwide. Offering comprehensive programs and training, Women Leaders empowers female sports professionals at all levels with its invaluable networking opportunities, career resources, and growth initiatives. Learn more about their mission at womenleadersinsports.org and follow them on: X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

About StrongHER TogetHER: InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group

StrongHER TogetHER is dedicated to fostering empowerment, resilience, and leadership among girls and women by creating spaces for connection, mentorship, and growth. Our mission is to inspire the next generation to embrace their strengths, overcome barriers, and build communities where women uplift one another to thrive in all aspects of life. The newly formed InspiHER Movement Sports Affiliate Group seeks to unite women and girls through sports, offering mentorship programs, skill-building workshops, and events that highlight the transformative power of athletics. By creating opportunities for connection and inspiration, the Sports Affiliate Group aims to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams on and off the field. Follow them on Instagram, @inspiHERmovement, for more information and updates.

Blue Devils will host NCAA Fencing Championships in conjunction with the Durham Sports Commission.

Duke University has been selected as the host site for the 2027 NCAA Fencing Championship, as announced by NCAA officials Wednesday. The bid to host the championships were jointly submitted by Duke University and the Durham Sports Commission (DSC).

“The NCAA Fencing Championships returning in 2027 speaks to the collective effort Durham has made to become a championship hub,” Durham Sports Commission Executive Director Marcus Manning said. “Many thanks for the continued support and partnership from the city and county led by Mayor Leonardo Williams and Durham County leadership . Credit to Becca Wilusz, Bob Weiseman and the entire Duke championships staff for their work and collaboration throughout the bid process, as well as Nina King for her outstanding leadership. We are looking forward to providing the student-athletes, coaches and administrators with an unforgettable championship experience during their time in the Bull City.”

The NCAA Fencing Championships come to Durham for the third time and for the second since 2023 and will be contested at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke also hosted the 2022, 2017 and 1974 ACC Fencing Championship in the historic facility. Duke finished ninth as a team at the NCAA event on its home strips in 2023.  

“I’m really excited that we’ve been chosen to host the NCAA Championships again,” head coach Omar Elgeziry said. “It’s such an honor and shows that Duke University can continually host great events. Hosting in 2023 was an amazing experience. Everything went off without a hitch. I know the 2027 championship will be even better. I can’t wait for that electric energy our team will feel, competing at home at Duke, right here in Durham.”

For more information on Duke fencing, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for “DukeFEN”. And follow the Durham Sports Commission @durhamncsports on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

With an Eye Toward the Future of Sport and Sports Tourism, New Members Bring Expertise and Passion to Support the DSC’s Mission of Enhancing Community Through Sports

July 7, 2024– The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is excited to announce the addition of Troy Austin, Cheryl Parquet, Monica Brown, Brendan Madigan and Jaye Pratt to its board of directors. These new board members’ extensive experience in athletics and dedication to community engagement and development are key as the DSC continues to pursue its mission to drive social and economic impact through attracting, supporting and promoting the best sporting and recreation events for the Bull City.

“Bill Kalkhof, Dan Hill, Mitch Moser, Ray Trapp and Umar Muhammad laid a foundation, provided a vision and charted a path forward for the DSC. And for that we will be forever grateful for their service,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “As the landscape of sports and sports tourism continues to evolve and transform, our new dynamic leaders and forward thinkers led by chair Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree and incoming vice chair Angelique Stallings will play a significant role in the continued growth and sustained success of our city. With future opportunities in front of us, we anticipate witnessing the Durham sports ecosystem continuing to expand and thrive under their innovative leadership, strategic thinking and guidance.”

In his current role, Troy Austin oversees fundraising and development operations for Duke University’s athletic programs. A former star athlete, Austin was a four-year varsity football letterman at Duke, serving as team captain his senior year and earning several prestigious awards including the renowned William J. Griffith Service Award. His deep commitment to athletics extends well beyond his playing days, as he is also a former director of athletics at Longwood University. Austin now plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Duke Athletics, securing significant financial support and driving strategic growth for the programs he oversees, setting him up perfectly to contribute to the DSC’s Board of Directors.

As director of community engagement, Cheryl Parquet leads initiatives that enhance Blue Cross NC’s reputation and brand through strategic community investments and partnerships. With over 16 years of experience, she has been instrumental in fostering collaborations with community organizations, civic leaders and businesses to drive health and wellness initiatives across the state. Parquet‘s passion lies in improving the health and well-being of communities, which will be invaluable in her new role as a board member. She proudly holds a Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional (CDIP) credential from Cornell University and a Corporate Social Responsibility certification from Duke University, which aid her in successfully developing and implementing impactful community initiatives.

