Women Blazers

In this special episode, we welcome back Lisa Feigenbaum, Revenue & Strategy Sports Executive and Michelle Kajiwara, Sr. Vice President of Premium Business & Events for Crypto.com Arena for an engaging and reflective conversation.  What started as a passion project became an impact platform over the course of 5 seasons and 100 conversations with women in the sports industry who are either breaking barriers or on a journey to blaze trails. I believed that insights could be gained, new opportunities could be created, and many could be inspired through the amplification and representation of diverse voices, and thanks to this podcast my belief has be strengthened and I hope yours has too. I want to thank the 99 incredible women leaders who joined me for an episode and for sharing their personal journeys, experiences, and insights.  You created a light that others could follow and are an inspiration to many.  I also want to thank the many listeners, supporters, and our friends at the Pro Sports Assembly for supporting Women Blazers from the beginning.  This podcast was for you, and I am grateful for the motivation you provided to accomplish this milestone. 

In this special 99th episode, we welcome Haley Carter, Vice President of Soccer Operations and Sporting Director for the 2024 NWSL Champion, Orlando Pride. Haley is a former professional soccer player, business executive, coach, licensed attorney, and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.  Rooted by her core values of service and reliability, Haley is truly a force to be reckoned with.  By staying true to herself and what she believes in combined with her education, and experiences, Haley has become not just a leader but a role model for others looking to make a difference.  Her authenticity and perseverance will empower you to pursue your true calling, as she shares her incredible journey and unwavering commitment to living out her purpose

In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Young, Vice President of Revenue Strategy for the Atlanta Hawks. From Chef to Radio Sales to Sports Revenue Leader, Jennifer has truly had an impressive and diverse career journey. Starting in the culinary world, she honed her skills with the original goal of becoming a chef before transitioning into Media Sales where she demonstrated her knack for building partnerships and driving revenue. But it was her move into the sports industry that has truly showcased her talent and determination. Jennifer's career trajectory is nothing short of inspiring and serves as a reminder that with dedication and drive, you can lead your journey to where you are meant to be.

In this episode, we welcome Michelle Marshall, Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion for PUMA. Ever since she was young, Michelle felt a calling to be a leader of impact and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to have a seat at the table.  Her commitment to focus on the human side of the business and creating inclusive environments, where everyone feels valued and respected, shines through in her dedication to being a champion of diversity throughout her career journey and life.

In this episode, we welcome Brittanie Boyd, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Dallas Mavericks. Brittanie shares her remarkable career journey built on intention and taking initiative. She launched her career with the Dallas Cowboys while obtaining her MBA and pursued opportunities from there that aligned with her defined goals.  Her career moves put her in the position to learn from some of the industry's best at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and now the Dallas Mavericks. Her trajectory uniquely created experiences to lead across many verticals, where she gained a remarkable lens and developed her to be a strong and impactful leader.

In this episode, we welcome Ryan Hilgers, Sr. Vice President of Global Partnership Development for BSE Global, which includes the Brooklyn Nets, Barclays Center, and the 2024 WNBA Champion New York Liberty. Ryan shares her incredible journey with us, she grew up oversees in Germany for 18 years in a military family where her parents served as teachers.  She didn't have a personal passion to become an educator, she felt a natural connection to business and had a strong interest in sports. With much determination she broke into the industry after college, invested in taking opportunities that would challenge her, and it has resulted in a winning career and many championship rings working for the San Jose Sharks, Golden State Warriors, and now BSE Global.

In this episode, we welcome Victoria Isley, Vice President of Partnership Solutions for the Philadelphia 76ers. Victoria has built a remarkable career in the industry by being open to new opportunities and creating growth by pursuing roles and responsibilities outside of her comfort zone.  Her journey has included working for some of the biggest franchises in sports: the New York Giants, New Jersey Devils, Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors and now the Philadelphia 76ers - where she is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive and customized partnership programs that drive revenue and foster partner loyalty for the team.

In this episode, we welcome Morgan Cato, Former Assistant General Manager and VP of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns, making her the first women of color to hold the title in the NBA. Morgan is a sports influencer, business executive, and change agent.  Born and raised in New York, she grew up loving the game of basketball and thanks to the game developed a strong competitive nature, and a love for making an impact with and for people.  Her journey and accomplishments are a proven testament that all goals can be obtained if you just work hard enough to achieve them.

