PURPOSE x SPORTS

Opening Words

Featured Interview Future of Athlete Philanthropy

Russell Westbrook is one of the most well-known figures in sports today. On the court, he’s known as a focused competitor that can take any team to a winning season. Off the court, his investments help people and build communities. Donnell Beverly, President, Russell Westbrook Enterprises is the man making sure the greater vision comes together. Overseeing the day-to-day operations of Russell Westbrook Enterrpises and Russell Westbrook Ventures, Donnell secures deals and implements process to continue the winning tradition Russell has built his career on.

Donnell joins Danielle Berman, Founder, Tackle What’s Next to discuss how he and Russell couple capital investing with social activism, examples of purpose-led marketing campaigns and social impact programs, the benefits of working with a certified Minority Business Enterprise, and how athletes are using their star power to give back in new ways.

• Donnell ‘Bev’ Beverly Jr, Russell Westbrook Enterprises
• Danielle Berman, Tackle What's Next

The Inside Track on Sustainability in Sports

As industries across various sectors of business find ways to provide individuals ways to live more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyles, the sports industry has too. Today you will find leading brands, leagues, and, teams building out departments dedicated to sustainable ways of engaging with sports. Chris Dickerson, Founder, Players for the Planet, and Lauren Barnes, Professional Athlete, OL Reign, will discuss the initiatives they’re both pushing forward to give fans, athletes, brands, and teams an understanding of what it means to be sustainable in sports.

• Chris Dickerson, Players for the Planet
• Lauren Barnes, OL Reign

Featured Interview: Leadership in Impact & Purpose

In June 2020, Xavier Guiterezz was appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arizona Coyotes. Xavier is now one of four Latinx C-Suite executives in the NHL and was the league's first Latino club President & CEO. His core belief is that sports can lead the way with influence and impact. Last fall, when the NHL announced a league-wide campaign to combat racism and promote inclusivity across the league, Xavier was a leading voice in advocating for change. From turning his home arena into a voting location to amplifying voices of small business owners, this leader is turning impact into action in a variety of ways and setting the tone with both employees and fans.

In this session, Xavier is joined by Pinta's Mike Valdes-Fauli to discuss the individual programs he pushes forth within his organization and how your organization can put purpose at the forefront.

• Xavier A. Gutierrez, Arizona Coyotes
• Mike Valdés-Fauli, Pinta

LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Sports

Representation matters, and as diversity is woven further into the fabric of any successful business, campaign, or corporate culture today, it’s critical that inclusivity and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community are at the forefront of the conversation and education taking place. What can be done to make the right type of impact in sports, business and marketing?

Join us as we discuss:

• How your organization can stand by and support employees in ways both large and small.
• The journeys and experiences of executives who are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
• Examples of campaigns and partnerships forged by leading brands and sports organizations.
• How you can help improve representation, celebrate acceptance and promote inclusion.

• Marissa Meli, Green Bay Packers
• Julie Uhrman, Angel City FC
• Khristina Williams, Girls Talk Sports TV

Gaming For Good

Esports and gaming orgs have turned up the volume on socially conscious programming and platforms. This panel of experts will delve further into the industry’s commitment to CSR, including the why, the how and the where they’re elevating the gaming and broader community. They’ll also discuss how internal and partner- and talent-driven initiatives are good for business.

• Shelley Taniguchi, Team Liquid
• Bethany Richards, Softgiving
• Skylar Grizzle, Community Gaming
• Jen Neale, The Story Mob