In the midst of the excitement surrounding the Super Bowl weekend, a significant event stood out among the festivities: Women Raise the Game Brunch. This empowering gathering, held on February 9th, brought together a diverse array of women from various industries to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and inspire one another to reach new heights.
Hosted during Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Women Raise the Game Brunch provided a platform for women to share their stories, insights, and experiences navigating the professional sports landscape. From entrepreneurs and executives to athletes and advocates, attendees represented a spectrum of backgrounds and expertise, each contributing to the dynamic effects of empowerment and resilience amongst women in sports.
WRTG honorees included:
- Holly Robinson-Peete (Actress-Philanthropist and wife of Retired NFL Player Rodney Peete, Philanthropist of the Year).
- Sammy Schuster (Mother of NFL Wide Receiver & Super Bowl Champion Juju Smith-Schuster, Visionary of the Year).
- Zaileen Janmohamed (President & CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee, Woman of the Year).
- Laura Warner (Mother of 49ers Fred Warner & Buccaneers Troy Warner, Cultural Trailblazer of the Year).
- Taylor Rooks (Dynamic and versatile Sports Journalists, Journalist of the Year).
- Ana Martinez (Mother of LA Chargers Michael Davis, Cultural Impact Honoree).
Other notable guests included Grammy Producer Hit-boy, Tech Entrepreneur & Diversity Advocate Marilyn Booker, and Actively Black CEO Lanny Smith.
The program followed with a message of unity and amplifying women’s voices by Josephine Martinez- Senior director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the NFL, who congratulated WRTG on “such a historic event”.
One of the unique highlights during the honoree experience was the touching moments when NFL players took the stage to honor the women who have supported them throughout their careers – their mothers. With heartfelt speeches and tokens of appreciation, these athletes expressed gratitude for these dynamic women’s unwavering encouragement and sacrifices.
Juju Smith, New England Patriots Wide Receiver & Super Bowl Champion, introduced his mother: “My mother isn’t a normal woman. She is a force of nature… for raising seven kids and helping me become the man I am today.”
Retired NFL Quarterback Rodney Peete gushed about his wife, Actress and Philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete, “She has been the glue that kept my life and our family together.”
Boldyn Networks CMO Jeannie Weaver took to the stage with a call to action before introducing Honoree Zaileen Janmohamed, “We’re just not reimagining for tomorrow; we’re building for it. That’s what we do, who we are… and we know that without real diversity at the table, you will never deliver world-class solutions, and that’s what we are all about”.
Zaileen Janmohamed, President & CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee who received the Woman of the Year Award, said, “Women really do raise the game. We are developing the next generation of leaders- female powerhouses and we have to do our part.”
The breathtaking floral ambiance and vibrant atmosphere were complete with a special performance by Grammy Award-winning
Producer and celebrity DJ Jermaine Dupri set the tone and kept the energy high throughout the event in true ATL fashion. Attendees enjoyed an unforgettable experience, sharing stories of inspiration and celebrating the achievements and empowerment of these dynamic women who have served as the organization’s backbone and players in the NFL.
“This event is a tribute to the women whose tireless efforts have often gone unnoticed, yet they are the pillars of success within the NFL—shaping players’ careers, steering organizations, and driving impactful initiatives for the betterment of communities. Moreover, this event is not just about celebration; it’s also a platform to drive meaningful change. Proceeds from the event will support charitable causes dedicated to empowering women and fostering inclusivity within the sports industry,” said Tish Galindo, the visionary behind this initiative.
The Women Raise the Game Brunch served as a powerful reminder of women’s endless impact when they come together to uplift and empower one another. In an era marked by progress and possibility, events like these serve as catalysts for change, inspiring women of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their passions, embrace their voices, and chart their own paths to success, even if that means supporting the athletes in their lives.
In the days and weeks to come, the ripple effects of the Women Raise the Game Brunch will undoubtedly be felt far and wide, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for women everywhere as they continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and shape the future of leadership and empowerment.
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