As a native of Durham and a distinguished athlete, Jaye Pratt brings a steadfast connection to the local community. A 2011 graduate of Hillside New Tech High School, Jaye excelled in track and field, earning multiple awards and an athletic scholarship to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). At NCCU, he continued to achieve, earning MEAC Conference and NCAA East Regional Honors while serving as vice-president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Pratt is the founder of JCP Fitness, Inc. and JCP Performance, where he promotes fitness and health in the Raleigh-Durham areas. His extensive coaching experience at Hillside High School, where he is the head boys’ soccercoach, showcases his ability to inspire and mentor young athletes. Pratt’s passion for sports, community engagement and youth development are sure to make him an excellent addition to the DSC’s Board of Directors.  

Brendan Madigan is currently the chief financial officer at Limited Run Games in Apex, NC, and is also a licensed CPA in North Carolina with extensive financial expertise. He is committed to community service, having previously served on the Durham County Boxing and Wrestling Commissions and currently serving on the Durham Audit Oversight Committee. Madigan has a master’s degree in accounting from NC State University and a bachelor’s degree in public policyfrom the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Currently residing in Durham, Madigan‘s combination of professional acumen and community involvement make him an ideal addition to the board.

Monica Brown currently serves as the senior director of equity advancement at the YMCA of the Triangle, where she has been a part of the team since 2013, demonstrating her loyal support of the organization. She graduated from NC State University with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sports management, where she also played for Wolfpack soccer. It wasn’t until after her playing days were over that she discovered her true passion for coaching soccer for athletes at all levels of play. Brown is a mentor and coach at heart and uses this approach to build teams, drive effective communication and facilitate powerful and engaging conversations that lead to more profound empathy and growth. She looks forward to using these skills as a new board member with the DSC.

“We believe in the power of sports to foster community spirit and improve lives, and we look forward to tapping into our new board members’ experience, expertise and passion to support the DSC’s mission,” said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, chair of the DSC Board of Directors. “We are honored to have such bright, dedicated community members join our team and be a part of what’s next for the Bull City.” 

The other notable change includes Ryan Craig stepping in as secretary/treasurer. The new board members join returning members Ingrid Wicker McCree, Jonathon Leach, Scott Strickland. For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com.

Durham, NC (August 8, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is proud to announce that, for the fourth consecutive year, it will host the NAIA Football National Championship. The 69^th annual event will be held in Durham County Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon.

“We’re excited to welcome the NAIA National Football Championship back to Durham,” said Marcus Manning, Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “We can sense the positive momentum growing with every event and championship held in our city. This championship choosing to call Durham home for another year highlights our community and surrounding communities’ collective commitment to providing a first-class host experience. We are grateful for the NAIA’s continued trust and for the outstanding support from our public and private stakeholders. We look forward to another great championship game this December.”

Fans from across the nation, some traveling over 24 hours, have made the trip to Durham over the past three years to witness the terrific matchups and experience the passion and infectious energy of the Bull City. Last year, Keiser University (FL) and Northwestern College (IA) went head-to-head in the 68^th NAIA Football Championship. Keiser, the 12 seed, took home the win against Northwestern with a final score of 31-21, making for a great underdog success story. Durham has also been a big winner with the championships generating $1.3 million total economic impact over the past 3 years.

“We are excited for year four of the NAIA Football National Championship in Durham, North Carolina,” said Austin Bennett, Director of Championships at NAIA. “The city has embraced us and the Durham Sports Commission, led by Marcus Manning, has been a great host and worked tirelessly to provide a great host experience for our student-athletes, coaches, and universities.”

Durham County Memorial Stadium is a multi-purpose championship athletics venue situated just minutes away from lodging, restaurants, and the unique attractions that make the Bull City special. With a seating capacity of 8,500 and ample space for tailgating and other fan activations, the stadium helps bring to life the vibrant atmosphere NAIA fanbases are renowned for. Originally constructed in 1958, renovated in 2010, and new turf and scoreboard installments in the last three years, this historic stadium has hosted numerous competitions and championships over the years and helps keep the legacy of sporting greatness alive in Durham.

For weekly updates and announcements about the teams competing for the championship’s Red Banner, follow the DSC on social media @durhamncsports or visit www.durhamncsports.com.