Institute for Advancement

June 23-25th 2024 || Kansas City, MO 

The Women Leaders in SportsInstitute for Advancement(IA), is the premier "level one" leadership development program for women in sport. An engaging faculty—including leaders representing all NCAA divisions, industry trailblazers, and executives in women's sports will prepare, empower and inspire participants to elevate their performance and advance within the industry.

Take advantage of the opportunity to grow as a leader, expand your network, and position yourself to add value to your organization!

Program Outcomes

  • Improve performance skills and learn how to add value to your department and broader organization
  • Learn the art of managing up to your boss to obtain the best possible results for you, your boss, and your organization
  • Develop career strategies, while planning a path for advancement and pursuing your career potential
  • Build self-awareness by engaging in self-exploration and reflection
  • Connect with a powerful network of women who will support you in your career journey for years to come.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

  • Current Women Leaders in Sports member
    • Non-members may apply, and a $200 one-year membership fee will be added to their tuition
  • A minimum of four years of full-time professional work experience
  • Currently working in a sports industry-related job or desires to move into athletics/sports industry role within the next year 
  • Able to attend the entire 2 days of in-person program in Kansas City, MO
    •  Programming begins Sunday, June 23rd at 4 p.m. and concludes at noon Tuesday, June 25th

Application & Selection Process

Applications Closed 

Applications will be reviewed by the Women Leaders in Sports Education & Professional Development Committee. Selections are made based on ensuring diversity in age, leadership duties, division, and ethnicity. 85 participants are admitted to the Women Leaders in Sports IA annually.

Applicants will be notified of the status of their application no later than end of April.

Want to attend but not a Women Leaders member?  (Not a member? Join Here) 

Program and Application Questions? Email Nyia Duncan.

Tuition

Tuition fees are $700 per participant and cover all registration fees, program materials, training, and a 2 night stay at the host hotel - all attendees will be assigned a roommate for the Institute duration however single rooms are available upon request for an additional fee.  *Please note tuition fees DO NOT include travel expenses to Kansas City, MO*

Scholarships
 Thanks to the generous support of the Women Leaders in Sports Foundation Fund, multiple IA scholarships are made available for 2024. To apply for the scholarship and request additional information visit our Scholarships page or contact Nyia Duncan.

Cancellation Policy

Registration cancellations must be received in writing by 5pm May 19th. Refunds will be processed within 30 days following the event. Refunds will not be granted after those dates nor will they be given for no-shows, no exceptions.

2024 Institute for Advancement Graduates

  • Melody Alexander, Co-founder/CMO, STATSdraft
  • Rebecca Axelrod, Executive Director, USTA Heart of America
  • Kate Barnett, Sport Administrator, Ohio High School Athletic Association
  • Kyra Beljour, Assistant Director, Compliance, University of Delaware
  • Jamie Benallo, Senior Architect / Senior Associate, Populous
  • Bailey Bourgeois, Assistant Director of Premium Seating, LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation
  • Rae Campbell, Assistant Athletic Director of Gameday Operations & Community Engagement, Xavier University of Louisiana 
  • Kelly Conklin, Assistant Business Manager, University of Louisville
  • Katelinn Cummings, Associate Director of Compliance, Syracuse University
  • Jenna Dickey, Assistant Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives and Operations, Middle Atlantic Conference
  • Dana Dodge, Member Services Manager, Move United
  • Elizabeth (Liz) Doherty, Director of Compliance, Clemson University
  • Zellessia Ejalonibu, Assistant Director of Psychological Resources for OU Student-Athletes, University of Oklahoma
  • Natalie Enos, Digital Marketing Specialist III, LEARFIELD
  • Lyndsey Field, Associate Director of Events & Facilities, Northwestern University 
  • Katelyn Fischer, Associate AD of Administration and Chief of Staff, Jacksonville University 
  • Eleanor Fischer, Manager of Membership Operations & Insights, Women Leaders in Sports
  • Jessica Foubert, Assistant Director of Learning Services, Texas A&M University
  • Marissa Gallo, Assistant Athletic Trainer, George Washington University
  • Giana George, Director of Operations, Women's Basketball, Chicago State University
  • Madison Gervais, Academic Coordinator, East Carolina University
  • Anna Gicinto, Event Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs Football Club
  • Sierra Hassel, Manager, ASP College, Altius Sports Partners
  • Felicia Hess, Professional Match Evaluator, Event Operations Consultant, NWSL, Kansas City Chiefs
  • Jackee Hill, Athletic Trainer, Washington University in St. Louis
  • Dr. Shamarah Hutchins, Founder/CEO, The Serene Athlete (The Serene Corporation) 
  • Ieisha Jackson, Manager of Intercollegiate Programming, Princeton University
  • Jaz Johnson, Assistant to the Athletic Director, Duke University
  • Savannah King, Director of Premium Hospitality and Donor Stewardship, Clemson University/IPTAY
  • Malon Lee, Head Track and Field Coach, St. Teresas Academy 
  • Corie Linn, Manager, NIL Business Development & Operations, LEARFIELD
  • Madison Lord, Director, Special Events & Engagement, Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Caitlin Lowe, Director of Basketball Operations and Rowing, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference
  • Sydney Martin, Senior Academic Advisor, Florida State University 
  • Michelle McAteer, Head Women's Hockey Coach/Asst Compliance Director/SAAC Advisor, Augsburg University
  • Dionne McCollum, Associate Athletic Director/Director of Compliance, Claflin University 
  • Chanelle Melton, Manager of Diversity, Inclusion & Compliance, Bridgewater State University
  • Shaquana Miller, Assistant Athletics Director of Student-Athlete Success & Compliance/SWA, Albany State University 
  • Kylie Miller, Architect / Associate, Populous
  • Meredith Parman, Manager, Partnership Services, LEARFIELD - Tar Heel Sports Properties
  • Blair Paulakovich, Senior Manager of Brand & Creative, Women Leaders in Sports
  • Christina Peasley, Director of Compliance, University of Louisville
  • Reava Potter, Director of Track and Field and ADID, St. Mary's College of Maryland
  • Alyssa Rice, Assistant Director, Championships & Alliances, NCAA
  • Raylene Ross, Director of Sport Leadership and Mental Performance, University of South Carolina
  • Abby Schultz, Championship Sport Manager, NAIA 
  • Kiara Scott, Assistant Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Services, Loyola University Chicago
  • Peyton Scrivner, Partnerships Manager, CLC
  • Courtney Shivers, Account Manager, Partnership Marketing, Kansas City Royals 
  • Meghan Shoff, Compliance Coordinator / Athletic Trainer, Juniata College
  • Jasmine Smits, Player Relations Coordinator, Indiana Pacers
  • Morgan Stacey, Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations/SWA, St. Norbert College
  • Megan Stoltzfus, Director of Student-Athlete Development, Kennesaw State University
  • Mikaela Sullivan, Associate AD of Marketing & Fan Experience, SMU
  • Catherine Thompson, Assistant Director of Academic Services, Athletics, University of Louisville
  • Beverly Verduin, Assistant Athletic Director of Development, Seattle University
  • Samantha Walker, Championship Sport Manager, NAIA 
  • Lexi Walters, Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Support Services, The Ohio State University
  • Leighann Westfall, Vice President of Donor Relations and Stewardship, LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation
  • Rachel White, Director of Broadcasting and Communication, Horizon League
  • Victoria Wilson, Assistant Athletics Director, Randolph-Macon College

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