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.