FC Cincinnati, in partnership with Procter & Gamble’s Secret and Always brands, hosted Breaking Barriers on April 2 at TQL Stadium, with over 180 female professionals in attendance looking to grow their careers and learn more about potential paths into sports. The event offers a chance for attendees to hear from professionals, Olympians and potential mentors through panel discussions, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
“We are committed to giving back in our community and finding ways to connect throughout,” said Kate Solomon, Chief Youth & Community Officer for FC Cincinnati. “We’re very fortunate to have a partnership with Procter & Gamble where they feel the same, and where there’s a passion in investing in women in sports. So, it’s just really great to be here today and see all these women coming together.”
“It’s great that it’s grown each and every single year. That’s what you really want to see when you’re building out a program and thinking through whether it’s having the impact that would continue the program on. To see how we have brought in different people to have different types of conversations, and to meet people where they are in their career has been another positive that we have seen throughout.”
Breakout groups showcased a wide range of industry professionals, giving attendees a scope of potential paths into sports. Speakers included Elyse Bauman (Assistant Women’s Volleyball Coach - Mount St. Joseph University Athletics), Mallory Bechtold (Assistant Athletics Director for Fan Engagement – Xavier University Athletics), Alex Coleman (Director of Olympic Sports Operations – University of Cincinnati Athletics), Sarah Pruess (Senior Associate Athletics Director for Student Services/Senior Woman Administrator – Northern Kentucky University Athletics), Lindsey Braun (Chief Financial Officer and Chief Business Officer – FC Cincinnati), Caroline Calhoun (Manager of Premium Client Services – Cincinnati Open), Alex Grout (Tampax Brand Director – Procter & Gamble), Sara Kurosu (Technical Lead – Cincinnati Bengals) and Shaumia Turner (Group Account Executive – Cincinnati Reds).
“I’m so excited because this event is really important for the community - to help coach girls and women and educate them on how they can get into sports,” said Alex Grout, Tampax Brand Director for Procter & Gamble. “It provides them with good examples, potential mentorship opportunities and ways they can see themselves in future roles that might interest them.”
When asked what advice she would offer the Breaking Barriers attendees, Grout said, “More than anything, know yourself and know there are opportunities that present themselves that aren’t necessarily linear. You can achieve your goals in multiple ways, so be open minded to them.”
“FC Cincinnati does a great job with this event. There’s no one else that does it. And I think FC Cincinnati, from what I’ve seen, puts a lot of stock into growth,” said Mallory Bechtold, Assistant Athletics Director for Fan Engagement for Xavier University Athletics. “This is one of those events where you don’t have to do this, but I think it’s important for the area, for the college kids that are here and it’s a great networking opportunity.”
“So, today is a full circle moment for me. I came to a couple as a student, trying to network, trying to figure myself out in the sports industry. So, to be here as a panelist is a full circle moment for me.”Â
After the breakout sessions, the Beyond the Rings: Champion Panel featured two decorated Olympians, and an Emmy Award winning TV host, who shared inspiring words about working in the sports industry.
“Whether it's in your profession, whether it's in motherhood, whether it's in your day to day, whether it's coaching, whether it's whatever you're doing in sports, put your all into it and secure your goal,” Olympian Mary Wineberg said. “I know sometimes things get very difficult. They get very hard, they get very stressful, but at the end of the day, it's about taking a step back and relaxing. Even if you have to go back to the drawing board and figure it out.”
“It’s important to believe in yourself and empower yourself, but then it’s equally important to advocate for others and build community,” Olympian Maia Shibutani added. “This is your life, and while sports may be your job, you may as well find a way in which it can be fulfilling every single day.”
The Two Olympians, Shibutani (Olympic Ice Dance) and Wineberg (Olympic Track and Field) have a combined three Olympic medals, with Wineberg securing Gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The other speaker, Michelle Hopkins (Lifestyle Host and Community Engagement Director for the Greater Cincinnati Foundation), is a co-host on Cincy Lifestyle at WCPO 9 and the creator of Come Have Coffee with Michelle. She is a graduate from Purdue University and is a four-time Emmy Award winner.
In addition to the speakers, Breaking Barriers provided attendees with networking opportunities and had the FC Cincinnati Photo Team on site to shoot professional quality headshots for attendees to use as they make their way into the sports industry.
With the help of Breaking Barriers, women who are trying to get into the sports industry are provided with beneficial resources that bring forth networking opportunities for women to get their foot in the door and fulfill their desire to not just be a woman in sports but to thrive in their future endeavors.
About FC Cincinnati Foundation
FC Cincinnati is committed to leaving a legacy, creating something bigger than itself, and being the embodiment of a rising Cincinnati. Through their own programs and initiatives, and the support of key partners, they aim to improve the lives of children through the game of soccer and will continue to do its part to create an inclusive community.
FC Cincinnati Foundation’s mission is accomplished primarily through five key programs: Club Ambassadorship through In-School and Out-of-School Programming, Mini Pitch Soccer Builds, West End Pride and Learning Is Cool. These programs help promote and encourage strong academic performance, and serve as catalysts to reinforce character values and improved health for children in the Greater Cincinnati region. The Foundation also serves as FC Cincinnati’s philanthropic arm, making donations and investments to Cincinnati-area organizations that have similar goals and ambitions for the area’s youth.
For more information, visit https://www.fccincinnati.com/community