#BSPNTX Event - Play Like a Girl: Phenomenal Women in Sports

Event Information:

This event is FREE for all attendees.

Event Parking:

Parking is free at Fair Park. However, there may be another event at Fair Park that involves a parking charge. Please identify yourself as an attendee of an event at The African American Museum and you will be allowed through the gate at no charge.

Event Details:

Our seasoned panelists will be talking about their journey in sports, highlighting their accomplishments and the work they have put in to achieve success in a male-dominated profession. From getting their foot in the door to making a name for themselves in sports, our panelists will give insights on the skills and tools needed to navigate in the sports industry, touch on the hot topics and provide nuggets of wisdom to our next generation of sports professionals.

The event will also feature a special presentation recognizing Ms. Opal Lee with the inaugural BSPNTX Legacy Award for her civic leadership and years of activism to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized national holiday. Following the presentation, signed copies of Lee's book, Juneteenth: A Children's Story, will be available for purchase – $25 for paperback, $40 for hardback – via credit card and CashApp.

Panelists:

Kim Johnson is Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator at Texas Christian University. Since 2008, Johnson has managed and supervised the men’s and women’s golf and equestrian programs and currently has oversight over the women’s basketball, women’s soccer, men's and women's swimming & diving, men’s and women’s track & field, men’s and women’s tennis programs as well as the Bayard H. Friedman Tennis Center. Additionally, she spearheaded the research efforts that led to the addition of beach volleyball and triathlon in addition to leading the department’s gender equity goals and initiatives. Johnson serves as a campus Deputy Title IX Officer, working in concert with the Title IX Office. In this role, she contributes to the campus goal of providing a safe learning and work environment for student-athletes and staff. As the department’s Senior Woman Administrator, Johnson is the school’s liaison to the Big 12 Conference for league governance and policy. Currently, she is the liaison to the Big 12 Directors of Compliance and men’s and women’s track & field coaches and baseball coaches. The 2011 NCAA Pathway Program graduate has served stints on the NCAA women’s soccer committee and the former NCAA Administrative Cabinet. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Sports Commission, Fort Worth Sports Authority and Collegiate Women's Sports Awards presented by Honda. Johnson’s previous career stops include time at the University of Alabama, Tulane University and her alma mater, Northwestern University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies in 2001 and her Master of Science degree in Human Environmental Science with a Sport Management emphasis from Alabama in 2007.

Akellia Stewart is Chief Executive Officer of Customs by AK, a Dallas-based custom shoe company. Stewart and Customs by AK are "changing soles one shoe at a time" through her sneaker customizations. Her mission is to use her creative outlet to inspire and motivate youth and challenge their career paths through her sneakers. Stewart is also the founder of Saving Soles by AK, a nonprofit with the mission of educating and teaching students how to express themselves in the community about mental health and school readiness through art. She is dedicated to providing youth with the fundamental tools needed to carve out their future paths in life and strives to build productive relationships and make a positive impact on all pursuits. Stewart earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Exercise Science from Neosho County Community College.

Kaleisha Stuart is Deputy General Counsel with the Dallas Cowboys. In her role, Stuart spends her time negotiating agreements, managing litigation, and using creative problem-solving to mitigate risk. Her key areas of focus over her eight years with the franchise include sponsorship, merchandising, live events, National Football League rules, and real estate. On any given day, Stuart might draft an employment agreement, negotiate a new store lease, argue with opposing counsel, provide a listening ear to a colleague’s concern, and research a new law that impacts our business. In short, her job is to work behind the scenes to help the business accomplish its goals while keeping the organization out of trouble. The native Texan and West Coast lover holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Political Science from Texas A&M University and a Doctor of Law (J.D.) degree from Stanford Law School. Being one of five kids and the daughter of a school teacher and a railroad worker has shaped Stuart into someone who values hard work and helping others.

Moderator:

Daija Douglas is Manager of Special Events for the Austin Street Center. Her career journey extends through the sports entertainment industry, influencer marketing and the empowerment and personal development of women and young adults. In her career and as a speaker, Douglas works to inspire others to show up as their most authentic self and remain open to the possibilities that life may bring. Her career stops include time with the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Legends, LEARFIELD, Team Empire Sports and Estate Five Media. Douglas is a two-time graduate of the University of North Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Integrative Studies, Communication, Sociology, & Health Promotion and a Master of Business Administration degree in Sport Entertainment Management.