Honoring the 2021 Top Diverse Leaders in Sports at The National Sports Inclusion Conference
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HOUSTON, September 7, 2021 /3BL Media/ - DiversityFirstTM will be hosting the National Sports Inclusion Conference from August 31- September 1, 2021. The conference will be held virtually with this year’s theme being “Inclusion = Innovation”. The two-day conference will honor a number of diverse talents from different industries.
The Top Diverse Leaders in Sports Award distinguishes a select group who exhibit exceptional leadership qualities in the sports industry. The focus of the award is to give prominence to the accomplishments of individuals who exceed the scope of what is expected in their organizations and communities. The award is open to upper-level executives who hold considerable clout within their organizations.
2021 Awardees
Avery |
Jessup |
GM, Head of Men's Division Jordan Brand |
Nike |
Bahati |
VanPelt |
Chief of Athlete Services |
United States Olympic & Paralympic Committe |
Breon |
Dennis |
Vice President of Community Development |
Frisco RoughRiders |
Brian |
Michael Cooper |
Member |
Frost Brown Todd LLC |
Charles |
Johnson |
Vice President of Corporate Partnerships |
Seattle Mariners |
Dr. China |
Jude |
Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion |
Denver Broncos |
Emeka |
Ofodile |
Vice President of Sports Marketing |
ESPN |
Heather |
Vaughan |
Vice President of Marketing |
Pac-12 Conference |
Jorge |
Ortiz |
CEO and Founder |
Varsity Hype |
Kali |
Franklin |
Senior Vice President, Head of Talent & Recruiting |
Overtime Elite |
Karin |
Morris |
Senior Vice President, Community Impact |
Texas Rangers |
Kelly |
Hyne |
Chief Sales Officer |
Ladies Professional Golf Association |
Marissa |
Meli |
Associate General Counsel |
Green Bay Packers |
Michael |
Shaw |
Vice President, Head of Experience & Innovation |
Miami Marlins |
Mike |
Long |
Managing Director, National Sales |
NASCAR |
Nancy |
Hensley |
Chief Product & Marketing Officer |
Stats Perform |
Nona M. |
Lee |
Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officers |
Arizona Diamondbacks |
Paul |
Bee |
Vice President Ticket Sales and Service |
Milwaukee Bucks |
Sree |
Varma |
CEO & Founder |
iSportConnect |
Tia |
Williams |
Brand Development and Public Relations Director, VP of the Hollman Family Foundation |
Hollman, Inc |
Wendell |
Haskins |
Chief Marketing Officer |
The Professional Collegiate League |
About The National Sports Inclusion Conference
With hundreds of attendees, the 2021 Inaugural Sports Inclusion Conference pioneers the discussion of diversity and inclusion in the sports industry. Offering extraordinary networking opportunities, professional development, and critical conversations surrounding diversity and inclusion, attendees are able to curate their experience for optimal learning and growth. This year’s conference will take place virtually on August 31 and September 1, 2021. More information about the Sports InclusionConference is available on their website.
Media Contact:
Ashana Outler
DEI Project Specialist
Ashana.Outler@DiversityFirst.Org