The Los Angeles Dodgers Women’s Opportunity Network (WON) hosted its Second Annual Women in Sports and Entertainment Conference on Monday, November 13th, at Dodger Stadium. More than 400 women, this writer included, flocked to the ballpark’s infield for an afternoon of speakers and community.

When the event was initially announced, Dodgers Controller and Executive Sponsor of WON Sara Curran shared her vision on the goal of the second annual WON conference:

“We hope this conference encourages women to push barriers and pursue a career that provides a sense of empowerment to create a safe and equitable space for women to thrive and to demonstrate that women add tangible value to the organization’s success.”

Those attending the conference chose from three different panels focused on:

• The Cycle – Women in the Front Office
• The Press Box – Broadcasting/Public Relations
• On Deck – Content Creation

The speakers were:

• Janet Marie Smith – Dodgers Executive Vice President of Planning and Development. 
• Jeanie Buss – Owner and President of the Los Angeles Lakers
• Brooke Cersosimo – Content Editor, NFL Network
• Marie Donoghue – Vice President, U.S. Sports Content & Partnerships, Amazon
• Christina Francis – President of Magic Johnson Enterprises
• Sue Jo – Director, Social Media, Los Angeles Dodgers
• Jessica Mendoza – Broadcaster and Analyst, Los Angeles Dodgers and ESPN
• Kara Nortman – Co-Founder, Angel City Football Club
• Lita Richardson – Executive Vice President, Content & Brand Strategy, CBS Entertainment
• Renata Simril – President and CEO, LA84
• Nischelle Turner – Host, Entertainment Tonight
• Kirsten Watson – Team Reporter, Los Angeles Dodgers

There was common denominator in many of the speaker’s experiences that resonated with those in attendance – overcoming adversity and gaining respect in a male-dominated field, making sure to lift one another up, and looking back at how far women in sports have come and still have to go.

Jeanie Buss was the keynote speaker and shared her experiences with the crowd about growing up in the NBA and being one of the only women in basketball in the 1990s. Despite challenges and not always feeling like she belonged, she is still there and still thriving:

“Because of events like this (WON), encouraging women even though it’s intimidating and that there may be moments where you feel that somebody else is putting you down. Women deserve to be in the room. They deserve to be part of the landscape. And that’s why the energy that you guys bring here today feeds me. And I hope that I can be an inspiration for you.”

The Lakers’ Governor was asked to share two pieces of advice with those assembled, which were later emphasized in the breakout groups:

“When somebody comes to you with an opportunity to do something and it isn’t what you have thought about in your mind as your career path, you know, don’t say no right away. I think that you have to kind of acknowledge that this person saw something in you that maybe you didn’t see in yourself.

“If you do it, if you commit to it, you’re either going to find out that maybe you were wrong and you actually like doing that. Or you’ll be validated that you were right and it’s something that you never want to do. Follow up on every opportunity because I think it’ll expand what you see for yourself.”

Her second piece of advice also struck a cord for many. It was an empowering way to kick off the conference and get everyone pumped up for the rest of the event:

“Lean in, to realize that you belong where you are. Continue to do what you’re doing. The fact that you’re here today. You guys all came here. You’re powerful. You believe in yourselves. And just look around you. To me this is incredible. To see this turnout, to be here today. Just keep following the path that you’re on. You’re doing something right, you’re here, and I appreciate that.”

Later in the breakout sessions, each panel had several members speaking on their experience in their respective fields, with Dodgers Manager of Public Relations and Broadcasting Ally Salvage serving as moderator.

SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson shared some wisdom about opportunities:

“The only place I’m competing with is myself, That is something I am very adamant about. If it’s not for me, then it’s not for me. If the opportunity is for someone else, that is just fine. I am rooting for them. I want the absolute best for them. Because as much as you guys will learn, there will be doors that open for you and there will be doors that close. And you have to walk into the door that’s open for you because someone chose you and believed in you to be in that position. And you should give them your all.”

NFL Network Content Editor, Brooke Cersosimo helped clarify that women bring different tools to the table. Instead of shying away from those skills, they should be embraced for the diversity they represent:

“I did feel that being a female in sports made me very different, and it did,” Cersosimo explained. “But I also took that as something that was good. And if you approach whatever that you’re going into that way and coming in as ‘I can bring something, I know I can and this is why. And I’ll show you why.’ I think that can also play in your favor. It is hard.

“It’s very hard, but there are a lot of things that we can bring to whatever space that we’re in that people might not always think about. But if you come in with that confidence and the knowledge that you’re going to do well. You can and you absolutely will.”

Entertainment Tonight co-host, Nischelle Turner amused the group with a story about learning from her young cousin:

“My eight-year-old cousin, it sounds on the surface juvenile, but it’s so important that we have to take credit for the things we do. She always comes up to me and she says, ‘Say yay and clap for me,’ which means, like, I did something good. I say that to myself a lot when I do something, I say, ‘Say yay and clap for me’. It really is important to take ownership of who we are. Take ownership of the things that we do and do well, because sometimes you’re the only person clapping for yourself and you do need to do that.”

There was a lot packed into a little over four hours. Between all of the great minds and experience present on the Dodger Stadium infield, no one went home without absorbing some nuggets of wisdom. Nischelle Turner summed it up best:

“Diversity and inclusion is not just a cute idea, it’s necessary. It’s the life we live, it’s the walk we walk, it’s what has to be done in order for us to keep moving forward. We have to take power of our voice, take ownership of the moment, and really be honest. It’s not easy to do.”

Sports has come a long way and there are still more changes to come. The Second Annual Women in Sports and Entertainment Conference was just one more step in the right direction.

Cheers to the women in sports! And to all those who contribute behind the scenes to make this sport we love possible.

For love of the game!

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