Women Blazers

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 shares her remarkable career journey with her family- son, Davis and husband, Mark. 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.