Empowering the Future: The Collective + SBJ 2024 Futures Cohort

At this crucial time for gender equity and visibility in the sports industry, The Collective + SBJ 2024 Futures Cohort program is set to make a powerful impact on inclusion throughout the entire ecosystem. The Collective, Wasserman’s women’s focused impact and advisory business, has reimagined this long-standing program to unite 20 of the sports industry’s most accomplished future women leaders to support each other and work toward more intentional change. The program's mission is to identify, support, and equip the next generation of Game Changers with the community and network necessary to push collectively and individually toward more impactful change.

The 2024 Future Cohort nomination process saw an overwhelming response with well over 100 applicants spanning every aspect of women in leadership in sports - ultimately selecting 20 of the most accomplished female leaders in the business. Within the reinvented framework, this inaugural class will set the tone for connecting women across the sports landscape and leading significant change in the years to come.

As the sports landscape evolves, the need for diverse leadership has never been greater. The Collective Futures Cohort is designed to meet this need by offering participants a unique blend of professional development, networking opportunities, and connection. More than just a program, this movement ensures that women are present and leading at the highest levels.

Meet The 2024-25 Futures Cohort

Alec Mallen

Sr. Dir. Corporate Partnerships

Angel City FC

Christa Mann

Communications Consultant

CMS PR Consulting

Jen Zudonyl

VP Brand + Consumer Marketing, Sports

Warner Bros./TNT Sports

Laura Diaz

Sr. Dir. of Community + Inclusion

LPGA

Molly McManimie

Director of Football

Wasserman

Brooke Faw

VP, Client Experience

Bespoke Sports & Entertainment

Christina Turner

Chief Strategy + Operating Officer

Women Leaders In Sports

Kelaine Conochan

VP, Global Sales

Legends

Libby Kruse

VP, Partnership Sales

Minnesota Lynx & Timberwolves

Philicia Douglas

Dir. Partnership & Spring Training Business Dev.

Minnesota Twins

Carly Townsend

Dir. of Premium & Suite Sales

San Francisco 49ers

Fielding Jamieson

Co-Founder

Tipt Ventures

Keri Lenker

AVP Media + Strategic Initiatives

NBA

Maggie Valerio Parker

Sr. Director Partnerships

LA Chargers

Sara Mosiman

Partner

GSE

Cassidy Lichtman

Director Volleyball

Athletes Unlimited

Jachele Velez

Associate Counsel

WNBA

Kristen Condo

Global Partnerships

Fenway Sports

Marica Civitate

Global Dir. SNKRS Platform Marketing

Nike

Veronica Sander

Head of Sponsorship

Play VS

Throughout the year, participants will engage in a series of focused workshops, roundtable discussions, and networking events designed to create peer-to-peer mentorship, a supportive community and to push each other towards more innovation, creativity and industry change, By the end, members will not only have expanded their professional networks but also gained a support network cheering them on as they continue in their leadership journeys.

SBJ thoroughly supports the 2024 Futures Cohort, which will be integrated into SBJ’s Game Changers annual event and broader messaging platform. This strategic alliance ensures that the voices of the Cohort members will be amplified across the industry, creating visibility for the challenges they aim to address and their achievements toward progress.

The Collective Futures Cohort is a commitment to the future of the sports industry. By investing in these women today, SBJ and The Collective ensure that this group of tomorrow's leaders is well-supported to guide the industry through its next chapter. As the 2024 cohort kicks off at Game Changers 2024, they will carry the legacy of past Game Changers and the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for the sports business world.