NAIA and Women Leaders in Sports Announce Enterprise Partnership to Empower Women in Collegiate Athletics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is proud to announce an expanded three-year Enterprise Partnership with Women Leaders in Sports, recognizing the organization as the Official Partner of Women in the NAIA. This partnership reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to advancing women’s leadership in college athletics.
Through this partnership, NAIA Senior Woman Leaders and NAIA national office staff will have access to Women Leaders in Sports memberships. These memberships are made possible by funding from the NAIA.
Membership will grant NAIA leaders access to a wide range of year-round resources, including:
- Access to a supportive and powerful national community of leaders working in sports.
- Career tools and programs to foster professional growth and leadership development
- Member Circles to engage in conversations and connect with peers through specialized groups tailored to member interests, business sector, and career goals – all NAIA women will be enrolled in the Small College Athletics Member Circle.
- Exclusive networking events and gatherings to connect with women across collegiate athletic
- Collaborative virtual sessions each year focused on maximizing membership benefits and exploring key topics in the industry
Additionally, Women Leaders in Sports will serve as a sponsor of the NAIA National Convention when the event is held in Kansas City.
“This partnership reflects the NAIA’s continued investment in the growth and development of women leaders across our membership,” said Jim Carr, NAIA president & CEO. “By collaborating with Women Leaders in Sports, we’re opening new doors for connection, education, and empowerment.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the NAIA to ensure every Senior Woman Leader across its member institutions has access to the Women Leaders in Sports community and resources,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “By connecting these women to our leadership development resources, supportive network, and career advancement tools, we are amplifying their voices and empowering them to continue driving impact across the NAIA.”
The partnership expansion will continue through 2028.
ABOUT NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. NAIA members provide more than 83,000 student-athletes with opportunities to play college sports, earn $1.3 billion in financial aid from NAIA institutions, and compete in 29 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA
ABOUT WOMEN LEADERS IN SPORTS
Women Leaders in Sports is a privately funded non-profit committed to transforming the landscape of leadership in sports. Since its inception in 1979, Women Leaders has sparked a vibrant movement, uniting over 6,500 members nationwide. Offering comprehensive programs and training, Women Leaders empowers female sports professionals at all levels with its invaluable networking opportunities, career resources, and growth initiatives. Learn more about their mission at womenleadersinsports.org and follow on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok @_WomenLeaders
