Unite & Ignite SportsWomen Power Summit

Thank you for registering for the 2018 'Unite and Ignite' SportsWomen Power Summit co-hosted by University of Colorado, Colorado Springs 'Center for Critical Sports Studies' and Wrestle Like A Girl.

This evening summit will explore some of the most critical issues in sports including: Human Rights and Sports, The Representation of Women In Sports, Equality in Sports Governance, and Athlete Activism.

The evenings' emcee is MTV's Road Rules T.V. Celebrity Ms. Kendell Sheppard.

Opening Remarks will be given by Dr. Julia Nesheiwat

Julia Nesheiwat is the Presidential Deputy Envoy for Hostage Affairs, strengthening diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of Americans held hostage overseas. Working closely with the families of American hostages, foreign governments and the interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, she represents the United States on hostage-related issues. Previously, Dr. Nesheiwat was appointed as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Implementation in the Bureau of Energy Resources. She also served as a Political-Military Advisor and Visiting Professor at the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School's National Security Affairs Department. Dr. Nesheiwat has held numerous positions as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs and U.S. Special Envoy for Eurasian Energy Security.

Opening Panel: Human Rights and Sports

Why sports and human rights? How did we get here and why does it matter? Minky Worden, the Global Initiatives Director of Human Rights Watch - the world's foremost expert on Human Rights and Sports, will share her journey over the past 20 years fighting for journalists at the Beijing Olympics,  Saudi girls to receive physical education classes, and migrants building stadiums in Qatar. 

Moderated by Mara Gubuan - Founder of Equality League that serves to advance women's rights through sports on such topics as the FIBA hijab ban overturn and Safe Sport Act  protecting child athletes against sexual abuse. 

Minky Worden - International Initiatives Director, Human Rights Watch

Minky Worden is the Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch. Worden brings 15 years of experience in human rights leadership. She provides vision, strategic guidance to the Campaign, as well as extensive communications and media connections. As Human Rights Watch's Director of Global Initiatives, Worden develops and implements international outreach and advocacy campaigns. 

A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Worden speaks Cantonese and German, and is an elected member of the Overseas Press Club's Board of Governors. She is the editor of The Unfinished Revolution (Seven Stories Press, 2012) and China's Great Leap (Seven Stories Press, 2008), and the co-editor of Torture (New Press, 2005). 

Representation of Women In Sports

Join three notable female athletes as they share their journey and perspective on being a female athlete in today's sports space. Learn what challenges they have faced, and overcome to be the best in their sport and how they are giving back and serving others. You can decide... have they wrestled with life and won?

Moderated by Dr. Beth Daniels

Dr. Daniels joined the UCCS Psychology Department in Fall of 2014. Her research centers on identifying positive influences on girls' and young women's development including media and activity contexts.

Panelists:

Dr. Jen Welter - 1st female football coach in the NFL

DR. JEN WELTER became the first female to coach in the NFL when she joined the Arizona Cardinals as a linebackers coach in the summer of 2015. That experience and the leadership insight she's gleaned through a career of "firsts" is chronicled in the new book Play Big: Lessons in Being Limitless from the First Women to Coach in the NFL, out now from Seal Press. Welter is also the first woman to play running back in a men's professional football league, and the first to coach men's professional football, helping lead the Texas Revolution through the most successful season in franchise history.

Raha Moharrak - First Saudi women (and youngest Arab) to summit Mt. Everest

Raha grew up in Saudi Arabia and throughout her life felt a longing to break free and do something different, to set off on her own adventure. After successfully reaching the peak of Kilimanjaro in 2011, adventure became a way of life for Moharrak who, in 2013, shattered the glass ceiling by becoming the youngest Arab, and first Saudi, woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She has now conquered all Seven Summits, the highest peaks on all continents.
She is a sought-after inspirational speaker dedicated to empowerment of women and girls through healthy, active lives and courage to confront societal expectations..

Elizabeth Marks - Military service member, WCAP, 4x Paralympic Gold Medalist; Invictus Games Gold Medalist

American Paralympic breaststroke swimmer who specializes in the 100 m distance. She won a gold medal at the 2015 Military World Games and four gold medals at the 2016 Invictus Games, and donated one of her Invictus gold medals to the Games founder Prince Harry.

Marks joined the U.S. Army in July 2008 and earned military occupational specialty: Health Care Specialist. While deployed in Iraq in 2010 she suffered bilateral hip injuries that left her disabled; she has a tattoo over most of her right leg. Later in 2014, during the 2014 Invictus Games, she contracted a severe respiratory infection, which forced doctors at Papworth Hospital to place her in a medically induced coma for one month.

Equality in Sports Governance

What does the national and international landscape look like for sports? Three powerful leaders in the sports world share their perspective on equality in sports governance and event implementation. These influencers will share their experience in sports equality, advocacy and ensuring fair & ethical treatment and representation in events, policy and programming.

Moderator: Amy Roth Sandrolini

Amy is an Emmy Award-winning journalist turned human rights activist. Right out of college, she won a place with NBC News as a desk editor, and later worked as a producer and correspondent. Throughout more than a decade with this leading news network, she was based in New York, Moscow and Paris and reported on civil wars, natural disasters, immigration and religious freedom issues, the papacy of Pope John Paul II and the death of Lady Diana in a Paris tunnel. Her work as a journalist - and later as a human rights activist - took her to more than 80 countries, where she often saw the very worst and the very best of human nature - often in the same moment. In August 2017, she moved to Colorado Springs with her young son and husband, who currently serves as the Foreign Policy Advisor to General O'Shaughnessy at NORAD/USNORTHCOM.

