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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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