To round out our sports leadership focus this year, on this final 2024 episode of Indianapolis Business Journal’s podcast, The Freedom Forum with Angela B. Freeman, we are excited to announce our guest is Mary Kay Huse of Indy Ignite Pro Volleyball. Mary Kay stopped by the studio to tell us all about this brand new professional women’s volleyball team beginning its first season here in Indianapolis on January 11, 2025. Specifically, Mary Kay provided significant insight into how this first expansion team of the Pro Volleyball Federation landed in Indy, has recruited its players, and is working to ensure this new professional women’s sport incites a substantial following to establish its own legacy that will continue for years. Mary Kay also described her own entrepreneurial leadership journey that has led to this unique and exciting career opportunity through which she intends to have lasting impact.

As we turn the page on another season in Indiana this year, we continue to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in Indiana’s major sports league. This month we shine light on a lesser known sports institution based in our state that is having local, national, and international impact. Our guest,  Evelyn Magley, is the CEO of The Basketball League (TBL). Ms. Evelyn is the first woman and/or African-American woman to own a men’s professional sports organization. She stopped by our studio to discuss her inspiration and motivation that has led her to form and grow TBL, and her aspirations for the future and legacy of the organization.

Jasmine Park is the Vice President of People, Culture, and Inclusion for the Indianapolis Colts. In keeping with our focus on professional sports this year, Jasmine dropped by the studio to discuss her experience as a diverse woman in sports and how she was able to be particularly influential in the interview and hiring process that resulted in The Colts’ new head coach. Jasmine also described how she intentionally and authentically works to mentor, educate, and empower the younger generation of diverse leaders to be successful in sports and/or any career they desire to pursue in Indiana.

Randy Lewandowski is the President and CEO of the Indianapolis Indians. As we continue our focus on sports organizations in Indiana, we invited Randy to come by the studio to discuss the rich history and tradition of Indiana’s oldest Minor League baseball team, his significant tenure and advancement with their organization, and how their organization has evolved over the years. In particular, Randy was very transparent about the intentionality of his former leadership and his current responsibility to make baseball more inclusive to all and to ensure Victory Field continues to be a staple of the Indianapolis community. Randy was very transparent about his personal relationship and growth in authentic leadership, empathy, and mentorship as related to identifying and growing emerging or diverse talent.

Kristin Weeden is the Chief Talent Officer at Penske Entertainment. As we continue our focus on sports organizational leadership in Indianapolis this year, we wanted to check back in with Penske, including Indianapolis Motor Speedway, INDYCAR, and IMS Productions, to learn about what they are doing from a Human Resources perspective to continue to make the track an inclusive environment for its employees, interns, and fans. Kristin came by the studio and provided great insight into some of the wonderful programs, initiatives, and thought leadership that she and others on the Penske leadership team are implementing to effectuate and drive real change, real fast. Kristin also provided great transparency regarding some of the pragmatic challenges that women face when in positions of leadership in sports, particularly male sports organizations.

Jamie Riley is the Chief Operating Officer at USA Football.  In keeping with our focus on professional sports organizations in our community, Jamie came by the studio to tell us about all the amazing things happening with football at the Olympic level and at the grassroots - not the kind you watch on Sunday - in light of their notably increased participation across the country. Jamie also described her experiences as a female executive in arguably one of the most male-dominated of sports. Particularly in light of the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and the USA Swimming trials happening this summer in Indianapolis, Jamie shed some light and exciting news on the evolution of flag football for all amongst the Olympic Games.

Halston Mavrick is the Director of Brand Partnerships at Indy Fuel Hockey Club. In continuing with our focus on sports organizations in Indianapolis, Halston dropped by the studio to provide some unique insights as to the origin of hockey in Indiana. She also discussed the sport’s growing following and fandom in the Hoosier state, and what exciting opportunities are on the horizon for this sports club, including a new venue and football team. Importantly, Halston described how Indy Fuel is intentionally and continually focused on ensuring that a diverse fan base has exposure and access to the sport of hockey.

Dr. Niya Blair Hackworth is the Director of Inclusion of the NCAA. In keeping with our sports focus and their organizational forces in Indiana, Dr. Niya came by the studio to discuss her career path in higher education administration and its evolution over many years at multiple universities prior to joining the NCAA. With an evolving focus on what is now called “diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB),” Dr. Hackworth shared some of her experiences, challenges, and successes in doing “the work” that has fueled her passion for impacting and improving the student experience for all, and especially the over 500,000 student-athletes at the 1100 member schools that the NCAA governs.

Dr. Allison Barber is the President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Indiana Fever. On this Women’s History Month episode, Allison discusses her career ascension to her current role at the Indiana Fever by way of 8 previous roles in education, government, communications, and more. Allison also discusses her leadership role of the Indiana Fever, her day to day tasks, and her influence in business and women’s sports, such as the WNBA. Importantly, Dr. Barber also provides some vignette of what excitement may lie ahead for Indianapolis with the possibility of the Indiana Fever having the first-round draft pick and how that opportunity will only provide another tool in our strong toolbelt of talent at The Fever and in our city’s noteworthy sports landscape.