From the field to the boardroom: Efforts underway to expand female leadership in sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Women have been an important part of expanding sports here in Kansas City, and at the same time, it’s growing around the world.

But leaders in Kansas City say women in sports must go beyond any field, into the hallways and boardrooms. A breakfast at the GEHA field on Wednesday brought together local businesses and sports leaders to tackle removing barriers of entry for women.

United We is a national nonprofit based in Kansas City. CEO Wendy Doyle says they’ve never seen representation like we have today.

“We really stepped up as far as professional sports and really women’s leadership, having the first stadium in the world for a women’s soccer team is pretty unbelievable here in the heartland,” she said.

Doyle added that they aren’t done. The group highlighted how the growing collaboration between men and women only enhances finances, decision-making, and more.

“It’s really creating an economic impact on Kansas City and across the region,” Doyle said.

The group heard about this from some big hitters, including Royals CEO John Sherman. Sherman spent the morning highlighting women in the Royals organization and encouraged others to expand opportunities.

“You’ve got to have women in your organization not only to make you better, but to make decision-making better. They make the organization more effective, and if you want to recruit female talent, you might want to look around and make sure you’re creating opportunities for women,” he said.

These opportunities, Sherman added, might not have even been identified yet. He says for young kids dreaming of a job in sports, the sky is the limit.

“Don’t think about the way this industry has executed traditionally because there are lots of new opportunities, and some that don’t even yet exist,” he said.

Doyle says it’s voices like this and the role model that is Kansas City that will lead to even more opportunities.

“It’s women in leadership roles, being a part of the discussion, creating the conversation that ultimately impacts the bottom line of a corporation,” she said.

Local businesses were also at the lunch to hear ways they could help remove barriers for women in leadership roles.

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