As 2021 NFL Draft festivities took place across Cleveland from April 29-May 1, the "Power of Sport" Summit brought local and national organizations and community leaders together for panel discussions to allow attendees to explore new ideas, embrace differences and enact positive change in the communities they represent.
Discussions were held throughout each day of the three-day event, which took place at Progressive Field. Here are replays of each discussion:
Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! Network
Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! NetworkStudent attendance is foundational to student success. The pandemic has negatively affected preK-12 student attendance. Chronic absenteeism has increased in both urban and rural school districts, and many students face new barriers. A unique set of partners—the Cleveland Browns, Ohio Department of Education, Proving Ground at Harvard University and others—has teamed up to work with schools to increase student attendance, close equity gaps and support whole child success. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, with these partners in a conversation about how the Stay in the Game! Network is boosting student attendance and changing the game for students. Our featured speakers: • Christopher Quinn, Editor and VP, Content, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer (Moderator) • Paolo DeMaria, State Superintendent, Ohio Department of Education • Dee Haslam, CEO, Haslam Sports Group • Dave Hersh, Director, Proving Ground • Lori Criss, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! Network in Action
Cleveland Browns Stay in the Game! NetworkStudent attendance is foundational to student success. The pandemic has negatively affected preK-12 student attendance. Chronic absenteeism has increased in both urban and rural school districts, and many students face new barriers. A unique set of partners—the Cleveland Browns, Ohio Department of Education, Proving Ground at Harvard University and others—has teamed up to work with schools to increase student attendance, close equity gaps and support whole child success. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, with these partners in a conversation about how the Stay in the Game! Network is boosting student attendance and changing the game for students. Our featured speakers: • Christopher Quinn, Editor and VP, Content, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer (Moderator) • Paolo DeMaria, State Superintendent, Ohio Department of Education • Dee Haslam, CEO, Haslam Sports Group • Dave Hersh, Director, Proving Ground • Lori Criss, Ohio Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
L*eveling the Virtual Playing Field: Equity in Sports Coverage (Virtual)*
Leveling the Virtual Playing Field: Equity in Sports CoverageWhat does the state of sports coverage look like today? You don’t have to dig too deep to find a commonality among some of the most widely covered sports stories of the past year—each of these stories revolve around men and men’s teams. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundation, as we break down how to level the playing field by creating equity in sports coverage and what this means in the virtual world. Our featured speakers: • Ronda Carnegie, Chief Innovation Officer, The Female Quotient (Moderator) • Delvis Valentine, Retired Sportscaster, The Sports Brothers • Nancy Elder, Chief Communications Officer and Leader, DEI, DAZN Group • Camryn Justice, Digital Content Producer, WEWS • Lauren Lubin April, Inclusion Expert, Consultant
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
Cleveland Browns: Fighting the Digital Divide
Cleveland Browns: Fighting the Digital DivideNow more than ever, access to broadband internet is required to address the most basic societal needs and to access critical services. To date, 33.7% of households in Cleveland have no internet connection of any kind. 52.9% of household making less than $20,000 annually lack home internet access. And the pandemic made the impact of this internet gap – known as the “digital divide” – even more apparent. In Cleveland, the public and private sector have joined together in a concerted effort to close the digital divide. This panel in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundation, will explore three important elements of the digital divide – access to (a) devices, (b) affordable broadband services, and (c) training and cultural literacy – as well as what the public and private sectors are doing to address those elements. https://bit.ly/3xELa7l Our featured speakers: • Craig Arnold, Chairman & CEO, Eaton Corp (Moderator) • JW Johnson, President & Partner, Haslam Sports Group • Marsha Mockabee, President & CEO, Urban League of Cleveland • Jon Husted, Lt. Governor, Ohio • Baiju Shah, CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
