This year we celebrated the 35th anniversary of National Girls & Women In Sports Day! This day is held annually to highlight the equal opportunity and the importance of Title IX.
We held a virtual forum for the Soccer in the Streets female athletes where they were able to learn more about this special day. The panelists that spoke on various topics were previous Soccer in the Streets Coach, Nadia Hamrang, Georgia State University, Professor of Sport Administration, Dr. Beth Cianfrone, and Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Atlanta Program Officer, Pharlone Toussaint
The topics consisted of how sports have changed their lives as female athletes, what advice would they give to younger female athletes, has access to women sports leadership positions become equitable, along with other empowering topics.
Leading the discussion, Nadia Hamrang focused on how the sports industry and her career changed her life.
Coach Nadia with SITS players
“I’ve had to learn to be a leader for most of my life and what it means to be a leader,” said Hamrang. “I believe that’s what got me to be where I am in my life and my career. It has made me become a more useful tool when it comes to working with a team and in taking control of my day-to-day life.”
Following the question of how their careers have changed their lives, Pharlone Toussaint, a long-standing member of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, focused on what obstacles and challenges she had to overcome in life and the workplace.
“I have overcome poverty, racism, and sexism to be in the position I am in today. The sports industry is a highly sought-after place to work in and it is very easy to be rejected or overlooked because I may not be like most of the people that occupy that industry”, said Toussaint.
Pharlone Toussaint speaking at Laureus Sport For Good Foundation event
“I never believed in playing the part of trying to fit in. I used my unique experiences to show up authentically and make sure I stand out. That attitude has helped me create a lane for myself in the sport for development and allowed me the opportunity to represent groups who are usually not invited to the table in philanthropy and grant-making. I speak from my own experiences as a member of a historically disadvantaged person and I believe it makes all of the work we do better because that voice is represented.”
Lastly, Professor at Georgia State University, Dr. Beth Cianfrone, gave advice to the female athletes on her personal experiences in the sports industry and as a previous athlete.
Beth Cianfrone volunteering at the Superbowl Event
“I’d encourage girls to work hard and pursue whatever career path (or sport) they are interested in, even if they aren’t sure how to get there”, said Cianfrone. “I followed a career in the sports business industry, which is a male-dominated field, and I didn’t know many people in that industry. I worked hard to learn from those around me and my professors. I think with practice, studying, and preparing, you can put yourself into a position to succeed, no matter what you do.”
This annual National Girls & Women In Sports Day highlights women leaders around the world influencing young athletes to be motivated and empowered in their sport’s industry. Soccer in the Streets supports all the women leaders who shine a light on gender equality.