Greater Orlando Sports Commission

This week, I had the privilege of attending the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Luncheon — Celebrating Women in Sports. It was an incredible experience meeting the trailblazing Doris Burke, a pioneer in sports media. She is widely recognized for her work with ESPN and ABC, and became known for her deep knowledge, sharp analysis, and groundbreaking role as a female voice in a traditionally male-dominated field.🏀 During the fireside chat moderated by Director of Communications & PR for the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Despina McLaughlin, APR, she credits her success to learning adaptability, developing resilience, handling rejection, and embracing what she believes is the key to success — grit.🔥 Doris also spoke candidly about the importance of perseverance, even when she sensed, as she put it, “an undercurrent of what exactly are you doing here, how did you get here, or maybe you don’t belong here.” Her response? “Pay attention. Be aware. Be unafraid to advocate even when you’re scared to death. It’s okay to be scared, but it’s also okay to stand firm and say, 'I know my worth.'" Such powerful and “refreshing” words!💪 Congratulations to all the award recipients — Grace Burr, Pennie Parker, Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, Angela Adams Suggs and Joanne Wallen. Your commitment to as Angela said it best, “opening the window and keeping the ladder down” to support women professionals is uplifting. A special thanks to Jason Siegel and Derek Frederickson for the invitation and the opportunity to hear such wisdom from the G.O.A.T, an example of true grit! 🐐 Michael Cantrell Tony Jenkins Latria Graham Edward Smith Providence College

Statement from GO Sports' President & CEO Jason Siegel on Orlando's selection as a host city for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup:

The #1 city for hosting sports events in America will be the only destination to feature the FIFA Club World Cup in two venues. The biggest clubs in the world are coming to Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium next summer! #FIFACWC Press Release: https://lnkd.in/e9aPYDmT City of Orlando Orlando City SC Florida Citrus Sports Orange County Government

Earlier this week, I attended the Greater Orlando Sports Commission annual luncheon honoring women in sports. I always love the opportunity to support this event and to celebrate some of the incredible women in our community. This year’s event was extra special for me as two of the honorees were colleagues and friends! Congratulations again Grace Burr and Joanne Wallen on your recognition!

Excited to share that on Wednesday, September 25th, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon hosted by the Greater Orlando Sports Commission! With over 700 attendees, the event was a powerful reminder of the impact women are making in the sports industry. Hearing from inspiring speakers who are making a difference was truly motivating. It’s events like this that not only celebrate success but also help build a strong community of support among women in sports. 💜

Yesterday I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon hosted by WISE Greater Orlando and Greater Orlando Sports Commission. It was an amazing event filled with powerful stories and insights from remarkable women who are breaking barriers in the sports industry. A special highlight was celebrating Rollins College very own leader, Pennie Parker for receiving the Women of Inspiration Award! 🎉 Proud to be apart of a community that champions women in sports! Cheers to walking the path laid by those who came before me and breaking more barriers along the way! 🥂 P.S. loved to see Kurt Esser & friends at Seminole State College of Florida get some love too!!

Talk about the ultimate crossover 🏀. Wednesday afternoon I moderated a fireside chat alongside my real-time hoops idol — ESPN’s Doris Burke. The site: Addition Financial Arena— same place I graduated in 15 years ago & spent countless nights covering and calling men’s and women’s basketball. #ChargeOn The conversation: sports & women’s leadership. The people: 750 of Orlando’s business leaders, athletes, professional sports teams, GMs, friends, elected officials, moms, dads and many people I have met, worked with, admired and respected throughout all the stages of my professional career. Still reflecting in that moment… I can’t help but smile knowing how fortunate I am to still be chasing down things that make me happy, being intentional in where I spend my time and where I use my superpowers. The most rewarding part of it all is no doubt the friendships, mentorships, partnerships and mommyships forged throughout the years and seeing MANY of those individuals in the arena on Wednesday—it was a mind blowing beautiful culmination🤍. Jason Siegel Kyle Sturley & Jennifer Lastik thank you for believing in me to meet this moment —I will treasure it forever. AND for all the women (AND MEN) leaders who have, who are and who will be apart of paving this next chapter in the business and leadership space —thank you for opening doors for us, speaking our name in rooms we aren’t in, pushing us to reach excellence, breaking down barriers, demanding equity & equality, allowing us to put family first, leaning into our varied passions, meeting us where we are, wanting better for us and advocating for us— ya’ll are the real MVPs!

Wednesday Sept 25th marked the 6th annual Celebrating Women in Sports Luncheon I have been fortunate enough to attend the event in the past. However, after recently starting an internship with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, this year I was a part of the team bringing the event to life. I had an incredible time at the event and was extremely moved by the deserving women who were honored and our guest speaker Doris Burke. Another note that made this year exceptional was the honoring of my former coach Tiffany Roberts-Sahaydak with the Leadership Award. Thank you to everyone who attended our sold-out event. The countdown to next year begins now!

Support sports tourism in Central Florida and the Greater Orlando Sports Commission by bidding on more than 50+ items including: Autographed Sports Items, Exclusive Sports Experiences, Hotel Stays, Concerts, Restaurant Packages, Entertainment, Travel, Fishing Charters, Health & Wellness Items and more! https://lnkd.in/eh_zg-82 Don't wait, the silent auction will end tonight at 9:00pm EST.

Yesterday, at the Additions Arena we honor the strength, resilience, and trailblazing spirit of women in sports! From breaking barriers to setting new records, female athletes are changing the game every day, we celebrate the incredible women in leadership who not only break glass ceilings but reach down to lift other women up with them. These trailblazers are redefining what it means to lead—with strength, compassion, and an unyielding commitment to empowering others. Tag a woman leader who has inspired you! #WomenInPower #WISE #OrlandoWomen #LiftAsYouClimb #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen #Leadership #BreakingBarriers #Inspiration