WISE/R Symposium Indy 2025 Speakers

Candace Parker
WNBA Legend, Broadcaster, Author

Candace Parker has already solidified herself as one of the most influential athletes of this generation. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, following a champion career at Tennessee, Parker went on to become the first player to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, win three WNBA championship titles, and take home two Olympic gold medals. Off the court, first and foremost, she is a wife, mother of three children and three dogs. Since retiring, she serves as a public speaker, activist, entrepreneur and studio broadcaster for men's and women's basketball.

Sarah Spain
Journalist

Sarah Spain is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning sports journalist. She's the host of the first-ever daily women's sports podcast, iHeart's "Good Game with Sarah Spain," and her first book, "Runs In The Family," is set for release via Simon and Schuster in June. Spain has been a jack of all trades in her more than two decades in the sports business and more than 14 years at ESPN, working as a radio and podcast host, television personality, producer and writer, currently focusing on espnW and the women's sports space. Spain is a member of the inaugural fellows class of ASU's Great Game Lab, was a founding member of the Gatorade Women's Advisory Board, was a Crain's Chicago Business "40 Under 40" honoree and was formerly a minority owner of the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars. Spain is a graduate of Cornell University, where she competed as a heptathlete and served as co-captain of the track & field team.

Alycen McAuley
Chief Business Officer & Team President, Washington Mystics, Monumental Sports & Entertainment

A purpose-driven leader, Alycen McAuley leads the business operations for the WNBA Washington Mystics with a keen eye towards expansive growth and transformation. She leverages her deep experience — having led corporate sponsorships for the Fortune 100 firm Charles Schwab & Co.; founding and serving as managing partner for one of the leading Olympic marketing agencies in the U.S.; guiding global marketing efforts for an emerging sporting goods company; and being one of the early pioneers in the digital sports marketing space. Under her leadership, the Mystics have experienced exponential growth in revenue. Off the court, the Mystics' District of Change platform captures the organization's commitment to "doing well and doing good," leveraging the power of sports to create change in our communities, empower women and girls and celebrate female leadership.

A former Fulbright Scholar and published author in sports marketing, McAuley earned a B.A. from Fairfield University and a master's in sport management from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Carley Knox
President of Business Operations, Minnesota Lynx

Entering her 16th season with the Minnesota Lynx and 21st in the WNBA, Carley Knox's purview includes ticket sales, logistics, business development, budget management, DEI efforts, season scheduling and acting as the liaison with the WNBA. Her commitment to women's sports is fueled by her desire to use sport as a vehicle of change, to support gender equality and social justice, and to celebrate diversity. Knox created one of the most innovative programs in sports, the Minnesota Lynx President's Circle, which offers members access to the team and a unique opportunity to give back to the community.

Prior to coming to Minnesota, she spent five years with the WNBA's Detroit Shock where she was the director of sales and marketing. She was recently named the Grand Marshal for Twin Cities PRIDE 2024, an honor bestowed upon an individual who has shown a tireless commitment to amplifying the voices and elevating the lives of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Knox attended Ohio University and obtained her master's in sports administration and women's studies from Bowling Green State University.

Christine Monjer
President, Los Angeles Sparks

Christine Monjer is the president of the three-time WNBA Champion Los Angeles Sparks, where she leads the organization's business operations and spearheads the execution of its strategic vision in partnership with the ownership group. Before joining the Sparks, Monjer was instrumental in shaping the brand identity and game day experience for the Las Vegas Aces following the franchise's relocation from San Antonio. She also led the negotiation of the team's television deal, expanding its reach and visibility. Prior to her time with the Aces, Monjer served as executive director of marketing at MGM Resorts International, where she oversaw marketing for major live entertainment and marquee events across the company's Las Vegas properties. Earlier in her career, she was a marketing manager at PepsiCo, where she focused on brand development for the Quaker Oats portfolio. Monjer graduated Cum Laude with a degree in business management from the University of Miami and earned her MBA from Cornell University. In 2022, Cornell honored her with the Carlos R. Quintanilla Distinguished Latino Alumni Award, recognizing her professional achievements and advocacy for Latino advancement in business. A first-generation American of Cuban and Venezuelan descent and a native Spanish speaker, Monjer is passionate about advancing diversity in business and connecting with the vibrant communities of greater Los Angeles.

Jess Smith
President, Golden State Valkyries

Jess Smith is entering her first season as president of the Golden State Valkyries. Smith, who has over 18 years of experience in professional sports, oversees all WNBA business operations and reports directly to Warriors president and chief operating officer, Brandon Schneider. Smith joined the Valkyries from Angel City Football Club, where she served as head of revenue from 2020-24. In that role, she oversaw partnerships, ticketing, commerce, operations, data and analytics, broadcast and strategic alliances. Smith, who has a passion for creating revenue streams with intent, revolutionized the sports industry partnership approach with Angel City's model, where 10% of sponsorship revenues are invested into local community initiatives focusing on equity, essentials and education. Smith was responsible for launching the Fan Fueled Player Fund, where players receive 1% of net ticketing proceeds for advertising ticket sales with their names and likeness. Under her leadership, Angel City renewed over 90% of the team's season ticket members heading into the 2024 NWSL season.

