WISE NYC Metro Celebrates 10th Anniversary Women of Inspiration Event
Inspired. Bold. Leadership. Takes Center Stage Aboard the Intrepid
The NYC Metro Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) celebrated a major milestone on December 9, 2025, the 10th anniversary of its Women of Inspiration Awards Reception aboard the iconic Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. The room shimmered in silver, a fitting tribute to a decade of elevating women leaders across the sports business.
This year’s honorees represented three industry powerhouses:
Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer, New York Road Runners (NYRR); Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, New York City Football Club (NYCFC); and Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports Strategy, Amazon Web Services (AWS).
A sold-out audience arrived on the red carpet for a night of celebration, including a salute to past Women of Inspiration recipients in attendance—Lauren Cohen (2024, NBA); Christina LaBrie (2024, MLS); Rachel Jacobson (2022, previously Drone Racing League); Allison Overholt (2016, formerly ESPN); and Kori Davis Porter (2020, NBA). The salute was followed by a a formal presentation this years honorees which included a fireside chat with them led by WISE NYC Metro Chapter President Van Adams.
The conversation underscored a central truth: leadership impact is built in everyday actions. The honorees highlighted the power of meaningful relationships, intentional mentorship and the courage to seize opportunities.
Burke emphasized that careers are shaped by people as much as performance: “It’s not just about what you do, it’s about the people you do it with.”
O’Sullivan spotlighted mentorship as a catalyst for growth: “Sometimes they see things in you that you don’t see in yourself.”
Souza championed directional risk-taking: “Don’t run from something—run TO something.”
The evening concluded with a champagne toast honoring this year’s honorees and the collective momentum they continue to build for women across sports business.
This 10th anniversary celebration was made possible through the generous support of platinum partners New York Road Runners and Zeta Global, and silver partners Amazon Ads, Mastercard, NYCFC and Scripps Sports—with special thanks to event contributors Sneeks, NY Giants, Kendra Scott, Gathering on the Greens, BCake NY and TeamPlaymaker.
About the Women of Inspiration Award
The Women of Inspiration Award recognizes individuals who exemplify:
Support for Women’s Professional Development: A consistent commitment to mentoring, sponsoring and serving as a role model for other women in the industry
Empowerment and Advocacy: Visible, credible leadership that helps others grow their careers
Leadership and Influence: A track record of removing barriers, creating access and opportunity, and building intentional talent pipelines for women in sports and events
Professionalism and Integrity: Consistent professionalism, strong ethical standards and respect across the industry
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