The Invisible Competition: Mental Health Within Athletics (Virtual)
Equality Lounge® @ Cleveland Power of Sport SummitThe Invisible Competition: Mental Health Within Athletics Poor mental health is a hidden epidemic in sports. How can we move past the social stigma that physical injuries take precedence over mental health? In this panel, we will discuss the invisible competition that many athletes suffer from and why well-being is critical to performance. Our featured speakers: • Jenifer Berman, Chief Marketing Officer, Insider (Moderator) • Jen Fisher, US Chief Well-being Officer, Deloitte • Casey Pick, Senior Fellow, Advocacy and Government Affairs, The Trevor Project • Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, VP, Wellness and Clinical Services, NFL • Kelly Davis, AVP, Peer and Youth Advocacy, Mental Health America Advancing Representation of Racial Equity In Sports Sports is an arena of dichotomies. While players of color are well-represented on the field, that representation does not extend to management: Coaches, managers, and team owners are almost all white and male, and little progress has been made in improving diversity over the years. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, for a conversation on advancing racial and gender equity in the front office. https://bit.ly/3xELa7l Our featured speakers: • Shaina Wiel, Founder, Minorities in Sports Business Network • Nicole Britenriker, Senior Team Talent Advisor, NBA • Quashan Lockett, Founder & CEO, Color of Sports • Bruce Wimbish, President, Black Sports Professionals
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
Advancing Representation of Racial Equity In Sports
Equality Lounge® @ Cleveland Power of Sport SummitThe Invisible Competition: Mental Health Within Athletics Poor mental health is a hidden epidemic in sports. How can we move past the social stigma that physical injuries take precedence over mental health? In this panel, we will discuss the invisible competition that many athletes suffer from and why well-being is critical to performance. Our featured speakers: • Jenifer Berman, Chief Marketing Officer, Insider (Moderator) • Jen Fisher, US Chief Well-being Officer, Deloitte • Casey Pick, Senior Fellow, Advocacy and Government Affairs, The Trevor Project • Dr. Nyaka NiiLampti, VP, Wellness and Clinical Services, NFL • Kelly Davis, AVP, Peer and Youth Advocacy, Mental Health America Advancing Representation of Racial Equity In Sports Sports is an arena of dichotomies. While players of color are well-represented on the field, that representation does not extend to management: Coaches, managers, and team owners are almost all white and male, and little progress has been made in improving diversity over the years. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, for a conversation on advancing racial and gender equity in the front office. https://bit.ly/3xELa7l Our featured speakers: • Shaina Wiel, Founder, Minorities in Sports Business Network • Nicole Britenriker, Senior Team Talent Advisor, NBA • Quashan Lockett, Founder & CEO, Color of Sports • Bruce Wimbish, President, Black Sports Professionals
Posted by The Female Quotient on Thursday, April 29, 2021
The Obstacle Course: What Female Leaders Face Across Pro Sports Leagues
The Obstacle Course: What Female Leaders Face Across Pro Sports LeaguesPlease join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, for a Pro Sports Assembly conversation with female leaders representing Cleveland’s 3 Team Alliance to discuss the challenges they face, how they have overcome these obstacles, and their experience leading operations and business units for the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers. Our featured speakers: • Kevin Clayton, Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Cleveland Cavaliers (Moderator) • Shelly Cayette, Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships, Cleveland Cavaliers • Anna Bolton, Education & Language Coordinator, Cleveland Indians • Michele Powell, VP, Event Programming, Haslam Sports/Cleveland Browns
Posted by The Female Quotient on Friday, April 30, 2021
Future Fans: How Gen Z Will Shape Sports*(Virtual)*
Future Fans: How Gen Z Will Shape SportsGen Z grew up with smartphones in their hands and a swathe of social media handles to their names. The traditional sports media rules don't apply to this emerging demographic. In the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, we will discuss how to foster the next generation of sports fans in a way that complements their digital-first, purpose-driven lives. Our featured speakers: • Anmol Malhotra, Head of Sports Partnerships, Snap Inc. • Alana Meraz, Founder and CEO, Latinx In Sports • Carlyle Rickenmann, #FQNextGen Board of Advisor • Lyndsay Signor, SVP, Consumer Engagement, NBC Sports & NBC Olympics • Anna Blue, Chief Next Gen Officer, The Female Quotient