Prior to her time at Angel City, Smith served as vice president, sponsorship at the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) from 2017-20, where she secured the largest academy-specific jersey partnership in MLS history. Before joining the Earthquakes, Smith worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) from 2015-16. Smith also spent time working for the Oakland Athletics (MLB) from 2008-15 in roles within ticketing and sponsorship.

Smith was named to the 2023 Sports Business Journal's 40 Under 40 list and the 2023 Leaders in Sport Under 40 class. In 2024, she was named a Sports Business Journal Power Player in Women's Sports for her outstanding contributions to the game and beyond and was recognized as SBJ's Best Hire of the Year.

Keia Clarke
CEO, New York Liberty

Keia Clarke is chief executive officer of the New York Liberty, where she leads all business aspects of the Liberty organization including oversight of the P&L, business operations, and strategic planning. Additionally, Clarke works with stakeholders on key elements of team business including growing the fan base, maximizing sales and fan engagement through innovation, and optimizing business performance. Clarke successfully guided the Liberty’s full-time transition to Barclays Center in Brooklyn ahead of the 2021 season. Prior to being promoted to CEO in 2020, Clarke was chief operating officer of the team for two seasons and has also served as the Liberty’s vice president for team business development, director of marketing and marketing manager.

Prior to joining the Liberty, Clarke worked on all areas of WNBA business as a member of the team marketing and business operations (TMBO) group at the NBA/WNBA league office. She was recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a “Notable Woman in the Business of Sports” in 2019, was named to INvolve diversity and inclusion consultancy’s Top 100 Ethnic Minority Executives list and Sports Illustrated’s The Unrelenting list in 2020, and included among Adweek’s 2022 Most Powerful Women in Sports list.

In 2023, Clarke was one of WISE NYC Metro’s Women of Inspiration, and was a member of Sports Business Journal’s Game Changers Class of 2023. Most recently, she joined CNBC’s inaugural Changemakers Class of 2024. Additionally, Clarke serves on the Sports Innovation Lab Women’s Leadership Board and The Ladies of Hope Ministries Board of Directors. Clarke graduated from Canisius College with a B.A. in marketing, and was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team. She also holds a Master’s in Sports Business from New York University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Kelly Krauskopf
President, Indiana Fever, Pacers Sports & Entertainment

After dedicating six seasons to the Indiana Pacers, Kelly Krauskopf resumed her role as team president of the Indiana Fever in September 2024. Her career with Pacers Sports & Entertainment spans an impressive 26 years. In 2018, Krauskopf made history as the first woman in the NBA to be appointed to an executive basketball management position when she was hired as assistant general manager for the Indiana Pacers, following a remarkable 19-year tenure as the leader and architect of the Fever. Krauskopf arrived in Indianapolis in 2000 as the pioneering executive responsible for establishing the Indiana Fever from the ground up. She successfully recruited staff and assembled teams that set the current WNBA record for the longest consecutive playoff streak in league history. Under her leadership, the Fever reached the playoffs for 12 straight seasons, advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals five consecutive years, and made it to the WNBA Finals three times in seven years — winning the Championship in 2012.

Nikki Fargas
President, Las Vegas Aces

Nikki Fargas has served as president of the two-time World Champions, the Las Vegas Aces, since May 2021. Prior to joining the Aces, Fargas led the LSU Women’s Basketball team to six NCAA tournament appearances, becoming the second winningest coach at LSU. Fargas actively serves on the boards of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, the Public Education Foundation, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the Advancement of Blacks in Sports, the Women of Color Coaches Network, and she is a founding member of the Black Student Athlete Association at LSU.

Teresa Resch
President, Toronto Tempo

Teresa Resch is the inaugural president of the Toronto Tempo, the first WNBA franchise outside of the U.S., which will begin play in 2026 season. Resch has been a leader in basketball development at the global scale for more than 20 years. For 11 seasons, she was a senior leader at the Toronto Raptors, bringing basketball to the forefront of Canadian sport. From 2013-2024, she played an instrumental role in numerous projects including the design and construction of Raptor’s OVO Athletic Centre, launching the Raptors 905 (Toronto’s NBA G-League affiliate) and transitioning the Raptors to Tampa for 2020-21 season.