David Gruvemberg - CEO Commonwealth Games

In his role as CEO, David is responsible for overseeing the running of the OC to ensure that all aspects of Games planning are being delivered, on time and on budget, across all Functional Areas. Among his responsibilities are the sports programmes, monitoring the development of new and improved infrastructure, managing the staff of the OC (which will rise to around 1000 people by Games time) and the 15,000 volunteers required for Games time. As Chief Executive he also has a significant role in the OC's external relations with the media, political liaison, and commercial negotiations around Sponsorship and Broadcasting.

Joe Savino - Co-Chair of the 2017 Collegiate All-Star Wrestling Classic

In his role as co-chair, Mr. Savino was responsible for overseeing the 2018 All-Star wrestling classic at Princeton University. This event was historic as it included equal representation of both men and women for the first time ever. The 2018 All-Star Classic has been the most successful All-Star meet to date!

Nancy Hogshead-Makar - 3x Olympic Gold Medalist in swimming (1984), Civil Rights Lawyer and Founder of Champion Women legal advocacy organization for girls and women facing gender discrimination in sport.

Nancy Hogshead-Makar is a life-long advocate for access and equality in athletics. A scholar, an author, public speaker, attorney, and expert witness, she is committed to empowerment, using sport as a vehicle for social change. Hogshead-Makar is the foremost expert on Title IX and sexual abuse in sport. Her most recent triumph came after 8 years developing the Safe Sport Act - which was signed into law in February 2018.

Athlete Activism

Being an athlete creates many opportunities for success, publicity and self-promotion both inside and outside sports. Listen as successful athletes share their journey of expanding their sport platform to include using their voice for a better sporting world.

Moderator - Minky Worden

Minky Worden is the Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch. Worden brings 15 years of experience in human rights leadership. She provides vision, strategic guidance to the Campaign, as well as extensive communications and media connections. As Human Rights Watch's Director of Global Initiatives, Worden develops and implements international outreach and advocacy campaigns. She previously served as Human Rights Watch's Media Director, working with the world's journalists to help them cover crises, wars, human rights abuses, and political developments in some 90 countries worldwide.

Sally Roberts - 2X World Bronze Medalist in wrestling, Combat Veteran, M.A. in Sport and Performance Psychology, Founder and Executive Director of Wrestle Like A Girl, Inc.

Sally is a former elite wrestler, Army soldier, and founder of Wrestle Like A GirlTM nonprofit organization.

She was a 3-time national champion, 2003 World Cup Champion, 2003 & 2005 World Bronze Medalist, and a 2008 Olympic Alternate and served 6  years in the Army where she volunteered for deployment in Afghanistan. She was also a member of the Army's prestigious World Class Athlete Program and represented both the U.S. Army and Team USA in elite athletic competitions. In 2016, Sally founded the nonprofit organization Wrestle Like A Girl, Inc. on the premise that girls can do anything and that through sport can realize their full potential.

"Sara" from Iran - PENDING VISA, an Iranian activist fighting for women's rights to enter stadiums as spectators.

Mary Harvey - is a retired American soccer goalkeeper.

She was the starting goalie for 1991 U.S. Women's National Team which won the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup; and a member of the 1996 Olympic Gold Medal team; FIFA development director; and now a consultant whose work contributed to the United Bid 2026 winning World Cup hosting privileges for USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Accommodations:

HOST HOTEL:

The Marriott $$$

Colorado Springs Marriott is reinventing the way you travel. Located near the Rocky Mountains, our hotel makes a perfect home base for outdoor enthusiasts embarking on climbing or hiking excursions at Pikes Peak and Cave of the Winds. When it's time to enjoy the great indoors, we offer easy access to all the shops and art galleries in downtown Colorado Springs. After a day of exploration, take time to unwind in our renovated, pet-friendly rooms and suites. Feel free to connect to our complimentary Wi-Fi to stay in touch with loved ones. In the mornings, fuel up at our full-service restaurant featuring a stylish outdoor patio with fire pits and breathtaking views.

Address: 5580 Tech Center Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80919

Phone: +1-719-260-1800

The Marriott Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor $$$$$

The Broadmoor welcomes guests to a legendary Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort with impeccable service and distinctive amenities. Here, the spirit of the West inspires the adventurer within, providing endless opportunities to explore the picturesque mountains, streams, and canyons that have inspired generations. Whether you are interested in zip lining adventures and horseback riding, Colorado fly fishing, or an indulgent day at the spa, you'll find endless activities for every age in every season. Experience an iconic Colorado Springs resort where personalized luxury offers an escape from the ordinary and modern details blend seamlessly with the timeless European elegance of our historic hotel.

1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
HOTEL RESERVATIONS (855) 634-7711

The Broadmoor

The Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort $$

We are a family-owned, vintage hotel with a western theme. The Buff is your base camp for adventure and a great place to relax after a long day in the saddle or exploring the sites of the Pikes Peak region. Located on a popular designated bike route connecting Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, we are in close proximity to countless miles of biking trails at the base of Pikes Peak, and are less than a mile from Garden of the Gods Park.

Address: 2 El Paso Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Tel: (719) 634-2851

The Bicycle Resort

Airport:

Colorado Springs Airport (about 20 - 30 minutes from the venue2)

Denver International Airport (About 1.5 hours from the venue)