Logo for On The Rise Summit with text in green and blue. Women Leaders in Sports

MAY 13-14, 2026 | VIRTUAL

REGISTRATION CLOSES APRIL 28!

Non-Members: click the “Create Non-Member Account” Button on the Registration Page to register and activate your annual membership

Women Leaders in Sports Circle Call
Women Leaders in Sports Circle Call

The Path to Impact

Grounding Your Leadership Potential

Speakers | Program

  • The Path to Impact begins with developing skills that provide the foundation for leadership potential and professional growth. The On the Rise Summit, previously Women's Leadership Symposium (WLS), is a 2-day virtual event that will set you up with the fundamentals you need to succeed. Come ready to actively participate for the entire duration, with your camera ON!

  • Early-career women beginning (or aspiring to begin) a career working in sports, including but not limited to:

    • Graduate Students/Assistants, interns, entry-level staff

    • Emerging leaders eager to gain access to peers, leaders, and learn career foundational skills

    • Previous attendees of WLS - you can attend again!

    • A solid understanding of project management essentials

    • A professional mindset and career advancement strategies

    • Preparation for deeper exploration during the next phases of your professional development

  • Member-Only Rate: $100
    Non-Member Rate: $350 (Inclusive of a 1-year Women Leaders Membership)

    Cost includes registration, 6-8 hours of virtual programming, career advancement resources and all program materials. You will be added to a community in our ENGAGE virtual platform, where you can connect with other members and get resources before, during, and after the program. If you are not a member, learn about our benefits here.

SUPPORTED BY

2026 Featured Speakers

2026 Agenda

Wednesday, May 13

Day 1: The Value of Performance Currency

10:00-10:15 AM - Leadership Launch! - Nyia Duncan, Women Leaders in Sports  

10:15-11:00 AM  - Elevate Your Impact and Own Your Career - Christina Turner, Women Leaders in Sports

11:00-11:15 AM  - BREAK  

11:15 AM-12:00 PM - Master the Art of Managing Up! - Kara Hess, Women Leaders in Sports 

12:00-12:15 PM - Break 

12:15-1:00 PM - Career Navigation Playbook: Build a Career that Fits YOU - Maya Ozery, University of Kansas

1:00- 1:15 PM - Closing  

4:00-5:00 PM  - Happy Hour “Let’s Learn the Culture” Panel 

  • Casey Africano, LA Rams

  • Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, HBCU Athletic Conference

  • Rachel Blunt, University of Arizona

  • Krishna Lee, KC Glory

Thursday, May 14 

Day 2: Developing Career Strategy

10:00-10:15 AM  - Leadership Launch! - Nyia Duncan, Women Leaders in Sports

10:15-11:00 AM  - Project Management: Keep the Needle Moving - Jessica Matalon, Two Circles

11:00-11:15 AM  - BREAK  

11:15-12:30 PM  - Area Experts Lunch 

  • Personal Brand Guide: Tayler Onion, UMSL 

  • Revenue Generation: Kelaine Conochan, Legends Global Sales 

  • AI for the NEXT Gen: Becki Civello   

  • Mental Health: Brandy Gresham, University of Michigan 

  • Negotiations: Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, WM Leadership & Legacy LLC 

  • Financial Fitness: Madi Osias, Morgan Stanley 

12:30-1:00 PM - Closing