Prior to joining the Raptors, Resch served as Ultimate Hoops National Basketball operations manager for Life Time Fitness where she was responsible for programming at 104 locations in the U.S. and Canada. She began her career at the NBA League Office, as a member of the international basketball operations department. She planned Basketball Without Borders Camps in four different continents, established the first camp to feature women campers and expanded the NBA’s relationship with the U.S. Department of State’s SportsUnited program.

Annie Costabile
Women's Sports Reporter, Front Office Sports

Annie Costabile is a national journalist covering women’s sports for Front Office Sports.Costabile has excelled across multiple platforms, including writing, podcasting and broadcasting. Now based in New York City, she leads women’s sports coverage at Front Office Sports across all media formats. Before joining FOS, she spent seven years at the Chicago Sun-Times, where she became the outlet’s first full-time beat reporter covering the Chicago Sky. A University of Iowa graduate, Costabile began her career in Mississippi as the high school preps and recruiting editor at the Clarion-Ledger, and later held a position with the Comcast Network covering all Chicago sports.

Rachel Epstein
VP Marketing, Live Sports & Audience Expansion, espnW

Rachel Epstein oversees marketing for a wide range of ESPN properties, including the WNBA, NWSL, tennis, NCAA Championships, MLB, F1, international soccer, Little League World Series, lacrosse, cricket, and the espnW brand and experiences. She also leads marketing strategy to expand ESPN’s female audience, using live sports, storytelling and content to drive engagement and growth. In addition, Epstein heads programming and development for espnW events, including the annual espnW: Women + Sport Summit — the premier event of its kind. Epstein joined ESPN in July 2012. Before that, she was part of the leadership team that launched Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), where she led marketing, events and sponsorship efforts.

Thayer Lavielle
Managing Director, The Collective at Wasserman

A representation powerhouse who has negotiated more than $250 million in talent, brand, property and venue deals in sports and entertainment, Thayer Lavielle launched and built The Collective at Wasserman — a multimillion dollar consultancy and brand practice dedicated to raising the visibility of women and driving inclusion in sports and entertainment. Having begun her career as an ABC News producer on "World News Tonight" and "Good Morning America," she transitioned to the marketing world at JR Motorsports, where she led development of the Dale Ernhardt brand. Well-versed in brand and talent strategy, partnerships, events and hospitality, Lavielle has been at the forefront of innovation in everything from consumer engagement, ticketing and personalized experiences, to retail integration and strategic thought leadership delivery.

Jacie deHoop
Co-Founder, The GIST

Jacie deHoop is a co-founder and head of partnerships at The GIST, a fan-first sports media brand that's reinvented the dialogue around sports by providing equal coverage to women's and men's sports. She leads the company's revenue generation through partnerships, growing revenue 20 times in the last two years through partnerships with Nike, State Farm, the NBA and many more. The GIST's community has grown to over 1.5M GISTers and has been backed by Billie Jean King Enterprises and Comcast NBCUniversal. deHoop and her team were named to Forbes 30 Under 30 2020, and have been acknowledged for their work with honors from SBJ Power Players, Adweek Champions of Change, and SBJ Game Changers. She loves all things sports and in her spare time races bikes, skis and watches tennis. Prior to The GIST, deHoop worked as a management consultant and graduated from Queen's University, where she met her two co-founders.

Lisa Dicker
Senior Consultant, Triad Consulting Group

Recognized negotiation expert Lisa Dicker provides workshops, training, coaching and consulting services to a diverse range of clients and participants, including the WISE Executive Leadership Institute. A Harvard Law School law lecturer and a clinical instructor in the Harvard Negotiation & Mediation Clinical Program, she has taught at the Harvard Negotiation Institute and advised on conflict prevention, peace negotiations, transitional justice, and post-conflict democratic transitions in Libya, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania and Yemen. Dicker's consulting clients include INSEAD, the New Hampshire Superior Court, Olympus, and the United States Institute of Peace. Her work on the subject of negotiation and dispute resolution has been published in the Harvard Negotiation Law Review, University of Memphis Law Review and ILSA Journal of International and Comparative Law.

Dr. Quendrida Whitmore
Senior Consultant, Leading NOW

Quendrida Whitmore gained her extensive career experience leading teams in the retail industry for more than 25 years. Her career journey started with Target Corporation, where she served in various areas of the organization. She subsequently moved to Ross Stores, where she was promoted to regional vice president of operations, and then became a senior vice president in hospitality and operations with WeWork as head of community, in the U.S., Canada, Peru and Costa Rica. A 2023 Executive-in-Residence at Boston University School of Hospitality, Whitmore is also a certified coach having earned her CPCC (Certified Professional Career Coach certification) from Co-Active Training Institute. A member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitality and Women in Retail Leadership Circle, she coaches and speaks frequently at their respective conferences, and is also a WISE Emerging Leaders Certificate Program facilitator.