Women Blazers Dionna Widder

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Faw, Vice President of Client Experiences for Bespoke Sports & Entertainment. Brooke shares her unique and incredible journey, which began in education as a Kindergarten Teacher and High School Basketball Coach. Through the power of connection and the spark of her passion for sports, she met some incredible supporters along her path that introduced her to new opportunities, remarkable people, and life changing experiences that made her the leader she is today.

Season 5 Premiere! In this season opener we welcome Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports —the nation’s premier organization that develops, connects, and champions women to advance and be a powerful influence in sports. Patti was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the NCAA’s Champions of Diversity Award in 2015. In 2020, she was named as a Sports Business Journal Game Changer Honoree. Patti has dedicated her career to coaching, mentoring, and inspiring women at all levels, in all industries.

In this live recorded season finale, we welcome Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Predators. Michelle shares her roots growing up in Kentucky, her foundation as an athlete at Vanderbilt University, where she would later return as the Associate Athletic Director to achieve her desire to someday work in sports. Determined to follow her passions, she makes a bold move in her mid-30s to go to law school and earn her Juris Doctorate. A move that lands her the ultimate opportunity with the Predators, with whom she’s climbed the ranks from In-House counsel to President/Chief Operating Officer.

In this episode, we welcome Jill Gregory, EVP and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. Jill is an acclaimed NASCAR executive and innovative sports marketer, who has blazed a career journey with a remarkable reputation. Twice named by Adweek as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports”, Jill was a key member of the leadership team, that shepherded the sport through COVID and made historic moves for social justice. A champion, for diversity, equity and inclusion, Jill is only the second women leader of a NASCAR sanctioned venue and is dedicated to continue to shape the sport for future generations.

In this episode, we welcome Buffy Filippell, Founder of TeamWork Online. Buffy shares her remarkable career journey with her family- son, Davis and husband, Mark. Buffy is a true blazer by definition. She founded her Cleveland based company 30 years ago, and changed the game when she launched the online job portal that has effectively matched sports teams with over 200,000 of the best and brightest talent coming up in the industry. She has been honored by several organizations, and was recognized in 2019 as a SBJ Champion, highlighting her contributions as a pioneer and innovator. Buffy is a woman who leads with heart, passion, and a deep sense of purpose.

In this episode, we welcome Leah MacNab, Sr. Vice President & Managing Director of NBA Canada. Leah’s journey to becoming the first women to be named the Managing Director of NBA Canada was one of hard work and persistence. As the SVP and Managing Director, Leah is responsible for the development and growth of the league’s business in Canada, including television and digital media, marketing and retail partnerships, licensing, special events and basketball development. Leah is at the forefront of growing the game she loves and instilling the pride of Canada throughout the league.