In this episode, we welcome Aneisha Johnson, Director of Member Experience & Retention for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Aneisha shares her incredible career journey, starting out in Inside Sales for the Minnesota T-Wolves where she developed a love for relationship selling and service. That foundation launched her career forward to Florida where she has blazed a remarkable path into leadership giving her the opportunity to invest in the growth and development of others and provide extraordinary experiences for many clients and members. 

In this episode, we welcome Amanda Dennis, Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Detroit Red Wings. Amanda shares her incredible career journey; she was a collegiate athlete that loved being in a competitive atmosphere, which led her to an opportunity to be an inside sales rep for Kroenke Sports & Entertainment. Hesitate at first, she encouraged herself to try it which led to her thriving in it. Since that foundation, Amanda has blazed an incredible career, motivated by crushing goals, driving business forward, and making an impact as a leader.

In this episode, we welcome Kimberly Bolt, Chief Marketing Officer for the Washington Nationals. Kimberly shares her incredible career journey, starting out as an aspiring Psychologist as a student at Cornell University. She invested her education into marketing and consumer behavior and found a deep-rooted passion for storytelling, data, and innovation. Kimberly's 15+ years of experience helping build brand and products at some of the most cutting-edge companies in the world, Under Armor, Disney, Lyft, and Google has lifted her to where she is today.

In this episode, we welcome Brittany Austin, Vice President of Marketing for the Nashville Predators. Brittany shares her incredible career journey, starting out as an aspiring graphic designer without any real knowledge of the sports industry. She found herself in an entry level position with the Tampa Bay Lightning from a job posting she answered that would lead to a remarkable 15 year career journey of growth, opportunity, two Stanley Cup Championships, and the reward of impact through building and stewarding brands that bring fun and joy to many.

In this episode, we welcome Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center. As a native Canadian, Jillian was exposed to the sports events industry while working for Molson, Labatt, and Nike Canada. Jillian is a builder, and since getting into the game, she has built brands, built a remarkable life with her family, and is now leading and building the future of the Devils' brand.

In this episode, we welcome Melanie Abzug, Vice President of Consultation & Valuation for Playfly Sports. Melanie shares her remarkable career journey. As a student at North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she pursued a double major in Economics and Global Studies knowing that a career in business was her pursuit. She launched her path with Accenture as a consulting analyst and established a strong foundation to her career and the understanding that there is power in relationships. Now, a SBJ 30 New Voices und 30 Honoree, Melanie is consulting teams and organizations across the sports & entertainment industry on shaping winning sales strategies and making a difference through rewarding client partnerships.

In this episode, we welcome Camye Mackey, EVP and Chief People, Diversity, & Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks. Camye shares her remarkable career journey which includes working for Walt Disney World, Special Olympics, and MGM Resorts International. Today she serves as the top HR executive for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena and leads the team responsible for strategic development and implementation of the people philosophy and culture. Her journey is one of persistence, courage, and a strong belief system rooted by the remarkable and supportive family that raised her.

In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer for the Los Angeles Rams. Jennifer shares her remarkable career journey which includes working in prominent positions at Google and Twitter, the evolution of her lifestyle when she welcomed her twins into the world, and her transition into the sports industry at the perfect time in her life. Her journey is one of courage, finding confidence in her capacity of growth, and being mindful of building meaningful and authentic relationships.

In this episode, we welcome Marina Carpenter, General Counsel & EVP of Public Affairs for the Arizona Coyotes. Marina shares her incredible journey as an Arizona native, who played division-1 volleyball at Arizona State University and built a remarkable career after earning her Juris Doctorate. It didn't take her long to become a strategic, creative, trusted and impactful leader for the Arizona Coyotes. The sky is the limit for this trailblazing executive.

In this episode, we welcome Alma Angeles-Parvaz, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Charlotte Hornets. Alma shares her remarkable journey as a first-generation Mexican American who carried out her parents' dream for her to go to college. She since combined her love for sports with curiosity and grit to blaze a remarkable career that brings her joy and gives the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Faw, Vice President of Client Experiences for Bespoke Sports & Entertainment. Brooke shares her unique and incredible journey, which began in education as a Kindergarten Teacher and High School Basketball Coach. Through the power of connection and the spark of her passion for sports, she met some incredible supporters along her path that introduced her to new opportunities, remarkable people, and life changing experiences that made her the leader she is today.

