expectations, pushed past gender barriers and broken glass ceilings that have helped to create a field of equal play in the  sports industry. The lineup of incredible speakers features women with extensive backgrounds in sports who are at the top of their game in their respective professions.

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The program will include:

• Donna Orender - CEO, Generation W

• Blair Bloomston - Vice President, Game On Nation

• Jane Castor - Mayoral Candidate, Former Tampa Chief of Police

• Tiffany Greene - Play-by-Play Commentator, ESPN

• Lauren Holtkamp - Official, NBA

• Brigid Merenda - Shareholder, Trenam Law

• Magie Cook - Motivational Speaker (Keynote)

 

“Beyond Barriers: Because of Title IX and National Girls & Women in Sports Day are important events that provide platforms to help raise awareness and create important conversations around gender equality and the extraordinary achievements of many women that have helped pave the way for young girls today,” said Claire Lessinger, Executive Director of the TBLOC. “I am confident that our audience will be inspired and motivated by the powerful lineup of special guest speakers and their personal and professional journeys that showcase the courage, strength, leadership and character they gained through sports participation.”

 

Together with our theme of "If you can see her, you can be her," Beyond Barriers is certain to serve as a rallying cry to young girls; to inspire them, through the impact and

 

influence of sport, to follow their dreams with relentless pursuit. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission, PCA-Tampa Bay, WeCOACH, USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, WISE Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Lightning have partnered to take a community-based leadership role that inspires and encourages girls to play and stay in sports.

 

About the Beyond Series

Celebrating 10 years of influence, the Beyond Series is a legacy program started by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission during the 2008 NCAA® Women’s Final Four®. Traditionally hosted in conjunction with major championship events in Tampa Bay, the program is focused on gathering and empowering local women of influence and celebrating the impact of sports in our community.

 

About the Tampa Bay Sports Commission

The Tampa Bay Sports Commission (TBSC), host of the 2019 NCAA® Women’s Final Four®, is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating social and economic impact through sports and entertainment in the Tampa Bay Area. As part of the championship efforts, the Tampa Bay Sports Commission provides local expertise, marketing and event management, and is responsible for raising the funds required to produce the Women’s Final Four and all supporting events.

 

The 2019 NCAA® Women’s Final Four® will be held at Amalie Arena from April 5 -7. For more information on game tickets, please visit ncaa.com/womensfinalfour. For more information on event festivities, sponsorship, or volunteer opportunities, please visit wfftampabay.com. For news and event information, follow the TBSC on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to the #WFFTampaBay newsletter.

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