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 # Honoring The 2021 Top Women in Sports at The National Sports Inclusion Conference

 


 

 Sep 7, 2021 12:45 PM ET

  ![](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/logo_1_3.png) 

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**

**Alisha Valavanis**  
CEO and General Manager  
Seattle Storm and Force 10 Sports Management LLC

**Allison Corbett**  
Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications  
P3R

**Briana Barker**  
VP of Marketing Operations  
Utah Jazz

**Cassie McBride**  
Vice President and General Counsel  
San Jose Sharks

**Cay Young**  
Vice President, Corporate Partnerships  
LA Sparks

**Christa Stout**  
Senior Vice President of Innovation & Technology  
Portland Trailblazers

**DeRetta Rhodes, PHD**  
EVP/Chief People Capital Officer  
Atlanta Braves

**Diane Penny**  
Senior Vice President & General Manager  
NBC Sports Northwest

**Emily Maguire**  
Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service

**Jen Maurillo**  
Senior Vice President of Events  
Major League Soccer

**JoAnn Neale**  
President & Chief Administrative Officer  
Major League Soccer

**Julie Haddon**  
Owner  
Chicago Red Stars

**Kelly Flatow**  
Executive Vice President, Global Events  
NBA

**Kisha Smith**  
Vice President of Human Resources  
Carolina Panthers

**Laura Day**  
Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer  
Minnesota Twins

**Lexi Vonderlieth**  
Vice President of Partnership Marketing  
Los Angeles Rams

**Maya Mendoza-Exstrom**  
SVP of Legal and External Affairs  
Seattle Sounders FC

**Megha Parekh**  
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer  
Jacksonville Jaguars

**Nancy Elder**  
Chief Communications Officer  
DAZN Group

**Qiava Martinez**  
Vice President, Premium Service, and Guest Experience  
Raiders

**Tara August**  
Senior Vice President of Talent Relations and Special Projects  
Turner Sports

**Tara Gutkowski Schwartz**  
Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility  
NBA

**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](https://sportsinclusionconference.com/2021/).

**Media Contact:**  
Ashana Outler  
DEI Project Specialist  
[Ashana.Outler@DiversityFirst.Org](mailto:Amaka.Egbe@DiversityFirst.Org)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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