W.E. ARE NEXT
Fueling the Next Generation of
Women Executives (W.E.) in Sports
IT’S A MOVEMENT
This Is More Than a Leadership Experience
You’re not here to play small. You’re here to unlock your full potential, break down barriers, and lead boldly in the world of sports.
W.E. ARE NEXT is not just a cohort—it’s a call to action. A collective of trailblazing women who know that leadership isn’t about fitting into old systems. It’s about building new ones. Together, we are rewriting HERstory with intention, courage, and clarity.
This is where confidence meets competence.
Where impact is measured not just by performance, but by presence.
Where iron sharpens iron—and bold ambition is both welcomed and celebrated.
We are here to redefine what’s possible.
To create community that fuels growth.
To transform the future of sports by investing in the women leading it.
This is your invitation to step into something bigger than a role or a title.
This is your moment to rise—with purpose, power, and a sisterhood that has your back.
Let’s redefine what leadership looks like—together.
Your Ignition Starts in Indy
Where Champions are Crowned—and Created
Indianapolis has a legacy of sporting greatness. Now, we’re rewriting the playbook to champion the women shaping what’s next. Here, you’ll fuel your leadership in a city that believes in elevating bold vision and courageous voices. This is where legacy begins.
100 Women | 5 Years |
One Bold Legacy
We’re Building a Movement. Are You In?
W.E. ARE NEXT is fueling the rise of 100 executive women leaders in sports by 2030. This isn’t just a target—it’s a pipeline for decades to come. We’re building a legacy that starts in Indianapolis and reverberates throughout the sports industry.
For over 40 years, Indy has been the city that crowns champions. Now, we’re shifting the spotlight to the women who lead those champions behind the scenes. The ones driving vision. Building teams. Shaping culture. And creating impact that lasts long after the final buzzer.
In partnership with Indiana Sports Corp’s bold 2050 vision, we’re investing in the women who make championships possible. This is more than a milestone—it’s a movement to fuel leadership in sports and spark the innovation needed to shape the next generation of champions.
What Powers This Experience
Grounded in Science. Designed for Impact.
Grounded in the disciplines of neuroscience, organizational, and behavioral development—alongside proven leadership frameworks—this experience equips leaders to make meaningful change with clarity, confidence, and strategic strength. Through immersive development, coaching, and facilitation, you’ll build the readiness needed to lead real-world solutions and face challenges—now and into the future.
Inside the W.E. ARE NEXT Journey
Lead With Power, Purpose, and Clarity
W.E. ARE NEXT is a transformational leadership journey designed to unlock what’s already in you—and fuel what’s coming next. Together, we’ll strengthen your foundation, amplify your influence, and equip you to lead with clarity, confidence, and conviction.
Each session builds intentionally toward your growth, tackling the real-world challenges executive women face and giving you the tools to rise. From mastering self-awareness to sharpening strategic influence, this experience is about becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t just navigate the relentless change we’re in—but thrives in it.
This is your space to think boldly, lead courageously, and grow beyond what you thought was possible.
Session 1
KNOW AND FUEL YOU
Foundations of Self-Awareness and
Self-Management
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Session 2
POWER SKILLS TO FUEL OTHERS
Interpersonal Power to Influence, Challenge, Advocate and Inspire
Thursday, September 23, 2025
Session 3
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
TO FUEL YOUR FUTURE STATE
How to Build Credibility, Navigate Organizational Systems, and Collaborate Effectively
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Session 4
BUILD AND INSPIRE HIGH-
PERFORMING TEAMS
Moving a Team Toward High
Performance and Building a High-Performing Bench
Thursday, November 19, 2025
Session 5
DRIVE SUCCESS THROUGH
BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE
Understanding the Business System
and Its Key Levers
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Session 6
STRATEGIC INNOVATION TO FUEL
THE IMPOSSIBLE
Understand and Connect to the
Vision and Long-Range Priorities
Monday, January 12, 2026
Session 7
EXECUTION AND IMPACT – THE ROI
OF YOUR LEADERSHIP
Turning Strategy Into Action and Driving Measurable Results and Innovation
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Session 8
HIGH-IMPACT INFLUENCE
How to Be Seen, Heard, and Felt
Through Clear, Concise, and
Confident Presence
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Session 9
CAPSTONE & GRADUATION
Friday, April 3, 2026
Meet the Gladiators
Trailblazing Women Leading the Way—in Indiana and Beyond
The W.E. ARE NEXT experience is grounded in the real stories, wisdom, and lived leadership of women who’ve led at the highest levels of sports and business. We call them Gladiators—because they’ve stepped into the arena, stood in the fire, and come out stronger.
Rooted in Indiana, these trailblazers are shaping what leadership looks like across the industry. Their insights anchor this journey—and their example fuels what’s possible for every woman who follows.
Chief Executive Officer,
Pacers Sports & Entertainment
Mel Raines
Vice President of Men’s Basketball, NCAA
JoAn Scott
Chief Operating Officer,
USA Track & Field
Renee Washington
Vice President of People, Culture & Inclusion, Indianapolis Colts
Jasmine Park
President & Chief Executive Officer,
USA Gymnastics
Li Li Leung
Chair of Indiana Sports Corp &
Commissioner, Horizon League
Julie Roe Lach
The Investment
Fuel Leadership.
Amplify Impact.
This experience is an investment—it’s a catalyst. The investment in W.E. ARE NEXT is a commitment to accelerating leadership, expanding influence, and fueling legacy in sports for decades to come.
Standard Investment: $TBA
Discounted Investment: $TBA (for sponsor-supported or org-nominated participants)
The Investment Includes:
All leadership session experiences
All materials, resources, and assessments
Customized coaching
Dynamic facilitation
Kickoff and graduation celebrations
Connection to a lifetime leadership community
Note: Travel and lodging not included
A Leadership Legacy Starts Here
Want the Full Playbook?
A printable, shareable resource that outlines this transformative leadership experience.
Are You Ready to Be a Game Changer?
Your Leadership Journey Starts Here
This is your moment.
If you're ready to lead boldly, break barriers, and be part of a legacy that's reshaping the future of sports leadership—apply to join the inaugural W.E. ARE NEXT cohort.
A partnership to
UNLEASH YOUR IMPACT
We are committed to women leaders in sports. We are committed to you. Period. Because unlocking your wildest ambitions, dismantling boundaries, and rewriting the HERstory of sports is what this industry is craving.
You are a difference-maker. And so are we. Together, we will change the game—for everyone.
We cannot wait for you to join us in this bold movement to unleash the full potential of every woman—and this unstoppable collective.
Founding Partners
Julie Roe Lach
Chair of Indiana Sports Corp & Commissioner, Horizon League
Sarah Myer
Chief of Staff & Strategy, Indiana Sports Corp
JoAn Scott
Vice President of Men’s Basketball, NCAA
Melissa Thompson
President of WISE Indianapolis &
Vice President of Bids & External Affairs, Indiana Sports Corp
Sheri Fella
Founder & CEO
Bloombase
