The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors voted last week to approve Durham, NC as the site of the CIAA Football Championship starting in 2025 through 2027.  The championship will be hosted by the Durham Sports Commission, with Durham County Memorial Stadium (DCMS) as the event’s selected venue. 

Bids were also submitted by the cities of Charlotte, NC and Salem, VA.  The Board reviewed several factors in its decision to move to Durham, including facility use and staffing, team support, opportunities for community engagement, and involvement of the local business community.

“Durham has a great history with this event and we are immensely proud to once again be hosting the CIAA Football Championship in Durham,” said Marcus Manning, Executive Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “We’re dedicated to showcasing our vibrant community here in Durham, while also celebrating diversity and creating an unforgettable experience for fans, spectators, and student-athletes.”  

The football championship has been held at DCMS previously from 2008-2012 and 2014-2015, pulling in crowds of over 10,000 fans.  The CIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship is hosted by the Durham Sports Commission at the same venue, in accordance with a three-year agreement that commenced in 2023 and will run through 2025.  CIAA-member Shaw University currently hosts its home football and soccer games at the venue.   

Durham County Memorial Stadium is an all-star venue located just minutes from lodging, restaurants, and everything else that makes the City of Champions so unique. The facility has the capacity to accommodate plenty of tailgating and cultivate the passionate atmosphere CIAA fanbases are known to bring. The Durham Sports Commission is committed to stewarding Durham’s passion for sports and to bring DCMS to life during the CIAA Football Championships, all the while helping to fulfill the CIAA’s vision for supporting student-athletes and uplifting community relationships..  

Salem, VA has been the home of the CIAA championship since 2017, and it is commended for its expertise and a job well done for not only CIAA championships for the past 7 years, but its their celebration in 2023 for hosting over 100 years of NCAA championships.   

The transition back to Durham provides an opportunity to further grow the football championship and highlight the CIAA’s mission including Leadership, Legacy and Community.  

“The CIAA looks forward to returning to Durham County Memorial Stadium,” exclaimed Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.  “Our recent media rights partnership with HBCU Go gives us the opportunity to showcase our top teams in a centralized location, again where the football championship has thrived in the past.  The CIAA will have an opportunity to engage in the community beyond the game in a way that supports the mission of the conference.”   

Hear from Mayor Leonardo Williams on welcoming the CIAA Football Championship below!

About the CIAA 

Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. 

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

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, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

Durham, NC (May 1, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a local leader in creating social and economic impact through attracting, supporting and promoting youth, amateur, collegiate and professional sporting and recreational events, announces SiteSearch as its preferred third-party housing solutions provider for all sports team, spectator and fan booking needs.

“From the moment we learned about SiteSearch, we knew they were the perfect partner to come alongside us in transforming Durham into a championship hub,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “The professional and reliable team behind SiteSearch will be instrumental in helping us to elevate our service efforts to event owners, national governing bodies, as well as their teams, fans, and spectators. As sporting events continue to grow and thrive in Durham, we are committed to ensuring a positive experience in booking travel arrangements for both recruited and locally hosted events in our city.”

The arrival of teams, along with their enthusiastic supporters, injects vitality into Durham’s local economy. Their presence not only bolsters jobs within the hospitality sector but also fuels a domino effect of financial benefits across an array of local businesses – from restaurants to retail outlets – enriching the community’s vibrancy. This synergy echoes the Durham Sports Commission’s core mission to generate both economic and social prosperity through the power of sports. With SiteSearch at the helm of real-time event analytics and accommodation management, the DSC’s economic contributions are meticulously recorded, showcasing the full narrative of Durham’s success. Since 2017, the DSC has generated an economic impact of over $107 million from over 420,000 attendees across 231 events.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with the Durham Sports Commission and the opportunity to be their preferred third-party housing solutions provider for sports bookings,” said Elizabeth Weimer, President of SiteSearch. “This collaboration marks an exciting opportunity for us to support the lodging needs of teams and fans, enhancing their experience during sporting events in Durham. We are confident that our expertise in housing management will contribute to the success of events hosted by the Durham Sports Commission, further solidifying Durham’s reputation as a premier destination for sports. We are eager to embark on this journey together and are committed to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests and hotels alike.”

