WINS Forum
WINS Forum returns Nov. 8, 2024
The School of Communications will host the annual WINS Forum on Friday, Nov. 8, centered on the theme of “A Movement, Not A Moment.”
According to Associate Professor Shaina Dabbs, this year’s theme is inspired by TOGETHXR , a media and commerce company founded by four of the world’s greatest athlete: Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim, Simone Manuel and Sue Bird. With a focus on rich storytelling, TOGETHXR is an unapologetic platform where representation and equality is the norm.
The forum will feature networking, class visits and professional development sessions throughout the day. A panel will be held in Turner Theatre from 4-5 p.m., with a Sip, Snack and Socialize gathering at The Oak House afterward.
This year’s panelists include:
- Kyle Lubrano, chief mission delivery officer for Players Health
- Tamika Tremaglio, managing partner of TA Sports Ventures and former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association
- Theresa Wenzel, president of Atlanta Vibe (professional volleyball)
The panel will be moderated by Elon alumna Chanelle Smith-Walker ’15, senior manager of creative strategy at Wasserman.
**Details on livestream will be available closer to Friday, Nov. 8.**
Kyle Lubrano
A former collegiate athlete, coach and administrator, Kyle Lubrano serves as chief mission delivery officer for Players Health, a risk services and insurance firm that protects athletes and sports organizations with a comprehensive risk management platform. Lubrano oversees the assessment, implementation and management of sports organizations’ athlete safety programs, as well as the development of preventative educational assets and investigative services for Players Health. Previously, Lubrano served three national governing bodies of sport – USA Lacrosse, USA Field Hockey and USA Baseball – in coaching education, sport development and athlete safety roles. She earned a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University and a master’s degree from Mercy College.
Tamika Tremaglio
Tamika Tremaglio is a global C-suite leader with more than 30 years of experience advising Fortune 500 companies and organizations in the professional services, sports, media, and entertainment industries. Having served as the former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association; board chair and CEO of Think 450; and managing principal of Deloitte’s Greater Washington practice, Tremaglio has consistently delivered results across multiple domains, from finance and regulatory matters to leadership development and brand growth. Currently, she is the managing partner of TA Sports Ventures, providing strategic advice to sovereigns, private sector, venture, and sports organizations seeking to optimize their global strategies. Tremaglio earned bachelor’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University, an MBA from the University of Baltimore, and a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland Law School.
Theresa Wenzel
Theresa Wenzel is the president of the Atlanta Vibe (Pro Volleyball Federation), providing more than two decades of leadership experience in sports administration. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Marquette University and a master’s in sports administration from Canisius University. With more than 22 years in college athletics, Wenzel gained valuable experience at Canisius and Siena before joining Georgia Tech, where she rose to the position of associate athletic director. As CEO of Athletes2Leaders, she focused on empowering athletes through leadership development. Most recently, Wenzel served as president of the Atlanta Dream, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the WNBA franchise.
Chanelle Smith-Walker ’15 (moderator)
Chanelle Smith-Walker ’15 is a seasoned creative professional with more than a decade of experience in creative direction, marketing strategy, graphic design and photography. She currently serves as senior manager of creative strategy at Wasserman, bringing campaigns to life by developing creative marketing strategies and overseeing the visual direction. Previously, Smith-Walker was the team photographer for the Carolina Panthers. Additionally, she made history as the first Black creative director in the SEC while leading creative efforts for University of Tennessee football. As a freelancer, Smith-Walker has collaborated with top brands such as Under Armour, New Balance, Champion, and the National Women’s Soccer League.
‘More than just a day’
The annual Women Influencers in Sport (WINS) Forum, held during the fall semester at Elon University, invites prominent sport industry professionals to campus to discuss trends, challenges, and career paths in the industry. The forum’s headlining event is an afternoon panel discussion with invited guests.
In fall 2023, panelists included Sherí Barros, vice president of sports partnerships at the American Cancer Society, Elizabeth Motta, vice president of insights and analytics at World Wrestling Entertainment, and Jennifer Strawley, director of athletics at Elon University.
“The WINS Forum is much more than just a day,” said Associate Professor Shaina Dabbs, who directs the WINS initiative. “Yes, it is a day filled with engagement, connection, conversation, empowerment, support, professional development, impact, and life-changing moments. But it is an experience that lasts much longer. It positively impacts students, guests, and program alumni in the present and in the future. It is not often you find a program and a day that joins together so many different people at various stages of their lives committed to empowering and inspiring the next generation of leaders on campus, in the workplace, and in our communities.”
In fact, 10 WINS alumni returned for the 2023 forum to speak, educate and network with WINS students.
For a deeper look into past WINS Forums, the school has archived previous event pages – see the left-hand navigation bar.