The theme was “Women Leaders in the Sports Industry,” which included speakers from the ACC, Pro Sport Management, Togethxr, City of Concord Parks and Recreation, and Catawba College Athletics. The emcee for the event was Catawba Sport Management Executive in Residence, Professor Jeannie King, and the panel of sport executives:
- Jackie Carson, ACC- Senior Associate Commissioner Women’s Basketball
- Jody Letourneau, Pro Sport Management- VP of Development & Philanthropy
- Michelle Caddigan, Catawba College- Director of Athletics
- Amber Hutson, Togethxr- Senior Account Executive
- Londa Strong, Cabarrus County Active Living & Parks, Director
The event highlighted the accomplishments of women excelling in the sport industry throughout the greater Charlotte market. A secondary benefit was the inspiration they provided to Catawba’s female students looking to make their mark in the sport industry. Kayla Sechler (Sport Managemnet, Sr.) shared, “being able to connect to women in the world of sport during today's panel discussion helped me to understand the different opportunities that are possible to accomplish in my future career as a woman in sports"
Dr. Duane Aagaard, Sport Management Chair, added, “Professor King did an incredible job leading this event, this was an impressive panel of executives thriving throughout the sport industry… what an inspiration they are to our students.” Courtnee Carter (Sport Management, Sr.) communicated, “Being able to talk and learn from such successful women in different branches of the sport industry made me realize that taking risks and trying new things can lead to success.”
Professor King summarized the day, “Two words come to mind when I reflect on the outcome of today’s event, ‘Powerful Women.’ I am so proud of the contributions they are making in today’s sports industry. We’ve come a long way but still have so much work to be done. I’m both humbled and encouraged that we have prominent women leaders in our community who are committed and willing to help mentor the next generation of leaders in our culture.”