SiteSearch, a full-service travel agency specializing in finding the right travel and accommodations solutions for every event and activity, is one of the leading housing companies in the sports tourism industry.  The team at SiteSearch prioritizes excellent customer service and a positive experience for clients while annually securing an average of 450 event room blocks, servicing thousands of customers and realizing over 200,000 room reservations.

For more information on the DSC’s partnership with SiteSearch and other upcoming Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

With a Winning Combination of Heritage, History, Hospitality and High-Caliber Facilities, Durham is Hopeful for the Event’s Return

Durham, NC (March 18, 2024) –The Durham Sports Commission (DSC), a leader in local sports-based initiatives and conduit for positive social and economic impact in Durham and the surrounding region, is excited to announce it has formally submitted a bid to host the 2025, 2026 and 2027 CIAA Football Championships once again at the Durham County Memorial Stadium.

“We are thrilled not only for the opportunity to host such an amazing event, but also for others to experience what the City of Champions is all about,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission and potential Host Committee Executive Director. “Our team worked relentlessly to produce a competitive bid that showcases the vibrancy, energy, and sports culture in our city. Collaborating with the CIAA is always a pleasure, and we look forward to the opportunity to work alongside the conference office to host one-of-a-kind championships in the near future.”

One of the Durham Sports Commission’s key goals has been to transform Durham into a championship hub. Bidding on the upcoming CIAA Football Championships is the next step in the unrelenting pursuit of this goal and comes off the back of several other key milestones achieved in this vein. The DSC has successfully hosted the NAIA Football National Championship for three years in a row and just announced that the ACC Baseball Championship will be returning to Durham in 2025, 2027 and 2029 following 13 years of immense success. Other bids that have recently been won by the city are the 2025 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championships and 2029 World University Games, proving Durham is more than capable of carrying on the legacy of the CIAA Football Championships for years to come.

“As retired Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU), I know better than most that the success of the university was built on the foundational greatness instilled as a CIAA member institution for over 70 years, over more than half of the university’s existence,” said Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., Board Chair at the Durham Sports Commission. “Just ten minutes from my previous home at NCCU, Durham County Memorial Stadium is the perfect backdrop for the pinnacle of many student-athletes’ careers and our Eagle community, new and old, will surely embrace this event, excitedly cheering on from the stands.”

If Durham is selected, the championships will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium, home field to the CIAA’s Shaw Football. The tournament was previously held at this location from 2008-2012 and 2014-2015, drawing more than 10,000 fans in 2011, nearing a conference record at the time.

“The 8,500-seat multipurpose Durham County Memorial Stadium is the city’s premier sports venue and ideal place to hold the championship, especially given the recent major renovations including new synthetic grass pitch, video scoreboard, and sound system,” said Dr. Kimberly Sowell, Durham County Manager. “The stadium has continued to maintain its reputation as an all-star venue, just minutes from lodging, restaurants, and everything else Durham has to offer. The World University Games and other national governing bodies have already opted in on us, and we hope the CIAA will continue to do so as well.”

Durham is the ideal city to host the championship. The Triangle area is rich with several HBCUs in Shaw University, Saint Augustine’s University and North Carolina Central University. Additionally, Durham is centrally located to other CIAA institutions, three hours closer to CIAA headquarters than the championship’s previous home, and has a proven track record of success hosting this event with sellout crowds.

“As Mayor, this city is my workplace, my family, and my home,” said Mayor Leonardo “Leo” Williams. “Back in 2005, as a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Head Drum Major of the Sound Machine at North Carolina Central University, I experienced the exhilaration of victory as the Eagles claimed the CIAA Football Championship win amidst a roaring crowd of 10,580 at O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. That same electrifying energy, fueled by the passion of the CIAA’s devoted fanbase and their commitment to excellence, is what I eagerly anticipate sharing with a new generation of Durham residents.”

