Join us for S6:EP14 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Katie Lever from the Drake Group and the University of Texas sits down with our host; Roy Kessel to share details of the incredible work that she is doing to protect the interests of student-athletes and prevent athlete abuse.

Katie Lever is a doctoral candidate at the University of Texas, where she researches NCAA rhetoric and policy and was named the 2021 Moody College of Communication Outstanding Doctoral Student. Lever is in the process of writing her dissertation which covers paternalism in college sports and how infantilizing language use harms college athletes and has presented past research on ideology and policy in college sports at national conferences.

She is also a freelance sportswriter, whose work has been featured in FanSided, Extra Points, Global Sports Matters, and Forbes. Her freelance work with 2aDays discusses NCAA policy and sports law and their effect on college athletes.

Lever’s debut novel, Surviving the Second Tier, launched in February 2022 and discusses her research, including college athlete abuse, exploitation, health and safety, mental health, and NCAA policy failures, in a fictional dystopian context.

She graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2016 with a B.A. in Communication Studies and in 2018 with an M.A. in Organizational Communication. While at WKU, Lever was a Division 1 athlete running track and cross country and was a two-time Sun Belt Conference champion in track and field (indoor and outdoor).

She serves on the Drake Group Board of Directors and resides in Austin, Texas.

Join us for S6:EP12 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Anna Isaacson, Senior VP of Social Responsibility for the NFL sits down with our host; Roy Kessel to highlight the work that the league is doing through its CSR initiatives.

As Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the National Football League, Anna directs the league's social, charitable and philanthropic endeavors, including how the NFL addresses social justice, domestic violence, sexual assault and other critical societal issues.

She also oversees the work of the NFL Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. In this role, she oversees the development of a full range of education, training and support programs relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, character education and others topics to reach both members of the NFL family and the broader society.

Anna was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She earned a BA in history from Barnard College and now lives in Manhattan with her husband, son and daughter.
In 2018 she led the development of Inspire Change, a new social justice campaign focused on opening access to opportunity for communites across the country. She launched My Cause My Cleats in 2016 to highlight the hundreds of philanthropic and civic-minded players in the NFL. She also spearheads the NFL’s cancer platform, Crucial Catch, as well as many of the initiatives that fall under NFL PLAY 60, the league’s effort to combat youth obesity across the nation. She developed the NFL’s unified military appreciation campaign, Salute to Service in 2011.

Anna is also responsible for developing and directing corporate social responsibility activities that take place at NFL Draft, Kickoff, Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl. Her perview includes managing NFL Auction, the official auction site of the NFL and a digital platform that donates 100% of its net proceeds to support NFL, team and player charities.

For more than a decade, Anna was co-chair of the NFL’s Diversity Council, a committee tasked to oversee many of the league’s diversity-related initiatives such as the founding of the NFL’s first employee resource group, the Women’s Interactive Network (WIN). Under her direction, these “affinity” groups haves expanded to include others such as the Black Engagement Network (BEN), PRIDE, Community Teammates and and the Asian Professional Exhchange (APEX).

Prior to joining the NFL, Anna spent five years working in community relations and other capacities for the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball club, minor league affiliate of the NY Mets. At the Cyclones, Anna developed a range of community initiatives and events including the founding of the Brooklyn Baseball Gallery—a small museum dedicated to the history of Brooklyn baseball.

Join us for S6:EP11 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Nicole Fernandez, founder of Game Time Foundation sits down with our host; Roy Kessel to share her journey and how she is working to transform lives by providing sports equipment to children in Columbia.

Nicole was born and raised in Miami, FL. Her parents are from Barranquilla, Colombia. Nicole is a freelance sports journalist, content creator and philanthropist. She is bilingual and fluent in both English & Spanish. Since May 2021, she has been working with Las Mayores- Major League Baseball– currently a Spanish Senior Associate Coordinator, Social Media Marketing & Innovation.

Nicole has a passion for sports (especially baseball) journalism and how both bring people together. She also have passion for creating content for social media and being a storyteller through social media platforms. Nicole started Game Time Foundation in 2014. As a journalist Nicole believes it is her job to listen to our community and help by giving voices to those who don't have it. She put her career to the side to start something bigger than herself. She started GTF also as a way to help her parent's country through the help of her community. Nicole is proud American with her latin background and GTF was a way to honor both.

