FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WISE NYC Metro Chapter Announces 2025 Women of Inspiration Honorees
New York, NY — October 30, 2025 — In its 10th anniversary year, the WISE NYC Metro Chapter is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Women of Inspiration Award: Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer at New York Road Runners (NYRR); Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer at New York City Football Club (NYCFC); and Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports Strategy at Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“These women represent the bold leadership and enduring impact that define our community,” said Van Adams, President of the WISE NYC Metro Chapter. “What makes this award so powerful is that it comes from your peers who see your work, your advocacy and experience your influence every day. Christine, Jennifer and Julie are not only shaping the future of sports—they’re lifting others as they do it.”
Each December, WISE NYC Metro shines a spotlight on three extraordinary women whose careers reflect the highest standards of leadership, advocacy, and industry impact. The Women of Inspiration Award honors individuals who actively demonstrate:
- 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
The 2025 awards reception will be held aboard the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM. The reception is open to both members and non-members. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, November 4.
2025 Honorees
Christine Burke, Chief Commercial Officer, New York Road Runners (NYRR)
Christine oversees sponsorship, licensing, business development, runner training and services, charity partnerships, international tour operators, and professional athletes. She has held senior roles in luxury retail and digital marketing, including L’Occitane en Provence and Hastens Beds. A lifelong athlete and marathoner, Christine also serves as executive sponsor of NYRR’s Women ERG. She has successfully led initiatives that expanded NYRR’s international reach and elevated its sponsorship and charity partnerships. Christine holds a BA in Political Science from Williams College and an MBA from Fordham University.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, Chief Operating Officer, New York City Football Club (NYCFC)
Jennifer leads business operations and legal functions for NYCFC, overseeing HR, IT, youth programs, match day operations, and facilities. Her career spans law firm leadership, league formation, and executive roles in sports and entertainment, including Commissioner & CEO of Women’s Professional Soccer and General Counsel at RSE Ventures. She plays a central role in the development of Etihad Park in Queens, a first-of-its-kind state-of-the-art facility for a professional soccer club. Jennifer holds a JD from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law and a BA in Political Science from the University of Richmond.
Julie Souza, Global Head of Sports Strategy, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Julie drives innovation across sports data, fan analytics, smart venue solutions, and generative AI. She previously led strategy and business development for Second Spectrum, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and CBS Sports Network. Julie serves as a mentor in multiple industry organizations and is active in her community, including local government where she serves as Deputy Mayor. She has led groundbreaking initiatives integrating data and technology to transform fan experiences and venue operations globally. Julie holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
About WISE NYC Metro
Since 1993, WISE (Women in Sports and Events) has been the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports and events. The NYC Metro Chapter, chartered in 2007, is one of the largest and most active chapters in the country, offering year-round programming, mentorship and professional development opportunities that empower women in the business of sports with the tools to reach their career goals. Through peer support, mentoring programs and professional development and training, WISE helps members maximize their potential, sharpen their skills and advance their careers at every stage of their professional journey.
For more information and to purchase tickets for the awards reception, visit www.WISENYCMetro.org
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