The bid to host the 2025, 2026 and 2027 CIAA Football Championship was due on Friday, March 15. The announcement of the winning city is slated for May 2024. For more information on this and other exciting Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

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, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

Durham, NC (February 8, 2024) – For the second year, the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce its partnership with Women Leaders in Sports to host the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit. The summit will take place on Thursday, April 11 from 1:00-5:45 p.m. at the Durham Convention Center, followed by a networking reception at the Durham Marriott City Center from 5:45-6:30 p.m. Registration is now open through March 18 and early bird registration closes on February 22. More information can be found at https://www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders.

Building on the success of the inaugural 2023 event, this year’s summit will broaden its scope and provide a unique program tailored to individuals who have approximately seven years of professional experience or less. Event attendees will have an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, exchange leadership insights, and build a powerful network that will extend beyond the event. If you are a current undergraduate student, recent graduate, or have been in the industry for fewer than seven years, you are welcome to attend.

“One of our longstanding goals at the DSC has been to create lasting social impact in our city, and we are proud to offer an event that creates an opportunity to elevate the next generation of women leaders who will transform the Bull City and beyond,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “Hosting the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit for the second year in a row is paramount to our vision in redefining the role of sports commissions as social impact agents. The summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity that will deliver an inspiring and empowering experience!”

A detailed agenda for the event will be announced in the coming weeks. Attendees can expect diverse and dynamic programming designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of the audience.

“We are delighted to join forces again with the DSC to bring this event back to Durham,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “This is not your average networking event, it’s a career catalyst, providing emerging women leaders in sports with unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth.”

General registration for the summit is $75 and early bird pricing is $50. For those interested in attending and in need of financial assistance, scholarships are available. More information can be found on the event website and scholarship applications must be submitted by Thursday, February 22. Additionally, WISE (Women in Sports and Events) Greater Raleigh is offering WISE members $25 off event registration costs. Members will be emailed a discount code. Please reach out to info@WISERaleigh.org with questions on the discount code. Visit greaterraleigh.wiseworks.org to learn more about WISE and join today.

“The Triangle is filled with incredible women working in sports,” said Marianne Schroer, president of the WISE Greater Raleigh chapter. “Part of what makes this such a great community is how many opportunities there are for women to invest in their future. We’re thrilled to support impactful programming and authentic networking to advance this generation of leaders.”

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, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About Women Leaders in Sports

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in Sports is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect, advance, and champion women leaders working in sports. Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network, and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers. Learn more about the organization here and follow Women Leaders on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok @_WomenLeaders.

About WISE 

WISE (Women in Sports and Events) is the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports. Its network of established industry leaders and professional development programs provides members with the practical tools and support necessary to reach their professional goals and accelerate their careers. A registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, WISE was founded in 1993 and has its headquarters in New York City with chapters across North America, including: Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas Fort Worth, Greater Orlando, Greater Raleigh, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York City Metro, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, South Florida, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Twin Cities, Utah, and Washington DC. For more information about WISE, please visit WISEworks.org.

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New members to provide vital support and leadership as the DSC continues transforming Durham into a championship hub while creating social and economic change through sports 

Durham, NC (July 10, 2023) — The Durham Sports Commission’s (DSC) Board of Directors has elected two new members, Angelique Stallings and Ryan Craig. Stallings is the owner and founder of Mocha Mind Agency in Durham, a full-service consulting and communications strategy firm. She also serves as the vice president of community investment with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce. Craig currently works at Gallagher, one of the world’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms, as a health and welfare consultant and is a member of the Duke Sports Business Conference Alumni Board.  

“I first want to thank our outgoing board members, Terrence Holt and Susan Scott, for their six years of service. Their commitment, guidance and passion set a foundation and has created extraordinary momentum for the DSC,” said Marcus Manning, executive director of the DSC. “The future is bright, and our board, made up of dynamic leaders who are visionaries and forward-thinkers will utilize the new three-year strategic blueprint as a playbook to elevate the local Durham sports community and recruit and retain both regional and national sporting events to the Bull City. Both Stallings and Craig have demonstrated their deep-rooted, unwavering dedication to our community. Their contributions will be essential in the continued growth and sustained success of our organization and the broader Durham sports ecosystem.” 

