A Catalyst for the Cause: Fostering Greater Equity in Sport

Drexel Registration: Free for current Drexel students, faculty, and staff

Drexel University’s Department of Sport Business invites you to the fourth annual conference focused on fostering greater equity in sport.

This one-day conference will focus on LGBTQ+ issues in sport and aims to create awareness of the communities, networks and resources that currently exist for LGBTQ+ individuals nationally as well as in the greater Philadelphia region. This conference seeks to foster meaningful conversations and provide opportunities for education on the issues that people who identify as LGBTQ+ face, and how sport can be a vehicle for creating positive change within these communities.

This event will encourage participants to engage in substantive, actionable discussions with tangible takeaways that can lead to creating greater equity in sport. This year’s conference theme also aligns with the LeBow College of Business’ Strategic plan to advance a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) by promoting and sustaining a vibrant and inclusive environment.

The keynote discussion will feature Ryan O’Callaghan, former NFL player, author and founder of The Ryan O’Callaghan Foundation.

This event is open to Drexel students, faculty and staff; industry professionals; college students; members of the media; and the general public.

Full Program Schedule: 9:30am Registration opens 9:50am Opening remarks 10-10:50am Keynote with Ryan O’Callaghan and Zeke Goldsmith, President, Drexel Sport Business Association 11-11:50am Breakout sessions (attendees choose one of three options) Noon-12:30pm Closing remarks from Kate Scott, Sixers Play-By-Play Announcer 12:30-2pm Lunch and networking

Breakout session options Session 1: LGBTQ Inclusion in College Athletics: Understanding the current landscape and the path forward Featuring: Sarah Cahn, Haverford College lacrosse player Mary Mulvenna, Senior Associate AD/Chief of Staff, Drexel University
Cavender Salvadori, Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track & Field Coach, Temple University Claire Toomey, Vice President of Drexel Esports

Session 2: Striving for Equality: The LGBTQ experience in sport Featuring: Dawn Ennis, Columnist and Contributor, Forbes.com Erin Morris, Associate Professor of Sport Management, SUNY Cortland Theo Rabinowitz, Freelance Sports Television Operations and Talent Coordinator

Session 3: Answering the Call: Highlighting resources for Philadelphia residents, and what allies can do to promote inclusivity Featuring: Connor Barwin, Founder of Make the World Better and former NFL linebacker Erik Larson, Deputy Director of LGBT Affairs, City of Philadelphia