Who We Are

Our Vision

More women leaders in off-the-field decision-making roles will create systemic and sustainable change in our industry and the wider culture.

Trailblazing women in senior roles in men's and women's elite sports and in adjacent businesses are accelerating a cultural shift. But it's only the beginning. We can do more. We must do more.

We create tools and resources that enable more leadership opportunities for women with two goals: 

  1. Achieving greater representation and equity for women leaders at the highest levels. 
  2. Driving a systemic, sustainable transformation in our industry and the wider culture. 

Our Mission

To be a catalyst for women at all levels in the business of sports to advance to their career goals.

Through peer support, mentoring programs and professional development and training, we strive to help members maximize their potential, sharpen their skills and advance their careers at every stage of their professional journeys.

Our Leadership

WISE is led by women, for women.

Governed by a national board of directors, WISE National sets organizational strategy and provides members with a variety of resources, including online tools at WISEworks.org, to aid in their professional development. Each WISE chapter elects its own board to carry out WISE's mission at the local level.

Kathleen Francis Headshot

National Board Chair and President

Named chair and president in 2011, Kathleen Francis has overseen growth in membership and league partnerships, chapter expansion, and the launch of WISE's educational events and professional development programs including the Executive Leadership Institute, Emerging Leaders Certificate Program, Power of Choice for Emerging Leaders of Color, WISE/R Symposium and WISE Multiplier Summit.

Sue Rodin founded WISE in 1993, serving as president during the organization’s first 18 years. She continues to serve on the national board and focuses on the annual WISE/R Symposium and WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon.

Sue Rodin Headshot

Founder and Chair Emerita


Ernestine Miller Headshot

Director


Ernestine Miller is a founding member of WISE and has remained active in the organization since, working on several committees and the annual WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon. Ernestine was the first president of WISE Washington DC.

Erica Esposito Headshot

Secretary | Governance


Erica Petri joined the national board in 2015 and oversees best practices regarding legal and corporate governance. She currently serves as vice president and assistant general counsel at the National Basketball Association.

Tonya Cornelius Headshot

Director


Lisa Murray Headshot

Director


Pam El Headshot

Director


After serving on the national advisory board, Pam El joined the national board in 2021. She oversees best practices regarding strategy, positioning and board governance. El serves on several corporate boards, is CEO at Pam El Consulting and the former CMO at the National Basketball Association.

Erin Weinberg Headshot

Director | Communications/Media Relations

Erin Weinberg joined the national board in 2010. In addition to overseeing communications strategy and media relations, she also co-chairs the annual WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon.

Our Chapters

25 local chapters across North America with 6,000 members

WISE recognizes the importance of engaging regularly and face-to-face with members of the industry, and chapters throughout North America carry out the WISE mission at the local level, offering members programming, events and valuable networking opportunities in their region.

Chapters also work with WISE National to deliver organization-wide initiatives and signature events such as Speed Mentoring Roundtables.

Find Your Chapter

Our History

More than 30 years of supporting the ambitions of women in a male-dominated field

In 1993, a small group of women saw an opportunity to address a real need facing females working in sports business — career support. From an informal gathering in New York City that year, Women in Sports and Events has established itself as the leading resource for females in the industry, empowering women across North America with the professional network, tools and advocacy to excel.

From establishing the prestigious WISE Women of the Year Award to expanding chapters to opening doors to continuing education and leadership training, WISE has demonstrated impressive growth. Read on for milestones in our history, none of which would be possible without the strong commitment of our board, committee members, volunteers and valued members and partners across the country.

See Our Timeline