Development Committee

The Development Committee assists in the development and planning of fundraising events, initiatives, and planned-giving programs to ensure the continuation of the Women Leaders scholarship program via the Foundation Fund and the continuation of the Women Leaders Opportunity Fund. 

Responsibilities

  • Assist Women Leaders Board and staff in creating and implementing yearlong giving campaigns for Women Leaders Foundation Fund and Opportunity Fund contributions.
  • Identify potential donors and solicit donations to Women Leaders Foundation Fund and Opportunity Fund. 
  • Assist in the planning of any fundraising events throughout the year 
  • Solicit great auction items and other in-kind items to support fundraising events
  • Assist with bidding and other donations on-site at Convention (not a requirement for all, but requested for those in attendance).

Qualifications for Committee Members

  • Ability to develop a creative, entertaining event
  • Possess good organizational skills with the ability to plan and facilitate a multi-faceted social event
  • Willingness to give of time and energy to fundraising ideas and solicitation
  • Exhibit talents and enthusiasm to get the job done

Time Commitment

Conference calls are typically an hour in length and held approximately once a month starting in April to September each year. Other monthly calls may be organized outside of this time frame depending on fundraising campaign efforts. The committee's busy time is April-October. 

2023 Committee Members

Board of Directors Liaisons: 
Sarah Baumgartner, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director, The University of Texas at Austin
Desiree Reed-Francois, Director of Athletics, University of Missouri 

Staff Liaison: Kristin Crites, Director of Development 

Committee Chair: Lisa Thuer, Director of Development, Women's Sports Foundation 

Committee Members

  • Kristie Bowers, Senior Associate Director of Athletics/SWA, Boston University
  • Christina Diaz, Special Assistant to the Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, Penn State University 
  • Dawn Ellerbe, Associate Athletics Director, Marketing, California State University, Northridge
  • Taryn Gall, Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Administrations/SWA, Lehigh University
  • Jill Koclanes, Associate Director for Athletics Fundraising, Dartmouth College
  • Rachel Kuperinsky, Associate Athletics Director, Compliance/SWA, University of Pennsylvania
  • Kristina Navarro, Director of Athletics, Assistant Chancellor for Sports Administration, UW-Platteville
  • Tori Niemann, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development, Clemson University
  • Jennelle Shaw, Assistant Athletic Director/Annual Giving, Rice University 
  • Robyn Theodorakis, Sales Executive, SeatGeek
  • Morgan Wallace, External Relations Manager, Seattle Pacific University
  • Allie Ware, Assistant Athletic Director of Development, Yale University