Angel City Football Club

Last week at the #AngelCityEquitySummit, we witnessed a profoundly moving dialogue between Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and Khalida Popal, founder and former coach of the Afghanistan women's national football team. Adding weight to the conversation, four current players from Ayenda FC, the Afghan Youth National Football Team, were in attendance, embodying the dreams and struggles discussed. These icons shared their relentless pursuit of justice and equality for Afghan women. ⚫️ Khalida Popal narrated her transformative journey from playing soccer in Afghanistan's streets to founding the national women's team. She highlighted how sports became a sanctuary of freedom and a platform for fighting gender oppression. ️⚫️ Malala emphasized the critical intersection of education and sports, advocating for Afghan women's rights to participate fully in society. Her words remind us of the ongoing struggle for equal rights in regions where women still fight for fundamental freedoms. ⚫️ The conversation culminated in a powerful global call to action, urging FIFA and other international bodies to immediately support Afghan women's rights to play sports. Khalida underscored the urgency of this plea, highlighting the need for swift advocacy and recognition at the international level. This call to action is not just a request but a commitment to making a difference. ️⚫️ Inspired by her first exposure to the subject in Sydney at the inaugural Equity Summit in 2023, ACFC Co-Founder Natalie Portman connected Afghan footballer Fatima Yousufi and then FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura for a powerful discussion onsite. Again, following Malala and Khalida's powerful discussion at last week's Angel City Equity Summit, Natalie Portman took a proactive step by engaging FIFA President Gianni Infantino, emphasizing the need for action and support for Afghan women to qualify for global competitions and get the resources they deserve. A few days ago, on his Instagram account, Infantino committed to using his influence to advocate for change, recognizing the complex challenges yet affirming FIFA's dedication to making a positive impact. Join us in supporting Khalida Popal's initiative to amplify Afghan women's voices in sports. Their stories are not just narratives but powerful tools that can drive change. Your engagement can make a difference—share their stories, participate in advocacy, and call on sports authorities to act. Together, we can transform dialogue into meaningful action. Follow Khalida here: https://lnkd.in/g9MxgzS4 Follow Ayenda FC here: www.instagram.com/ayendafc

#AngelCityFC’s Player 22 Small Business Grant Program is back and better than ever! 🚀 This initiative empowers current and retired soccer players to launch or grow their businesses with essential funding, personalized coaching, and comprehensive startup resources via IFundWomen’s workshop library. 💼 Stay tuned as we introduce the 2024 Cohort in the coming weeks! 🤝 HubSpot | Justworks | PNC | Johnnie Walker | Payscale

Emily Dalton Smith from Meta highlights the power of diversity in building successful products at the #AngelCityEquitySummit. What innovative outcomes have you witnessed from diverse collaborations?

ACFC’s Gameday Producer, Meg Hartley, Grows the Game by crafting unforgettable matchday experiences for our fans! Who would you like to meet next in the #AngelCityFC front office? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

Guided by Anita Hossain Choudhry at The Grand World, Rachael Neumann shared a powerful reminder at the #AngelCityEquitySummit: most career decisions are reversible. Have you ever taken a bold step that led to unexpected places? Share your story below!

At the #AngelCityEquitySummit, Lolita Lopez shared the types of strategies to support women in coaching roles, emphasizing the importance of addressing their holistic needs. From daycare to transportation, creating a supportive environment is key. What other benefits could help women in sports reach their full potential? #AskMeAnything | BMO U.S.

In an engaging panel led by Anita Hossain Choudhry from The Grand World, we gained valuable perspectives from leaders breaking barriers in their respective fields. ⚫️ Karen Ng of HubSpot shared her pioneering journey in tech, highlighting her role as one of the first women in her field. She recalled times when she was spoken over in meetings and how those experiences shaped her commitment to fostering environments that empower women. Karen emphasized the necessity of both claiming one's space and creating supportive networks in traditionally male-dominated industries ⚫️ Rachael Neumann, ACFC Investor and Founding Partner at Flying Fox Ventures, delved into her venture capital journey, illustrating the unique opportunities that diversity brings to investment strategies. Her story is a testament to the potential of viewing challenges through a different lens. ⚫️ Emily Dalton Smith from Meta highlighted that while policies often exist to promote equity, actual practice can lag significantly. The push for performance-driven advancement in tech offers a unique environment where women can assert their capabilities, though challenges remain. Emily also stressed the importance of diverse teams for equity and as a catalyst for genuine innovation and superior outcomes. ⚫️ As Anita Hossain Choudhry wrapped up the discussion, she reminded us of the transformative power of community and connectivity in fostering leadership. This session at the #AngelCityEquitySummit was about sharing experiences and envisioning a future where diversity in leadership is not just an aspiration but a reality. How do you see these insights playing a role in your professional landscape?

At the #AngelCityEquitySummit, Janet Evans, OLY, discussed the valuable lessons from organizations that have successfully championed gender equality in sports. Her insights underscore the importance of proactive inclusion in leveling the playing field in sports and the corporate world. What strategies can you help implement at your organization to effectively foster gender equity? Join the discussion below. #AskMeAnything | BMO U.S.

During one of our #AngelCityEquitySummit panels, Benny Bonsu led an insightful panel featuring Pau Gasol, Kirsty Coventry, Marie Sallois, and Janet Evans, OLY. The panel discussed the historic progress towards gender parity at the Paris Olympics and the future of gender equity in sports. Marie Sallois detailed the deliberate strategies that have brought us to this landmark moment—equal participation of women and men at the Paris Games. Kirsty Coventry emphasized the necessity of supporting female athletes beyond their competitive careers, advocating for increased representation in coaching and leadership roles. Janet Evans discussed her role in shaping an inclusive experience for athletes at the upcoming LA28, highlighting the importance of embedding gender equity in all aspects of Olympic planning. Pau Gasol spoke on the need for continuous advocacy to elevate women into sports administration and coaching, reinforcing that gender equity must become a norm, not an exception. What actions do you think can further accelerate gender equity in all roles within sports? Share your thoughts.

At the #AngelCityEquitySummit, Ali Riley shared powerful insights on the ongoing challenges in women’s sports. Her message highlights the critical areas where we need to push for improvement. What do you think are the most pressing issues in women’s sports today? Share your thoughts in the comments. #AskMeAnything | BMO U.S.