Stallings has served the Durham community for 20-plus years in various roles and is passionate about being a conduit between underrepresented populations and the business community. She demonstrates her commitment to civic engagement as a member of the Durham Success Summit Advisory Counsel, Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People and the NC Central University Athletics and Alumni Association. Before her current roles, she worked as a marketing and sales executive at Radio One Raleigh. She is a graduate of North Carolina Central University and is an active member of the Durham Alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and traveling around the world.  

Craig is a graduate of Duke University with degrees in history and psychology. Immediately after college, he worked at WRAL-TV for eight years in various roles, including producer, reporter, videographer, assignment desk editor, video editor, web editor, writer and radio host. He then went on to work in the Athletics Department of his alma mater, primarily focusing on digital strategy, overseeing the website, mobile apps and social media for all 27 varsity sports. During this time, he worked across campus on various projects, including Duke’s Code+, Data+, and Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum programs and also served on the Campus Communicators Steering Committee.  

The term for these two new board members began July 1, 2023 and will expire June 30, 2026. Ingrid Wicker McCree, Ed.D., founder and CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching, LLC, will continue as chair, with Ray Trapp, executive director of NPower North Carolina, replacing Susan Scott, President and executive director of Public Television Major Market Group, as vice-chair. Mitch Moser, higher education consulting director for Huron Consulting Group will continue in his role as secretary/treasurer. Other continuing board members include Dan Hill, former president of the Carolinas Golf Association and former partner of the Orange County Speedway, Bill Kalkhof, retired CEO of Downtown Durham Inc., Jonathon Leach, executive director of administration at NCCU, Umar Muhammad, professor of sport management and faculty athletic representative at St. Augustine’s University and Scott Strickland, assistant general manager – operations at the Durham Bulls Baseball Club.   

For more information about the Durham Sports Commission, please visit www.durhamncsports.com. 

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 create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements. 

Durham, NC (March 29, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission, a leader in supporting and promoting positive economic and social impact through sporting events, is proud to announce the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 2023 Outdoor Track and Field Championships will be held at Durham County Memorial Stadium on May 5-6.

This will marks the 100^th time the CIAA has crowned a men’s champion and the 43^rd anniversary of the women’s championship. The competing teams and athletes will be announced in April.

“We are thrilled to bring the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships to Durham in 2023,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. “This is a great opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of our student-athletes and to celebrate their hard work on the track. We look forward to working with the Durham Sports Commission, as well as the Durham community to make this event a success and to create a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

The 8,500-seat Durham County Memorial Stadium, originally built in 1958 and extensively renovated in 2010 to include the Tommy Hunt Press Box, expanded concourses and updated team spaces, has long been home to exciting events in Durham. Just this past December, the Durham Sports Commission hosted a thrilling NAIA Football National Championship in the stadium.

“We are honored to partner with the CIAA and Durham County Memorial Stadium in hosting the 2023 Outdoor Track and Field Championships here in Durham,” said Durham Sports Commission Deputy Director Kaila’Shea Menendez. “This event is not only a chance to showcase our exceptional facilities but also an opportunity to highlight the unique character and culture of our city. We look forward to welcoming the athletes, coaches, and fans to Durham and providing them with an unforgettable experience.”

For more information on this and other exciting Durham sporting events, please visit durhamncsports.com.

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, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.

About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest-running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Chowan University is an associate member in football and women’s bowling. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

Kaila’Shea Menendez Elected to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors

The Durham Sports Commission’s Deputy Director was Unanimously Elected for a Three-Year Term

DURHAM, NC (February 8, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission (DSC) is proud to announce Deputy Director, Kaila’Shea Menendez has been named to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. Menendez was unanimously elected during the board’s quarterly meeting at Elon University on February 6 to fill a three-year term through May of 2026.

“The rich sports history of North Carolina is something we are proud to celebrate at the Durham Sports Commission,” said Menendez. “It’s an honor to join this organization and help fulfill the mission of sharing that history to inspire the next generation of North Carolina sports greats.”

Founded in 1962, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame has a mission to use sports as a way to connect, enrich and inspire communities across the state. Its goal is to utilize the stories and achievements of local athletic talents to inspire others to find the courage to speak up, encourage others, and aspire to lofty goals. In 1992, the Hall was given a permanent place in the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh and later this year it will induct the 59^th class of honorees.

