Five alumnae returned to campus to network with female students studying in the Sport Management Department.
The Women Influencers in Sport (WINS) initiative hosted its first event of the fall semester, presenting a mentor-mentee mingle at the Sept. 17 Elon volleyball game. Five alumnae attended the Schar Center event and participated in an hourlong networking session before Elon’s home contest against Winthrop University.
Among the alumnae on hand were Raychel Diver ’15, director of Phoenix Club; Danielle Lafferty ’12, athletic director at Pfeiffer University; Carol Pyszkowski ’16, account manager at Octagon; Katie Soraghan ’17, assistant director of Phoenix Club; and Olivia Wamelink ’18, senior account executive of brand campaigns at Octagon.
In conjunction with the Sport Management Society, WINS offers regular programming to encourage the development and education of female students studying sport management. Through the initiative and its mentorship, female students gain the skills, knowledge, networks and confidence necessary to establish themselves in an overwhelmingly male-dominated industry.
“An event like this is beneficial for students because they get the opportunity to make first-hand connections with alumnae, begin to build meaningful relationships, share experiences, and learn from professionals in the industry,” said Assistant Professor Shaina Dabbs, who advises the WINS program. “Students left the event with insights, connections, and more confidence as they navigate studying and working in sport.”