Season 5 Premiere! In this season opener we welcome Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports —the nation's premier organization that develops, connects, and champions women to advance and be a powerful influence in sports. Patti was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the NCAA's Champions of Diversity Award in 2015. In 2020, she was named as a Sports Business Journal Game Changer Honoree. Patti has dedicated her career to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring women at all levels, in all industries.

In this live recorded season finale, we welcome Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Predators. Michelle shares her roots growing up in Kentucky, her foundation as an athlete at Vanderbilt University, where she would later return as the Associate Athletic Director to achieve her desire to someday work in sports. Determined to follow her passions, she makes a bold move in her mid-30s to go to law school and earn her Juris Doctorate. A move that lands her the ultimate opportunity with the Predators, with whom she's climbed the ranks from In-House counsel to President/Chief Operating Officer.

In this episode, we welcome Jill Gregory, EVP and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. Jill is an acclaimed NASCAR executive and innovative sports marketer, who has blazed a career journey with a remarkable reputation. Twice named by Adweek as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports”, Jill was a key member of the leadership team, that shepherded the sport through COVID and made historic moves for social justice. A champion, for diversity, equity and inclusion, Jill is only the second women leader of a NASCAR sanctioned venue and is dedicated to continue to shape the sport for future generations.

In this episode, we welcome Buffy Filippell, Founder of TeamWork Online. Buffy is a true blazer by definition. She founded her Cleveland based company 30 years ago, and changed the game when she launched the online job portal that has effectively matched sports teams with over 200,000 of the best and brightest talent coming up in the industry. She has been honored by several organizations, and was recognized in 2019 as a SBJ Champion, highlighting her contributions as a pioneer and innovator. Buffy is a woman who leads with heart, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.

In this episode, we welcome Leah MacNab, Sr. Vice President & Managing Director of NBA Canada. Leah's journey to becoming the first women to be named the Managing Director of NBA Canada was one of hard work and persistence. As the SVP and Managing Director, Leah is responsible for the development and growth of the league's business in Canada, including television and digital media, marketing and retail partnerships, licensing, special events and basketball development. Leah is at the forefront of growing the game she loves and instilling the pride of Canada throughout the league.

In this episode, we welcome Starr Jemison, Sr. Vice President of Content Development and Private Events for the Oak View Group. Starr had an unconventional foundation to her career before starting her own talent management business that led her into the venue booking, content development, and private event space. Her investment in learning and taking unique opportunities, shaped an incredible path that has resulted in two decades of industry experience and accolades. Starr is a game changer, influencer and leader who is making a mark in the event and entertainment industry.

It's the 75th episode and we are excited to welcome Kelly Higgins as our featured guest for this episode. Kelly serves as the Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Kelly was introduced to sports business at a young age when she landed an opportunity to work for the NY Mets during summer league throughout her high school years in southeast Florida. It was inevitable, that she would pursue a career path in sports and be on the amazing journey she has been on with experiences working for the NBA, NY Mets, NBC Sports and now, U.S. Soccer.

In this episode we welcome Missy Ripepi, Sr. Director of Ticket Sales & Service for the Pittsburgh Pirates of the MLB. Missy has led an incredible career journey. She built the foundation of her career in inside sales with the Pirates, was dedicated to growing her career and found that growth in her journey. Missy has worked for the Rams of the NFL, Avalanche of the NHL, FEVO, IMG College, and her path has come full circle back with her hometown team the Pittsburgh Pirates developing future stars in our industry.

In this episode we welcome Tracy Ellis-Ward, Sr. Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Tracy has led an incredible career journey, where she has held several executive-level positions in athletics and higher education, contributed to building the foundation of the WNBA, and now is responsible for leading the strategic vision and driving initiatives to meet the DEI goals for Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which continues to fulfill her purpose to do impactful and meaningful work.

In this episode we welcome Khalia Collier, Vice President and Chief of Staff for Basketball Operations for the Dallas Mavericks. Khalia shares her incredible career journey with us. She started playing basketball at the age of 5, which sparked her love for the game and set her on a path to take what she learned on the court and apply it to her life. After becoming an owner of a professional Women's Team at the age of 23, she dedicated her career to serving the community she loves, growing the game, and expanding her impact.

