The words on the wall (and on Instagram, over and over again) say it all: “Strong Women Lift Each Other Up.” The mural appears on the exterior of the building that houses Women Leaders in College Sports. As Patti Phillips, the chief executive officer of Women Leaders in College Sports, stated, “Since 1979, our organization has taken an active role in advancing women into positions of influence and powerfully shaping the perception of women as extraordinary leaders. Our national office has been in the Kansas City Crossroads since 2010.”

Women Leaders in College Sports is the premier leadership organization that develops, connects, and advances women working in college sports and beyond. It offers a multi-faceted approach. Training and mentoring women is fundamental, as is creating networking opportunities. The organization offers Career Connect as a platform to assist with job searches. Spreading the word is crucial – documenting women’s accomplishments through awards and media not only celebrates them, but it also provides inspiration to other people. This is true especially for younger women, who need to be aware of the options they have, and for people in senior positions making hiring decisions, who need to be mindful of their options, as well. Women Leaders in College Sports prioritizes educating, engaging, and challenging industry leaders to make more diverse and equitable hires.

The organization currently has 4,300 members. On average, one out of three women who attend a Leadership Institute advances after participation in it. The organization also allocated 179 scholarships in 2021, with 50 percent awarded to women of color. 

In addition to a national network of women in sports, members are drawn from local universities, including University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rockhurst University, The University of Kansas, the University of Missouri, Baker University, and Kansas State University, among others, as well as from organizations and companies with complementary interests, such as the Kansas City Sports Commission, WIN for KC,  and more. “Women Leaders in College Sports is a transformative organization that empowers and elevates women in all aspects of their lives. The expansive network, connections, and professional development opportunities energize women at all levels to not only seek and achieve advancement in the business of sports, but also succeed in leadership roles,” said Ursula Gurney, deputy director of athletics and senior woman administrator at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. She added, “Personally, Women Leaders has assisted in my own advancement to an executive level at UMKC and provided me with the tools to thrive with confidence.”    

Featured in the March 19, 2022 issue of The Independent.
By Heather N. Paxton