Event Overview

On April 2, the Harvard Undergraduate Sports Labs (HUSL), in collaboration with the Women in Business club, hosted the Women in Sports Business Night. This event aimed to connect female students with influential leaders in the sports industry, fostering access, empowerment, and community among attendees.

Featured Speakers

The evening featured insightful fireside chats with prominent figures in sports business, including:

• Jessica Gelman, CEO of Kraft Analytics Group and Harvard alumna
• Jen Flynn, Senior VP of Business Affairs and General Counsel for the Professional Women’s Hockey League
• Amina Bulman, Chief Revenue Officer of Boston Legacy FC

These discussions highlighted the significant roles women play in the management and operation of sports organizations, providing inspiration and guidance to the next generation of female professionals.

A Personal Journey

Gracie Martin, HUSL Vice President and event organizer, drew motivation from her personal experience. Initially a player on the Harvard women’s basketball team, an unfortunate injury led her to pivot her career towards sports business. She attributes much of her newfound direction to the mentorship of figures like Gelman, who has been instrumental in her journey.

Choosing the Right Venue

Martin selected The Harvard Club of Boston as the event venue, recognizing it as a fitting location to honor the achievements of female sports business leaders. The club, known for its historic charm and exclusivity, is undergoing efforts to be more inclusive and welcoming to all Harvard affiliates.

Marcus DeFlorimonte, President of the Harvard Club, is committed to making the club an educational and social hub for students, emphasizing the importance of celebrating women in the sports business. “If we didn’t [host such events], shame on us,” he stated.

Networking and Inspiration

The event buzzed with excitement, as a diverse crowd of students, alumni, and professionals connected for the first time in the prestigious venue. Martin took a moment to express her gratitude for Gelman, further setting the stage for an event that empowered many, including attendees like Taylor Larkin, a freshman volleyball player.

“To be here with all these powerful women in sports, it’s such an inspiring thing,” said Larkin, who recognized the significance of having successful role models in the field.

Key Messages from Leaders

During her address, Gelman encouraged attendees to pursue unconventional paths that resonate with their passions rather than conforming to traditional expectations. She underscored the critical need for women’s sports to receive equal media representation as their male counterparts, stressing this for future growth in the industry.

Martin concluded the event with a call to action, urging attendees to leverage the resilience developed through sports in their future careers, stating, “Knowing I was an athlete, I’ve done hard things; they can do it too.”