In this episode we welcome Nam McGrail, Senior Vice President of Partnership Activation for the LA Kings of the NHL and AEG Global Partnerships. Nam shares her incredible career journey with us. After dedicating 10 years to her title as Mom, she was ready to dive back into her career life and explore new opportunities. It only took one conversation to open her door into the sports industry and to a 16 year career of working with wonderful people, partners, and in a city that she loves to call home.

In this episode we welcome Janaki Cash, Vice President of Ticketing & Revenue Strategy for the New York Mets in the MLB. Janaki shares her incredible career journey with us. Originally pursuing a path to be a Veterinarian, she decided to switch focus and tap into her other passion, and break into the sports industry. Developing up the revenue vertical with experience working with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets, and now the New York Mets she credits her supportive and dedicated leaders for adding fuel to her authenticity. It is her authenticity combined with her confidence that makes this single mother the leader and incredible person she is.

In this episode we welcome Hallie Yavitch, Sr. Vice President of Booking & Marketing for Cyrpto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and L.A. Live. Hallie shares her incredible and unique career journey with us. Her original path was to become an attorney, in fact she has a doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is licensed to practice in her native Ohio. As she was pursing her degree, she worked at Cleveland's Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside of New York and unknowingly was building the foundation of career that would bring her joy and fill her heart. Hallie now is at the lead of booking and creating amazing and diverse experiences at one of the most iconic entertainment venues and districts in the world.

In this episode we welcome Laura Waters-Brown, Director of The Collective at Wasserman. Laura shares her incredible career journey with us. As a Division 1 Collegiate Volleyball player at South Carolina State University, she explored many potential career paths, but her passion for sports and people guided her path into the industry. With the help of her strong network she gained valuable experiences and built the foundation of her career with the Cleveland Browns and the PGA Tour in Digital Marketing. Laura now serves as a leader with The Collective at Wasserman and contributes to its mission to create equity and fairness for women and athlete's in women's sports, music and culture.

In this episode we welcome Kelly Lewis, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion and Recruitment for TurnkeyZRG. Kelly shares her amazing career journey with us. As a Detroit native, Kelly obtained an elite education from two of the top institutions in the country and focused in on building a career with purpose and passion. Today Kelly leads TurnkeyZRG's commitment to the development of people and culture across the sports, media, and entertainment industries, focusing on the identification and magnification of talent from underrepresented groups and driving significant business success for organizations through inclusion.

In this episode we welcome Amber Myczkowiak, Senior Director of Premium & Membership Development for the Detroit Pistons. Amber shares her remarkable journey with us, after surviving cancer in high school, she went on to play varsity softball at Trine University in Indiana where she led her team to three conference championships. Her passion for sports opened the door to a career path that has provided her with experiences of delivering amazing memories for fans, impacting the success of others as a leader, and sharing her love for her work with her beautiful family.

In this episode we welcome Alissa Lieppman, Vice President/Head of Culture & Business Operations for the NFL. Alissa broke into sports during the rise of digital and social media, and built her foundation in the industry consulting and leading all 32 NFL clubs in adopting strategies that created business growth in that space. Her passion evolved at the league, and she now leads advancements in team culture initiatives, internal communications and education, and works in partnership with staff and senior leaders across the League to champion key initiatives that bring people of the NFL together through purpose and impact.

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Martindale, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Chicago Cubs. Jen built the ultimate career toolbox with 14 foundational years in advertising where she drove brand strategy and led award-winning campaigns for notable brands, gained strategic business skills in the non-profit sector, and added entrepreneurial experience in the restaurant industry. She took her toolbox and brought it to the sports industry where she has now been able to grow historical brands for the next generation.

In this episode we welcome Lara Toscani Weems, Sr. Vice President of Global Communications for Elevate Sports Ventures. Lara has over 20 years of sports and entertainment communications and marketing experience with NBA, NHL, Top-10 internationally renowned venues, marquee professional sports leagues and properties, and global entertainment brands. She built the foundation of her career in Marketing and Public Relations with Comcast-Spectacor and the Harlem Globetrotters. Lara has had a record-breaking career, but Lara is most fulfilled in her role as mother to her children Carter and Ellie.  She credits the momentum she has had in her career and life from the response and learnings of her family's remarkable journey.

In this episode we welcome Jessica Vella, Vice President of Tour & Event Sales for Legends at Sofi Stadium. Jessica shares her career journey, and provides insights from her personal and professional experiences in the industry. Knowing she wanted to work in professional sports going into college, she outlined her plans, established success in each role she held, and she maintained control of her path so that she could establish the life she always wanted to lead with her family and in her career.