Posted by The Female Quotient on Friday, April 30, 2021
'67 Cleveland Summit - Past, Present & Future*(Virtual)*
67 Cleveland Summit - Past, Present & FutureAlmost fifty-four years ago, a small group of some of the most prominent black male athletes in America gathered in an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. Now known as the Cleveland Summit, these athletes came together and recognized the power of their voices and the forces they can be for good. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundation, we will explore why this gathering in 1967 was so crucial and how this has affected the 21st century version of athlete activism in sport and in society. Our featured speakers: • Dr. Mary Hums, Professor, Sport Administration, University of Louisville (Co-Moderator) • Eli Wolff, Director, Power of Sport Lab (Co-Moderator) • Damion Thomas, Curator of Sports, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture • Gwendolyn Berry, Olympian and Social Justice Advocate • Erin Herbert, Director of Programming, Muhammad Ali Center
Posted by The Female Quotient on Friday, April 30, 2021
Playing for Change: The Role of Sport in Social Justice Movements*(Virtual)*
The Female Quotient is LiveJohn Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists in the 1968 Olympics; nearly half a century later, Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the 2016 preseason. These are but two among myriad examples of how sports can propel social justice movements. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundationt, as we discuss the reawakening of athletes’ social conscience and how the sports industry can use its position of power to support equity. Our featured speakers: • Jill Wesley, Partnerships, The Female Quotient (Moderator) • Blayre Holmes Davis, Director, Community Relations, Pittsburgh Steelers • Madieu Williams, Former NFL player and Winner of the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award • Bahati VanPelt, Chief, Athlete Services, United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee • Dr. Sybil Smith, Ed.D., Executive Director, The Sloane Stephens Foundation • Tori Franklin, Track & Field Olympian and Social justice and Mental Health Advocate
Posted by The Female Quotient on Friday, April 30, 2021
Sports Policy + LGBTQ Athlete Equality
Sports Policy + LGBTQ Athlete EqualitySports has the power to transform individuals and bring communities together. Until recently, however, being an openly LGBTQ athlete came with great personal and professional risk — but finally, the game is changing. Tune into the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by @KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, as we meet LGBTQ athletes who are paving the way. We also explore how inclusive sports policies promote wider progress for the LGBTQ community. https://bit.ly/3xELa7l Our featured speakers: • Ryan Clopton-Zymler, Co-Founder & Consultant, Sage & Maven, LLC, Assistant Director, Office of Inclusion, AHEC - Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and Former Board of Directors, Stonewall Sports - Cleveland (Moderator) • Gio Santiago, Northeast Ohio Regional Organizer, Equality Ohio • Timothy Bussey, Associate Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Kenyon College, Executive Director, Ace and Aro Alliance, Central Ohio, Vice President, Board of Directors, Newark Ohio Pride Coalition, and Facilitator, Division III LGBTQ OneTeam Program, NCAA • Patty Hace, Board Chair, Stonewall Sports - Cleveland, Director, Human Performance and Head Varsity Volleyball Coach, Hawken's Upper School
Posted by The Female Quotient on Friday, April 30, 2021
Pay It Forward: Recreation and Education for Underserved Youth
Pay It Forward: Recreation and Education for Underserved YouthEvery child should have the opportunity to play sports and we know that providing these can set healthy behavior patterns that last a lifetime. However, in neighborhoods with high poverty rates, these opportunities may simply not exist. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundation, as we discuss some of the barriers which have contributed to the lack of recreation and education for underserved youth and how the sports community can get involved to pay it forward for the next generation. Our featured speakers: • David Meltzer, Co-Founder, Sports 1 Marketing (Moderator) • Roman Oben, VP, Football Development, NFL • Shaquira Johnson, Chief Revenue Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Northeast Ohio • Juan Goodwin, President, Lifeline Sports • David A. Moreno Jr., Esq., Partner, Brown Rudnick LLP and Founding Partner, Mediabundance • Josh Cribbs, Former NFL Player, Cleveland Browns and Founder, TeamCribbs Foundation