MISSION :
“Every child should have access to sports & use that platform to learn & grow as an individual.”

VISION:
“Empowering children by providing sports essentials, teaching sportsmanship & hosting impactful life conversations.”

In 9 years, Game Time Foundation has helped more than 3,300 children in 3 countries in which more than 5,000lbs of equipment have been donated. GTF collects equipment in South Florida and donates them to children in respective teams that need the support. Started by Nicole Fernandez, GTF contributes mostly to the growth of baseball in Colombia, but also added softball and soccer, which soccer has also been a strong sport. During the pandemic GTF expanded to Puerto Rico ( baseball) and Honduras ( soccer).

Nicole started GTF because after doing an interview for my youtube channel in 2013. She was inspired by a little boy who loved the game- he never told her to help him with a bat or glove, he just told her he loved baseball. In 2022 alone around 300 children have been helped, in 2 countries 5 towns, in which more than 700 lbs of equipment have been donated.

Join us for S6:EP10 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Michael Wyman, President of North Channel Community Rowing sits down with our host; Roy Kessel to share his journey to start North Channel Community Rowing.

Michael comes to NCCR with over ten years of coaching experience at the high school level. He rowed both in high school and college and is a USRowing Level 3 certified coach. He has contributed to winning four national championships with his novice boys high school rowing team, but is most proud of helping his rowers become outstanding students, good community citizens and setting them up for success in college and beyond.

Michael is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and also earned his MBA at Dartmouth College. He has worked with young children for over 25 years through previous volunteer work with Junior Achievement, Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters and his church. Michael brings previous experience in fundraising, recruitment and program development to NCCR, and is excited about bringing its mission to fruition.


Guiding Principles:

ACCESS: Strive for inclusivity and availability for all, regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability to pay.

EMPOWERMENT: Build self-esteem and a broad depth of strength through leadership, teamwork and accountability.

WELLNESS: Introduce a fun and rewarding sport that teaches hard work and discipline while improving health and building fitness in a unique team environment.

Join us for S6:EP13 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Evan Dabby, Executive Director of New Jersey Youth Soccer sits down with our host; Roy Kessel to share share his journey and the work that he is doing to transform lives through soccer.

Evan Dabby is the Executive Director of NJ Youth Soccer where he oversees all aspects of business operations. Prior to that he served 16 seasons at the MLS League Office where he was responsible for a variety of programs during his tenure: Game Operations, Stadium Operations, Security, Supporter Groups, Sports Medicine and Team Travel.

Vision

The vision of NJYSA is to provide fun and safe soccer experiences at all ages and abilities for the youth soccer community.

Mission

The mission of NJYSA is to serve the youth soccer community by providing our members with programs, tools, education, training, and governance; promoting a positive, inclusive culture and safe environment; and encouraging the development of youth soccer players of all ages and skill levels.

Overview

New Jersey Youth Soccer runs an impressive array of soccer programming including travel leagues, recreational league and a Top Soccer program that provides opportunities for over individuals with Developmental Disabilities.

With over 350 clubs participating in their leagues, NJYS serves over 100,000 players throughout the state. NJYS has made a strong effort to cultivate a positive experience on the field and to eliminate some of the negative experiences we have seen in other types of youth sports including major initiatives to reduce the abuse of referees and coaches.

NJYS also provides support for other communities by donating soccer balls to Afghan refugess and by running a robust TOP Soccer Program for players with special needs. Over 1000 players with special needs participate in their program where they partnered with RJW Barnabas Health.

They are also working to build mini-pitches by partnering with the US Soccer Foundation and they are excited about look ahead to the World Cup in 2026. One of the big initiatives is to create a culture of fun within the spirit of competition. Events like a Fright Fest Tournament highlight that point.

As they look to the future, NJYS is also committed to growing the opportunities for girls and women as we celebrate 50 years of Title IX. NJYS is focused on getting more women involved in both coaching and officiating.