SportsPro has announced it first ever NEW ERA class, with 12 women selected from across the global sports industry to embark on a dedicated 12-month professional enhancement programme.
Designed to recognise, support and advocate for not only gender equality, but also representation within the sector, the NEW ERA programme sees the inaugural cohort of candidates chosen from more than 250 applicants following a thorough review process.
In alphabetical order, the 2022 class is made up of:
- Allie Dinsmore, vice president, strategy and new business development, Professional Fighters League
- Ashlea Block, head of community, Play HQ
- Charlie Sizer, global partnerships manager, DAZN
- Hana Taiji, director of purpose, SixFive Sports & Entertainment
- Helen Praz, senior manager, content operations and commercial strategy, Football Marketing Asia
- Laura McDonnell, EU sponsorship manager, Amazon
- Lorraine Moalosi, podcaster, storyteller and marketer, Data Talks
- Michelle Goulty, head of partnerships, City Football Foundation, City Football Group
- Ojonoka Agudah, head of legal and women’s sports, Integral
- Sahaj Shah, product and UX/UI designer, Areto Labs
- Shikha Tandon, partnerships director, Svexa
- Yvette Thompson, head of marketing, Newcastle United
“We were truly overwhelmed by the high engagement and quality of the applications in our search for 12 candidates for the programme and, following a thorough review, our class of 2022 has now been confirmed,” said Jon Abraham, SportsPro’s business operations and strategy director.
“Comprising incredible businesswomen from across the globe, each class member brings a fresh perspective and ambition to contribute positively towards the sports industry.”
The inaugural class will now start a 12-month programme, which will see them gain dedicated coaching time and introductions to every member of the NEW ERA steering group. Working with a like-minded community, the 13-strong steering group comprises of highly respected sports industry professionals with diverse backgrounds, professional competencies and experience.
In addition, the 12 class members will receive VIP invitations to SportsPro’s year-round international events, with on-stage speaking opportunities and other agenda showcases. NEW ERA also provides editorial spotlight opportunities, including thought leadership, feature pieces and podcast contributions across SportsPro’s platforms.
For those not named in the final 2022 NEW ERA class, following the positive feedback received from the women’s sport community, it has been decided that SportsPro is expanding the programme to maximise its value. Further updates will be announced in due course.
