Sport Philanthropy Summit | GW School of Business | The George Washington University

The George Washington University Sport Philanthropy Summit

Organized by the GW Sports Philanthropy Program

Where Change Begins:
Funding, Storytelling & Community Leadership in Sport

Join students, alumni and professionals within the sport for good space for an afternoon of learning, sharing, and networking. We'll hear from individuals from across sectors who are dedicated to the advancement of the sport philanthropy industry through thought-provoking, and critical analysis of using sport for good. The Summit includes panels and time for discussion.

For more information contact sportsphilgwu [dot] edu (sportsphil[at]gwu[dot]edu).

District E

701 7th St NW, Washington, DC

Thursday, February 26, 2026

Registration: 1:30-1:50 pm
Programming: 1:50-5:30 pm
Reception: 5:30-7:00 pm
View Full Schedule

Registration Fees

GW Sports Philanthropy Student/Alumni: Free
General Admission: $50

Featuring Keynote Speaker:

Flynn Burch
Director of Global Impact & Executive Director of Under Armour Foundation

Flynn serves as the Director of Global Community Impact at Under Armour and Executive Director of the UA Foundation, where he spearheads the development and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at utilizing the power and platform of sports to make a positive impact in communities worldwide. Flynn previously held key positions at the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, honing his skills and passion for community engagement.

Fireside Chat With:

Zachary Leonsis
President of Media & New Enterprises for Monumental Sports & Entertainment

As the sport philanthropy landscape evolves, professional sports organizations are uniquely positioned to drive social impact at scale—connecting communities, closing participation gaps, and modeling new approaches to corporate responsibility. Monumental Sports & Entertainment exemplifies how a major franchise group can embed philanthropy into its core identity through initiatives like District of Play, which reached over 200,000 DC residents in it’s first year. In this closing conversation, Zachary Leonsis will explore how MSE’s investments in create ripple effects beyond the arena—civic vitality across the Washington, DC region. This session will offer insights for professionals, students, and practitioners working at the intersection of sport, social impact, and community development.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Driving Social Impact Team Community Relations

Heather Hall - VP of Community Relations, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment
RaShauna Hamilton - VP of Community Development, Washington Spirit
Blaire Houston - Director of Fan Development, Washington Wizards
Shanell Mosley - Foundation Executive Director/Sr. Director of Community Impact, D.C. United
Nicole Hawkins (Moderator) - Founder, Nicole Hawkins Communications

More Than the Game: Storytelling, Impact, and the Power of Sport

Tara Greco - EVP of Corporate Reputation, Golin; Sports Philanthropy Instructor, GW
Alethea Harney - APH Strategies; Former Chief of Staff to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff
Emily Olsen - Managing Editor of Global Women’s Soccer, The Athletic
Cymonne New - Director of Communications and Storytelling, Octagon
CJ Watson - 10 year NBA Veteran, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Children’s Author, Angel Investor
Michael Franklin (Moderator) - Founder, Words Normalize Behavior and GW Sport Philanthropy Alumnus

Closing the Play Gap: Research & Action

Jen Stillerman - Director, She Changes the Game DC, Coach Across America
Alana Beard - Founder, 318 Foundation, WNBA Champion, Washington Mystics Hall of Fame
Olga Harvey - Chief Operating Officer, Women's Sports Foundation
Katrina Owens - Executive Director, DC Scores
Alycen McAuley (Moderator) - President of Business Operations, Washington Mystics

Purposeful Partnerships

Tal Alter - Managing Director, Orr Group
Radha Balani - Expert Partner of Strategy and Leadership, Think Beyond
Jimmy Schneidewind - Impact Measurement Consultant, Grass Skirt Project
Neil Schwartz - President, SBRNet & Sports Market Analytics
Mandy Murphy (Moderator) - MNM Strategy; GWSP alumna

More speakers to be announced | Recap Sport Philanthropy Summit 2025

Schedule of Events

1:30-1:50 pm	Registration
1:50-2:00 pm	Welcome
2:00-2:35 pm	Panel #1: Beyond the Scoreboard: Driving Social Impact Team Community Relations
2:40-3:15 pm	Panel #2: More Than the Game: Storytelling, Impact, and the Power of Sport
3:15-3:30 pm	Break
3:30-3:55 pm	Keynote Speaker: Flynn Burch - Director Global Impact & Executive Director, Under Armour Foundation (Moderator: Alexa Landestoy, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Talent)
4:00-4:35 pm	Panel #3: Closing the Play Gap: Research & Action
4:40-5:15 pm	Panel #4: Purposeful Partnerships
5:15-5:30 pm	Fireside Chat with Zachary Leonsis - President of Media & New Enterprises, Monumental Sports & Entertainment
5:30-7:00 pm	Reception