Pictured (L -R) Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini, Tish Galindo and Tamala Barksdale. Image courtesy of Women Raise the Game.

Super Bowl Weekend Was About More Than Football—Women Raise The Game Proved It

BY Yamily Habib | February 11, 2025

BY Yamily Habib
February 11, 2025

During Super Bowl weekend, Women Raise The Game (WRTG) brought together some of the most influential women in sports for “Champions.” The exclusive brunch took place at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans. The invitation-only event, powered by The 360 Agency, created a space for established leaders and rising stars to connect. Assistants were able to share experiences and push for greater representation in sports.

Actress, philanthropist, and longtime advocate for women in sports Holly Robinson Peete hosted the event. And she set the tone for a day of powerful conversations. WRTG founders Tish Galindo and Tamala Barksdale opened the event with powerful remarks. They highlighted the importance of fostering a community that uplifts women navigating the competitive sports industry.

Honoring Women Who Are Changing the Game

The Champions experience highlighted the contributions of industry trailblazers. For example, Michael Strahan presented the Woman of the Year Award to Constance Schwartz-Morini, CEO of SMAC Entertainment. Strahan, a Super Bowl champion and longtime business partner of Schwartz-Morini, emphasized her impact on the industry and her role in breaking barriers for women in leadership.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as Woman of the Year by Women Raise The Game. The mission resonates deeply with my own journey,” said Schwartz-Morini. “Success is never achieved alone—it’s built through meaningful connections, shared opportunities, and a commitment to collaboration. WRTG is creating a space where ambitious women can connect, support one another, and turn their boldest ambitions into reality.”

Other honorees included Ashley Smith. She was recognized as Visionary of the Year. Similarly, Sabrina Greenlee was awarded Advocate of the Year for her dedication to creating pathways for women in sports.

Women Raise The Game Sparks Conversations That Matter

In addition to the awards, the event featured panels that tackled critical topics shaping the industry. The “No Limits, Expanding the Opportunities” panel, moderated by WRTG co-founder Tish Galindo, explored the changing landscape for women in sports. Panelists included Marissa Solis, SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing at the NFL, and Talia Thompson, filmmaker of Pacific Roots: Our Football Legacy.

Similarly, “The Business of Sports” panel, led by Tamala Barksdale, focused on leadership and career growth. Speakers included Sarah Bishop, VP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing at the NFL, Jennifer King, Assistant RB Coach at the Chicago Bears, and Christina Chang, partner at Nixon Peabody in the Entertainment and Sports division.

These discussions underscored a major theme: uplifting the next generation. The phrase “sending the elevator down” resonated throughout the day. It reminded attendees that real change comes from creating opportunities for those following in their footsteps.

Women Raise The Game Continues to Build Momentum

“In partnership with the NFL, it is our honor to host the Women Raise the Game Super Bowl event for the second year,” said Tish Galindo, founder of WRTG. “It is so important to celebrate and connect women in sports. This event shines a spotlight on the contributions of women off the field during Big Game Weekend.”

The event also included a fireside chat with Diana Flores, the captain and quarterback of Mexico’s World Champion National Flag Football team and a Global Ambassador for the NFL and IFAF.

With live entertainment by DJ Iesha Irene and the Second Line Brass Band of New Orleans, the afternoon balanced the celebration with serious discussions on equity and opportunity.

What’s Next for Women Raise The Game?

Women Raise The Game is just getting started. With previous events like the Latinas in Sports and Entertainment networking gathering at the Grammy Museum, WRTG has been steadily building a movement. As Tish Galindo and Tamala Barksdale told FIERCE, WRTG is committed to expanding opportunities for women. And ensuring they have access to leadership roles in both sports and entertainment.

The future of WRTG looks bright, with plans to continue hosting events at major industry moments like the Super Bowl, NBA, WNBA, and South by Southwest.

For more information and updates on future events, visit Women Raise The Game.