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Movers & Shakers

Premier Lacrosse League Launches Women’s Lacrosse League

by admin November 14, 2024

The Premier Lacrosse League launched the Women’s Lacrosse League, a new professional women’s lacrosse property set to debut at the 2025 PLL Championship Series, featuring the best lacrosse players in the world.

The WLL will feature four teams, playing in the Olympic Sixes format, competing for the inaugural WLL Championship Series trophy. The four teams’ home cities and players will be announced at a later date.

“We’re proud to announce the launch of the Women’s Lacrosse League, a groundbreaking step forward for the sport, giving elite women athletes a premier stage to compete, inspire, and make their mark as we move toward lacrosse’s reemergence at the Olympics in 2028,” said Paul Rabil, co-founder and president of the Premier Lacrosse League. “We can’t wait to welcome fans to the first WLL games at the 2025 Championship Series, where we’ll provide these exceptional athletes with a world-class experience alongside the best in the PLL.”

“We are filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards Paul Rabil, Mike Rabil, Rachael DeCecco, and the entire PLL organization for their endless hard work, dedication, and investment in the sport of professional lacrosse. We are honored to be a part of the WLL, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this game to the fans in new ways than ever before,” said Charlotte North, gold medalist, NCAA Champion, and WLL Ambassador. “We firmly believe that this is the beginning of what will be a monumental movement in the game of professional women’s lacrosse, and for female athletes around the globe. We are determined to work tirelessly to grow the game and inspire the next generation of young girls, while ultimately competing for championships each season. It’s our time.”

Building off an impactful inaugural season as a league partner, Whirlpool brand will expand their partnership with the PLL to become the first founding partner of the WLL.

“The Women’s Lacrosse League will inspire the next generation of women’s lacrosse players and we’re thrilled to grow our PLL partnership by way of the WLL,” said Shannon Blakely, CMO North America Region at Whirlpool. “The opportunity to expand the impact and support for the lacrosse fan base from our work with the PLL partnership with the WLL is one we believe in, as we continue to work to foster opportunities for more families and future generations.”

The WLL is the PLL’s largest investment in women’s lacrosse to date. In 2020, the PLL created Unleashed, a women’s lacrosse content and training platform designed to support the growth and visibility of girls and women’s lacrosse. Unleashed has helped over 1,000 girls lacrosse players access world class coaching from the most iconic pros of this generation: Charlotte North, Taylor Cummings, Lizzie Colson, Dempsey Arsenault, and Alex Aust Holman.

In 2024, the PLL hosted its first professional women’s lacrosse exhibition in the US – the Unleashed All-Star Game – after international exhibitions in Japan over the last three years. At the 2024 PLL All-Star Skills Competition, fans watched Charlotte North shoot a record 92 miles per hour in the Fastest Shot Competition, as well as Izzy Scane, Alex Aust Holman and Dana Dobbie compete in the lacrosse derby.

To learn more about the WLL and sign up for updates on tickets, teams and more, visit www.premierlacrosseleague.com/womens-lacrosse-league.

November 14, 2024 0 comments

Entertainment Movers & Shakers

smartwater Announces Zendaya as Newest Brand Ambassador

by admin June 22, 2022

smartwater is taking hydration to new heights this summer and today announces its newest global brand ambassador, Zendaya. A champion of artistry and originality, acclaimed actor and performer Zendaya is pioneering new ways to live a more purposeful life. As smartwater’s global ambassador, Zendaya will appear in a series of new creative from the brand that celebrates those who are defining ‘smart’ on their own terms and will support community water programs that will directly impact thousands of women.

“We could not be more thrilled to have Zendaya join smartwater as the newest face of our brand,” said Matrona Filippou, Global Category President, Hydration, Sports, Tea & Coffee, The Coca-Cola Company. “A global icon and cultural force, Zendaya isn’t afraid to be true to herself, and that’s what makes her the perfect addition to the smartwater family.”

Created in partnership with VMLY&R and WPP/OpenX, the campaign creative will begin rolling out in the U.S. from June 21 across television, audio, social and streaming channels, with global markets to follow. The campaign celebrates those who keep it smart, whatever the choice, and aren’t afraid to free themselves from the restraints of convention.

“I’m very excited to begin this new relationship with smartwater,” said Zendaya, smartwater Global Brand Ambassador. “We all know how important it is to stay hydrated and smartwater is my go-to source no matter what I am doing throughout the day.”

As the face of the brand’s newest campaign, Zendaya will work with smartwater to support community water quality and access improvements in various cities around the world, starting with Zendaya’s hometown of Oakland, California, by partnering with the Global Water Challenge (GWC) – a coalition of leading organizations collaborating to achieve universal access to clean drinking water. In the U.S. alone, 2.2 million people have no water at home and 44 million Americans are served by water systems that don’t function optimally.

