Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit

Durham Champions Women Leaders

We believe that strong women lift each other up. That’s why the Durham Sports Commission and Women Leaders in Sports are excited to present the fourth annual Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit on Monday, April 13 at the Durham Convention Center.

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be an impactful event bringing together women who are passionate about sports and business.

Come prepared to engage and be empowered at this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn from industry professionals, exchange leadership insights and build a powerful network that will extend beyond the event. Event attendees can expect diverse and dynamic speakers and programming designed to be flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and interests of the attendees.

Know Before You Go

Durham Convention Center

The Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit will be held in Grand Ballroom 2-3 at the Durham Convention Center, located at 301 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701.

Learn More

Event Parking

Parking is available at the Durham Centre Parking Garage, located across the street from the Durham Convention Center at 300 W Morgan St, Durham, NC 27701. If you prepaid for parking, you will receive a parking validation sticker at the event registration table. Please bring your parking ticket with you inside to ensure your parking is validated. Prepaid parking will only be validated for the Durham Centre Parking Garage.

Attire

Attire is business casual. We would like you to be comfortable yet professional.

Headshots

Professional headshots are available on a first-come, first served basis, from 11 am – 12:45 pm. Please arrive early, as we will shut down the headshots as programming begins.

Box Lunches

Box lunches will be available on a first-come, first served basis, along with light refreshments. The options will be:

Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap
Grilled Vegetable Wrap

Happy Hour

Please join us for happy hour on Sunday, April 12, from 6–8 p.m. ET at E.O.’s Athletic Club, a new Downtown Durham sports bar dedicated to intentionally showcasing women’s sports. This gathering is open to all speakers, attendees, and local leaders. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and we’re looking forward to a fun and relaxing event.

Registration Now Closed

If you have any questions or concerns about your general registration, please contact info@durhamncsports.com. If you have any questions about your group registration, please contact Kaila’Shea Menendez at kailashea@durhamncsports.com.

Scholarship Applications Now Closed

Scholarship applications for the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit are now closed. Thank you to everyone who applied!

Featured Speakers

Name	Title	Affiliation	Topic
Betsy Butterick	"The Coaches' Coach" & Communication Specialist	Butterick Coaching & Communications LLC	PowHER Talk: Elevate Your Communication
Jennifer King	Offensive Analyst (Wide Receivers)	NCCU Football	Fireside Chat: Navigating Your Career
Allie Kleva	Chief Growth Officer	Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL)	Fireside Chat: Making Bold Moves
Kirsten McCowan	Senior Associate Commissioner/SWA	Big South Conference	PowHER Talk: Project Management
Patti Phillips	CEO	Women Leaders in Sports	Keynote: Elevate Your Impact

Roundtable Speakers

Name	Title	Affiliation
Francie Gottsegen	President	North Carolina Courage
Jan Hathorn	Director of Athletics	Washington and Lee University
Jenna McLaughlin	Vice President Coaches and Executives Division \| Head of Womens Sports	Priority Sports & Entertainment
Emily Jo Roberts	Director of Women Coaches & NIL Strategy	Wasserman
Marianne Schroer	Marketing Leader	Sports & Sponsorships
Demetra Thornton	Principal \| Managing Director	Gensler
Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree	Sr. Associate Director, Duke Sports Sciences Institute Sports Performance	Sr. Associate Director, Duke Sports Sciences Institute Sports Performance
Charlie Ball Burrell	Senior Associate Athletics Director of Academics	University of South Carolina
Danielle Smith	Group Vice President, Brands	Wasserman
Sonja O. Stills	Commissioner	Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC)
Karen DeHart	Associate Commissioner	North Carolina High School Athletic Association
Sarah Padove	Sr. Director, Public Affairs	Athletes Unlimited
Heather Ryan	Deputy AD/SWA	Duke University
Zora Stephenson	TV Broadcaster	NBC Sports
Margaret Laws	Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance and Operations/Chief Financial Officer	Elon University
Kate Rogerson	Sports Anchor & Reporter	ABC 11
Martina Ballen	Retired Senior Associate Athletic Director, Human Resources and CFO	UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Athletics
Ashley Bratcher	General Manager, National Teams	USA Baseball
Dena Floyd	Sports Information Director	Ravenscroft School
Kristin Frade	Partner I Keynote Speaker I Director of Novus Global Sport: Leagues and Organizations	Novus Global
Sonya Hurt	Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Administration/SWA	Winston-Salem State University
Amy Yakola	Deputy Commissioner/Chief of External Strategy	Atlantic Coast Conference
Patricia Hopkins	Corporate VP of Marketing and Creative	SMT (SportsMedia Technology)

Programming Schedule

Time	Program
12:15-1 p.m.	Boxed Lunches and Connection with Attendees
1-1:15 p.m.	Welcome and Ice Breaker
1:15-2 p.m.	Unlock Your Leadership Potential
2-2:15 p.m.	Connection Break
2:15-4 p.m.	Fireside Chats & PowHER Talks




4-4:15 p.m.	Connection Break
4:15-4:45 p.m.	Quick Hitters from Leaders
4:45-5:45 p.m.	Networking Roundtables
5:45-6 p.m.	Closing
6-6:45 p.m.	Networking Reception (Optional)

Experience Durham

Whether you’re returning to Durham or it’s your first time in the Bull City, we have you covered. With the Durham Convention Center in the heart of downtown, there are endless places for you to explore.