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Adaptive Sports in Cleveland
The Female Quotient is LiveProviding sports and recreation programs for children and adults with physical disabilities is crucial to physical and mental health. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundationt, for a conversation as we discuss all things adaptive sports in Cleveland, how these organizations are working to ensure that individuals with physical disabilities have a chance to play, and how utilizing sport helps to elevate ability and empower futures. Our featured speakers: • @Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient (Moderator) • Lisa Followay, President and CEO, Adaptive Sports Ohio • Ron Tristano, PGA Professional and Manager, Challenge Golf • Will Waller, CEO, National Wheelchair Basketball Association, NWBA • Joshua Messersmith, Director, Fitness and Unified Strategies, Special Olympics Ohio
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Athletes, Allies, and Sports For All
Athletes, Allies, and Sports For AllIn any sport, it is important for teams and leaders to create an environment where every player can bring their true selves to the game. How can we change team culture and public policy to one where sexual orientation/identification is a non-issue? Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy Foundation, as we explore how organizations in the sports community can stand up as allies for LGBTQ athletes and champion equality through sport. Our featured speakers: • Monica Gustin, Director, Business Operations, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (Moderator) • Mason Caminiti, Transgender Advocate and Speaker • Ryan O'Callaghan, Former NFL Player and President, The Ryan O’Callaghan Foundation
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Historic Connections: Stepping Away from Native American Culture in Sports
Historic Connections: Stepping Away from Native American Culture in SportsNative American culture has long been favored by American sports teams, at both the professional and school levels. Facing pressure, many teams are changing their mascots, logos, and nicknames — but it is a hotly debated topic. Tune into the #EqualityLounge @ @Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, as we explore the history behind the culture and how the sports world is confronting the misuse and moving toward a more accepting and respectful environment for all. Our featured speakers: • Margaret Mitchell, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Cleveland (Moderator) • Sundance, Executive Director, Cleveland American Indian Movement • Cynthia Connolly, Executive Board, Lake Erie Native American Council
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
How to #BeTheSolution in Cleveland
How to #BeTheSolution in ClevelandCleveland has stepped up in recent years to answer the call for change. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, as we explore the Cleveland Browns #BeTheSolution campaign, YWCA's 21-Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge, and CL3 - the three team alliance created in 2020 to help unite the community. Most importantly, find out how you can be part of the movement for equity and inclusion for all. Our featured speakers • Kevin Clayton, VP, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Cleveland Cavaliers (Moderator) • Ron Brewer, Director, Player Engagement, Cleveland Browns • Margaret Mitchell, President & CEO, YWCA Greater Cleveland • Raphael Collins, Corporate Partnerships & Premium Hospitality, Cleveland Indians
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
Creating An Inclusive Sports Culture
Creating An Inclusive Sports CultureThe sports industry has changed enormously in recent years and an inclusive sporting environment is no longer an aspiration, but an imperative. Join us in the #EqualityLounge @ Cleveland Power of Sport Summit, presented by KeyBank and the FirstEnergy Foundation, as explore what creating an inclusive sports culture looks like in 2021 and how this will benefit all teams, organizations, and athletes. Our featured speakers: • Danielle Sydnor, CEO, We Win Strategies Group and President, Cleveland NAACP • Korinth Patterson, Assistant Commissioner, Championships, Mid-American Conference Mid-A • Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International, The Walt Disney Company • Ryan Virtue, Regional Partnership Manager, Positive Coaching Alliance • Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient (Moderator)
Posted by The Female Quotient on Saturday, May 1, 2021