Together, smartwater, GWC and Zendaya are launching the smart solutions: global water challenge, which will invite local organizations to apply for grant funding to GWC’s women for water action platform that uplifts women and their communities through the power of clean water access. These efforts build on more than a decade of investments in clean water access around the world from The Coca-Cola Company which have reached more than 18.5 million people since 2010. GWC’s work has proven that with access to clean water, people, especially women and girls, are healthier, safer, educated and employed.

“Our organization doesn’t operate without the support of our purpose-driven partners, and we are grateful to have smartwater and Zendaya on board to help ensure communities in need have more access to clean water,” says Monica Ellis, CEO of Global Water Challenge. “With the smart solutions: global water challenge, we’ll specifically work to address community water access, improving and protecting water quality, and economic empowerment opportunities through water.”

For more information about smartwater, visit smartwater.com. For more information about the Global Water Challenge and the smart solutions: global water challenge, visit www.globalwaterchallenge.org.

June 22, 2022 0 comments

Business C-Suite Movers & Shakers

Susan Winslow Promoted to Macmillan Learning CEO

by admin March 17, 2022

Macmillan Learning, a division of the family-owned global media company Holtzbrinck Publishing Group, announced that Susan Winslow has been promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer. In this new role, she will oversee the company’s short and long-term global growth, and continue leading the company’s digital transformation in support of all students, no matter their background or abilities.

Winslow, who has served as the company’s President for the past 14 months, has been with Macmillan Learning since 2007. She previously acted as General Manager and has been a part of the company’s senior leadership team since 2015. A long champion of digital learning and equity in education, under her leadership, Macmillan Learning has grown market share for the past five years, developed, tested, and launched the company’s innovative digital platform, Achieve, and doubled the size of its AP High School business.

“There are few things more powerful than an education. Susan deeply understands this and has made it her mission to lead Macmillan Learning to enable this opportunity for all students,” said Stefan von Holtzbrinck, Chief Executive Officer of Holtzbrinck Publishing Group.

“Susan is an authentic leader who has the respect and admiration of the company’s employees, authors, and customers,” said Holtzbrinck Publishing Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Filmon Zerai. “As President, she successfully navigated the company through a rapidly-changing market at one of the most pivotal moments within the education industry, all while also launching a new digital learning platform and expanding internationally. Even with all this change, her focus remained steadfastly on supporting students and their learning.”

Winslow has more than 30 years experience working in educational publishing across all areas of the business, and is one of only a few women leading educational services and publishing companies. Under her leadership as General Manager and President, Macmillan Learning gained market share consistently, enabled a smooth transition to digital native course materials and expanded the company’s roster of award-winning authors. She also led the effort to extend Macmillan Learning’s footprint beyond North America in 2021. Winslow has long been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion and is a passionate supporter of STEM education.

“We have the opportunity to do something meaningful. To change lives by helping students feel like they belong, and that they deserve to be in the classroom; to help them achieve their goals. My north star for Macmillan Learning is to continue producing technology and course materials that fully engage students, providing them a doorway to what’s possible,” said Susan Winslow, CEO, Macmillan Learning.

March 17, 2022 0 comments

Business Entertainment Movers & Shakers

Champion® Gives Women the Confidence to Play By Their Own Rules

by admin March 17, 2022

Champion Athleticwear, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, sees women – in high school, college or beyond – as a cause for celebration, not a cause. The brand that created the world’s first sports bra is changing the game, revealing Saweetie as the brand’s first-ever Global Culture Consultant. Champion is also unveiling a new swag(her)-filled campaign titled “Get it Girl” that spotlights stylish solutions that female athletes can feel comfortable in, both on and off the field.

Research reveals that a quarter of women don’t feel comfortable in their own skin¹. Champion and Saweetie are teaming up to change that. They are giving women the stage they deserve by spotlighting the “Champion Circle,” a group of 12 diverse, female collegiate athletes and giving them the “Get it Girl” confidence to play by their own rules and look good doing it. Each member of the “Champion Circle” featured in the new campaign was outfitted in gear that highlights their unique flair, swagger and skill, while showcasing the latest Champion collections, including Soft Touch Sports Bras & Leggings. Champion also used a female-led production team, spearheaded by renowned Director, Hannah Lux Davis, and famed photographer, Leeor Wild.

“We’re proud to name Saweetie as our first-ever Global Culture Consultant to help empower women to be their own Champion,” said John Shumate, Vice President of Global Marketing, Champion. “Saweetie is an inspiration for self-expression and with her “Get It Girl” anthem, we want to unite all women with Champion athleticwear solutions designed for every body, every shape and every workout.”

