Women In Sports

Empowering women in sports through mentorship, advocacy, and connection—advancing equity, leadership, and opportunity across the industry.

Women In Sports

Empowering women in sports through mentorship, advocacy, and connection—advancing equity, leadership, and opportunity across the industry.

The BESLA Women in Sports Initiative empowers and advances women professionals across all sectors of the sports industry by fostering leadership, creating equitable opportunities and building an inclusive community. Through mentorship, education, advocacy, and networking, we strive to break barriers, champion representation, and inspire the next generation of women in sports. We aim to spotlight women who share personal journeys in sports, both triumphs and challenges; plan events that promote camaraderie and visibility; provide forums for conversations around pay equity, Title IX, representation in sports governance, and career opportunities; and encourage mentorship and networking involving both the trailblazing women and early-career professionals.

About W.I.S.

Women in Sports Founding Council

Alanna Hernandez

Executive Vice President Business Affairs & Operations

THE TEAM

Candisse Williamson

General Counsel

Hartbeat

Chantell Bobo

Deputy General Counsel

WTA

Clarence Nesbitt

Chief Legal Officer

Think450

Donald Woodard

Managing Partner

Carter + Woodard

Heather Anderson

VP, Original Content & Business Affairs

ESPN

Iman Houston Farrior

TV Business Affairs Executive

CAA

Jessica Wright

General Counsel

D.C. United

Kaleisha Stuart

Deputy General Counsel

Dallas Cowboys

Kim Washington

Senior Director, Events

National Basketball Association

Lawrence C. Hinkle

Managing Partner

Sanders Roberts LLP

Marissa John

Vice President | General Counsel

Seattle Seahawks

Marjorie Williams

SVP, Head of Business & Legal Affairs

Skydance Sports

Renee Washington

Chief Operating Officer

USA Track & Field

Sadie Houston

Associate General Counsel

Seattle Sounders FC

Sandrine Nzeukou

Founder | CEO

Playbook

Shameeka Quallo

Chief Legal Officer

Washington Spirit

Tabetha Plummer

Founding Partner

Plummer Carlyle Williams LLP

Teri Smith

Chief Operating Officer

NFLPA

Tiffany Shepard

Director & Senior Counsel, Brand Protection

FIFA World Cup 2026

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