“We’re excited to have Kaila’Shea join us in telling the story of North Carolina’s illustrious sports history,” said Executive Director Trip Durham. “Throughout her career, Kaila’Shea has shown a commitment to using sports for the betterment of her community and we look forward to aligning in that mission together.”

Menendez will bring a unique perspective to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors. She is a Raleigh native and a part of North Carolina sports history as a former student-athlete at Wakefield High School and Western Carolina University. Now, as Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission, she is tasked with spearheading the work of the DSC’s Advisory and Sports Tourism Committees while building dynamic, productive relationships with key stakeholders. She has readily stepped in and owned her position as the point of contact for various national governing bodies in sports as well as other external rights holders and local event owners.

For more information on the DSC’s impact, please visit durhamncsports.com. For more information on the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, please visit ncshof.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 create positive economic impact and quality of life in Durham and the surrounding region. Be sure to follow the DSC on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

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First-Time Partnership Between Three Organizations to Offer Skill Building and Professional Networking Focused on Sports and Business Careers 

Durham, NC (January 30, 2023) – The Durham Sports Commission in partnership with Women Leaders in College Sports, along with presenting sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, are proud to announce the first Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be held on Wednesday, April 19 at 1 p.m. at the Durham Convention Center. Registration for the event is now open and more information can be found at www.durhamncsports.com/emerging-leaders.  

“Leadership is not limited by gender, but strengthened by diversity,” said Kaila’Shea Menendez, Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission. “This summit is a powerful opportunity for women to come together, connect, and learn from each other as we work towards becoming more effective leaders. We are thrilled to bring together these three amazing organizations to elevate the women leaders of today and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.” 

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be an unparalleled event that brings together women who are passionate about sports and business. The summit is geared towards promoting the growth and development of women in the sports industry and beyond by providing a platform for student-athletes, graduate assistants, interns, volunteers, and young professionals to enhance their skills and expand their professional network.  

“By supporting women, we celebrate our shared commitment to provide inclusive opportunities that empower our next generation of leaders,” said Cheryl Parquet, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Activation for Blue Cross NC. “We look forward to working with these future leaders and building healthier communities for all North Carolinians.” 

The summit is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for emerging women leaders in the Durham community and surrounding Triangle region to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights and career tools, and build lasting relationships. It will be a day packed with speakers delivering real-world expertise and guidance along with opportunities for professional networking and skill building. There will also be an on-site photographer offering professional headshots to attendees. The speaker lineup will be announced in early March.  

“We are thrilled to be a part of this local event that empowers women to reach their full potential and pursue a career in sports,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in College Sports. “The Durham Sports Commission and Blue Cross NC are actively cultivating the pipeline of women working in sports on a local level and we hope it inspires other organizations to do the same.”  

For all summit participants, Women Leaders in College Sports is providing a one-year membership to access leadership and career resources and connect with a powerful network of women working in sports to support them on their career journey. For those wishing to attend and in need of financial assistance, a total of 20 summit scholarships will be made available by the participating organizations. More information about scholarship opportunities can be found on the event’s website. 

“I am delighted about the opportunity for the Durham Sports Commission to partner with Women Leaders in College Sports, an organization that contributed greatly to my career in college athletics,” said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, former Athletic Director at North Carolina Central University and current chair of the Durham Sports Commission Board of Directors. “This is an amazing opportunity for women at various stages of their careers to connect and learn from experienced leaders in the sports industry.” 

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, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up with all sports-related news in Durham, NC, and other announcements.  

About Women Leaders in College Sports 

Founded in 1979, Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly NACWAA) is the only nationally recognized professional membership organization whose mission is to develop, connect and advance women leaders working in college sports and beyond. Nearly 5,000 members strong, Women Leaders provides career and leadership training, access to a powerful network, and the resources to advance women at every stage of their careers. Women Leaders is reshaping the leadership landscape by elevating the women leaders of today and cultivating the women leaders of tomorrow. Follow Women Leaders on Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok @WomenLeadersCS. 

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