Champion works daily to empower women and raise the bar for comfort and style, giving women the confidence to play by their own rules. Champion’s collection of trusted sports bras and leggings are created with a deep understanding of women’s bodies in motion. This translates to innovative products that allow athletes to do more.

“My relationship with Champion runs deep, as an athlete and lover of streetwear,” said Saweetie. “It’s been a go-to brand since high school! This campaign and partnership hit me on a personal level and I couldn’t be prouder to help all my sporty-icy girls out there feel empowered with self-love and confidence. When you feel good wearing Champion, the sky’s the limit.”

The “Champion Circle”

The athletes that make up the inaugural “Champion Circle” represent colleges and universities from across the country and play a variety of sports ranging from basketball to cheer to track and field.

Maya Brady: Junior – University of California, LA, Softball
Alissa Pili: Junior – University of Southern California, Basketball
Helena Sampaio: Freshman – University of Southern California, Soccer
Logan Eggleston: Senior – University of Texas, Volleyball
Nyla Jones: Senior – North Carolina A&T, Cheerleading
Natalie Chou: Graduate – University of California, LA, Basketball
Morgan Lewis: Senior – Ohio State University, Track & Field
Ziyah Holman: Sophomore – University of Michigan, Track & Field
Sophia Hartwell: Sophomore – University of California, LA, Track & Field
Norah Flatley: Senior – University of California, LA, Gymnastics
Destiny Martin: Sophomore – Winston Salem State University, Cheer
Anna McClure: Freshman – Ohio State, Volleyball

Each member of the “Champion Circle” featured in the “Get It Girl” campaign will receive a two year Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) investment as official brand ambassadors. Champion is also offering these young athletes access to mentors, helping develop their professional career interests within the areas of sports, entertainment, media and marketing.

To learn more about the SwagHER featured in the campaign, please visit www.champion.com.

March 17, 2022 0 comments

Business Movers & Shakers Professional

Foot Locker and Melody Ehsani Team Up to Launch Exclusive Capsule Collection

by admin May 28, 2021

Foot Locker is excited to announce the launch of a basketball-inspired capsule collection designed by the new Creative Director of their women’s business, Melody Ehsani. This is the first of several capsule collections slated to drop this year. In celebration of the launch, Foot Locker will host a virtual festival entitled “No More Next,” inviting fans to take part in a unique digital experience featuring interactive conversations and product sweepstakes.

Ehsani is also the visionary and entrepreneur behind ME. – a streetwear brand specializing in jewelry, footwear and clothing with a message that has changed the landscape of accessible womenswear. With this new collection for Foot Locker, Melody leaned on her background in streetwear and love of basketball to design and create inspiring apparel.

“Melody’s partnership and her vision to empower women through streetwear and sports truly reflects the brand,” said Patricia Respress, Vice President and DMM Women’s Footwear and Apparel at Foot Locker. “As Creative Director, Melody has been extremely insightful, empowering and collaborative. Her fresh perspective provides additional lanes of opportunity for the women’s business at Foot Locker, and we are delighted to share this unique collection with our consumers.”

The first capsule collection drops at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 10 and features apparel and accessories ranging from $10–$80 USD. All pieces will be available in sizes XS-2X online and in-store at Foot Locker locations across the United States and Canada, as well as select stores in Europe and Asia Pacific.

“Our focus is always about elevating consciousness and cultivating empowerment. ‘Stop waiting to be who you already are,’ is one of our mottos,” said Melody Ehsani. “I believe you can’t wait for others to see who you are, you have to see yourself. Inhabiting your whole entire self at all times is key to moving through the world.”

The capsule collection highlights colors inspired by nature and temperature. Specifically, thermal patterns are used to reflect an individual’s response to their environment and what connects people at a global level. One of those great connectors is sports, and in this case, Melody’s love of basketball. Outside of the shapewear (bra and bike short), 70 percent of the capsule is unisex/neutral. The collection also features a “Ball Vision” tee and short set, a fleece crew and short set and an organza tracksuit. Accessories include crew socks and shoelaces.

Foot Locker is making the collection more accessible to consumers across the country by hosting a digital crowd-sourcing program; this will solicit consumer feedback to determine where a Melody Ehsani x Foot Locker pop-up shop will arrive. These pop-ups will open a week in advance of the capsule being available, giving the selected city a chance to experience and shop the collection before the rest of the world.

The crowd-sourcing program kicks off during the “No More Next, We are Here,” virtual festival on Saturday, June 5. The festival is aimed at inspiring everyone to find their voice and demand a seat at the table. The virtual experience will feature empowering conversations, a Q&A session with Melody Ehsani and much more. To learn more and RSVP visit events.footlocker.com/nomorenextfest.

May 28, 2021 0 comments

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