In this episode we welcome Jamie Weinstein, Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Milwaukee Bucks. In this episode, Jamie shares her incredible career journey, where she has navigated up the ladder working with teams in the NBA, NHL, and NFL all across the country and with a stop in Canada. Her hard work ethic, openness to explore new opportunities, and her love for what she does has provided her an adventurous and fulfilling career.

This season, I'll be talking to 20 more incredible Women sports professionals who are breaking barriers and are on a journey to blaze trails!

In this episode we welcome Kim Stone, President of UBS Arena and Executive Vice President for Oak View Group East Coast. Kim shares her remarkable and decorated career journey, where she has served in executive leadership positions for two of the top global brands in sports - the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. There truly is nothing this women can't do as she has led and governed all aspects of business and facility operations across her career making her what I would consider an industry Swiss Army Knife.

In this episode we welcome Kimberly Davis, Senior Executive Vice President for the National Hockey League. Kimberly shares her incredible experiences and insights from her remarkable career journey. Kimberly had a fulfilled and successful career in the finance industry working for JP Morgan Chase for over 20 years before transitioning down a path that launched an opportunity to join the NHL League office, where she is making a social impact and impacting the growth of the sport. Recognized as one of the most influential and powerful women in sports, Kimberly is one of the ultimate women blazers.

In this episode we welcome Allison Katz-Mayfield, Vice President of Business Strategy for LA28. Allison shares her incredible career journey. A graduate of MIT Sloan School of Management and Cornell University, Allison has spent her career driving business strategy through the use of data and analytics in the legal, healthcare, and sports industries. With a passion for sports - she took her skills and built a storied career working for StubHub, the NFL, and now LA28. Allison is a true game changer and recently recognized as a 2022 SBJ 40 under 40 honoree.

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Bower, Vice President of Stadium Partnerships for Legends. Jennifer shares her incredible career journey. As a student athlete at San Diego State University she strengthened her belief in hard work and built the foundation of her strong network. She tapped into that network to launch her sports career with the San Diego Chargers and grew to where she is today - Full Circle, driving revenue growth for San Diego State University with Legends and giving back to the community she loves.

In this episode we welcome Katie Stocz Miller, Sr. Vice President of Premium & Client Services, Fan Experience & Operations for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. Katie shares her incredible career journey that started out with a passion for sports, seeded by her childhood experiences of going to games and making memories with her family. This year, she celebrates her 17th season with the Orlando Magic, where she has had the privilege to grow professionally and personally, make an impact as a tenured leader, and create extraordinary experiences for fans and partners.

In this episode we welcome Sofi Armenakian, Head of Sustainability for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Sofi shares her incredible career path that started out with a 10 year foundation in the retail industry that she launched in High School. Sofi reinvested her skills and experience into a new passion of leading operations and sustainability for organizations, and now for the Atlanta Hawks where she help lead the organization to become the first in the world to be certified True Zerowaste.

In this episode we welcome Ann Seeney, Chief People and Diversity Officer for the US Soccer Federation. Ann shares her incredible career path that kicked off after graduating from Hampton University. Ann has worked in various organizations in many capacities in Human Resources. She broke into the sports industry, grew her network, built trusted relationships, and invested in her growth that led her to be the game changer she is today.

In this episode we welcome Stacy Johns, Chief Financial Officer for the Los Angeles Football Club of MLS. Stacy shares her incredible career journey where she built her foundation in Finance with Ernst & Young and Eli Lilly. Thanks to her hard work, relationship building, and never passing up an opportunity, she was swept away from the public sector and into the sports industry where she worked for the the Indianapolis Colts for 16 seasons before being named as the CFO for LAFC.

In this episode we welcome Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer for the New York Liberty of the WNBA. Keia shares her incredible career journey where she establishes a successful career path powered by her love of the game and her commitment to contribute to the continued growth of women's professional sports. Now as the CEO of the New York Liberty, she is one of the key leaders in the game pushing the vision forward and unlocking opportunities for the next generation.

In this episode we welcome Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL. Sam, a former Quarterback, shares her incredible career journey which was built on the foundation of her passion for the game and driven by her goal to create societal change. Through hard work, perseverance, and pure determination, Sam has successfully opened the front door to NFL operations positions for over 225 Women and counting.