2024 WINS Forum unites leaders and students for impactful discussions

Hosted in conjunction with the Department of Sport Management, the Nov. 8, 2024, event brought together students, faculty and industry professionals to discuss critical issues and insights through engaging networking sessions, classroom visits, and an afternoon panel in Turner Theatre.

While the daylong forum included networking sessions, classroom visits and informal social activities, the fifth annual event was headlined by its afternoon panel. This lively discussion featured Kyle Lubrano, chief mission delivery officer at Players Health; Tamika Tremaglio P’25, managing partner of TA Sports Ventures and former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association; and Theresa Wenzel, president of the professional volleyball team Atlanta Vibe. Their informative and honest conversation was guided by panel moderator Chanelle Smith-Walker ’15, senior manager of creative strategy at Wasserman.

Associate Professor Shaina Dabbs, who directs the WINS initiative, noted that the forum’s 175-plus attendees benefited from the panel’s diverse expertise and career journeys, which provided a holistic perspective on current trends and challenges in the sports sector.

For more information, here is our full news release on the 2024 WINS Forum, or watch the video below.



Kyle Lubrano

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

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 a 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

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 degree 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

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.