Forget the sidelines, ladies, it’s time to take center stage! At Jacksonville University, a new wave of female leaders is rising, and they’re ready to shake up the world of sports business. Davis College students have just launched the inaugural Women in Sport Business Club, a dynamic new initiative dedicated to shattering glass ceilings and empowering the next generation of female executives in the industry.
Fostering Leadership: Empowering Women Through Mentorship and Professional Development

The Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology is dedicated to creating a community that fosters leadership, creativity, and career progression through professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights.
The club’s mission is to empower women in sport business by providing a platform for them to connect, learn, and support each other. This is particularly important in a male-dominated field, where women often face unique challenges and obstacles.
According to the club’s treasurer, Rori Bywater, “We’re laying the foundation for something that we hope will continue to grow and impact future students. Being part of the first executive board means setting the tone, establishing traditions, and ensuring that this club provides meaningful opportunities for its members.”
The club’s leaders recognize the importance of mentorship and professional development in empowering women in sport business. They have gained valuable insights from Dr. Leah Fiorentino, the club’s sponsor and sport business professor, who has been instrumental in its formation.
Dr. Fiorentino views the club as a student-driven initiative. “Over the past three semesters, I’ve noticed a significant increase in women declaring sport business as a major or minor. These women are strong leaders and have successfully navigated the campus system to establish the club.”
The club’s executive board has also emphasized the importance of adaptability and always seeking opportunities to learn. As Bywater noted, “We encourage anyone interested to get involved and be part of this movement.”

Networking Opportunities: Connecting with Industry Professionals
The Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology is committed to providing its members with networking opportunities with industry professionals.
The club’s president, Layla Green, stated, “Our goal is to provide valuable experiences — guest speakers, networking events, internships, and mentorship opportunities — that will help our members succeed.”
The club has already made significant strides in this area, hosting guest speakers and industry professionals who have shared their experiences and insights with the members.
This is particularly important in a field like sport business, where relationships and networking are key to success. By providing opportunities for members to connect with industry professionals, the club is helping to empower women in sport business and prepare them for successful careers.
Creating a Support System: Combating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Field
The Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology recognizes the importance of creating a support system for women in a male-dominated field.
As the club’s secretary, Adriana Fulco, noted, “It’s powerful to have a group of women who understand your challenges and want to see you succeed. It can be intimidating to enter a male-dominated field, but knowing you have a supportive community can make all the difference.”
The club’s leaders also emphasized the importance of leadership and resilience in overcoming the challenges faced by women in sport business.
Bywater noted that the club’s members have gained valuable insights from Dr. Fiorentino’s classes, including the importance of adaptability and strategic thinking.
Fiorentino’s teachings have also highlighted the importance of resilience and leadership in overcoming the challenges faced by women in sport business.
More Than Just a Club: Shaping the Future of Women in Sport
The Impact on Jacksonville University: A Catalyst for Change
The Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology is having a significant impact on the university and the wider community.
The club’s members have already made a positive impact on campus, hosting events and engaging with industry professionals.
The club’s leaders also emphasized the importance of creating a community that fosters leadership, creativity, and career progression through professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights.
This is particularly important in a field like sport business, where relationships and networking are key to success. By providing opportunities for members to connect with industry professionals, the club is helping to empower women in sport business and prepare them for successful careers.
Beyond JU: Inspiring a Movement in the Sport Industry
The Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology is inspiring a movement in the sport industry.
The club’s leaders have emphasized the importance of creating a community that fosters leadership, creativity, and career progression through professional development, networking opportunities, mentorship, and industry insights.
This is particularly important in a field like sport business, where relationships and networking are key to success. By providing opportunities for members to connect with industry professionals, the club is helping to empower women in sport business and prepare them for successful careers.
The club’s members have also emphasized the importance of supporting each other and creating a supportive community.
This is particularly important in a male-dominated field, where women often face unique challenges and obstacles.
Practical Advice: How Current and Aspiring Sport Business Students Can Get Involved
Current and aspiring sport business students can get involved with the Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University’s Davis College of Business and Technology in a variety of ways.
The club is open to all students, and members can participate in events, networking opportunities, and mentorship programs.
Students can also join the club’s executive board and help shape the club’s mission and activities.
By getting involved with the club, students can gain valuable experiences, connect with industry professionals, and develop their skills and knowledge in sport business.
As Bywater noted, “We encourage anyone interested to get involved and be part of this movement!”
Conclusion
Empowering Women in Sports Business: A Game-Changer for the Industry
As we conclude our article highlighting the launch of Davis College students’ inaugural Women in Sport Business Club at Jacksonville University, it’s clear that this initiative marks a pivotal moment in the sports industry. The key takeaways from this story are the growing demand for representation and diversity in sports leadership, the potential for women to drive innovation and growth in the sector, and the crucial role education and mentorship play in fostering a more inclusive ecosystem. By creating a platform for women to connect, share knowledge, and support one another, this club paves the way for a more equitable future in sports business.
The significance of this development extends beyond the university walls, as it reflects a broader societal shift towards embracing diversity and promoting women’s empowerment. The sports industry, in particular, has long been criticized for its lack of female representation in leadership positions. By addressing this disparity, the Women in Sport Business Club sets a new standard for inclusion and inspires other institutions to follow suit. As the club members navigate their careers, they will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and skills to the table, driving positive change and propelling the industry forward.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the impact of this initiative will be far-reaching. With more women in leadership positions, we can expect to see a surge in innovative ideas, new business models, and a more diverse range of voices shaping the sports industry. As the club members continue to grow and thrive, they will become the catalysts for a new era of inclusivity and progress. And as we watch this movement unfold, we are reminded that the future of sports business is female, and it’s a future that is bright, bold, and full of possibilities.
Add Comment