Thursday, January 5, 2017

PORTLAND, Ore. – The GNAC’s Women in Sports Career Seminar, a popular educational and networking event pairing college and high school females with professional women currently working in the sports industry, returns to Portland for its third edition this spring.

The seminar, which once again is being conducted in association with the Portland Trail Blazers, will be held Saturday, April 8, and includes admission to that evening’s NBA game between the Blazers and Utah Jazz.

Intended for college and high school females interested in pursuing sports-related careers, the seminar will take place from 3-6 p.m. in the Moda Center. Following the seminar, registered attendees will be able to watch the Blazers-Jazz contest at the Moda Center.

The event will feature panelists from a broad cross-section of occupational paths, including coaching, administration, marketing, media relations, NCAA compliance, sports medicine, ticket sales, fund-raising, officiating, event operations and facility management. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with — and seek career advice from — a slate of experienced sports professionals in a round-table format.

Begun three years ago as an initiative to foster growth and opportunity for females in a male-dominated industry, the GNAC previously hosted the event in 2014 (Seattle) and 2015 (Portland). In total, more than 250 attendees have engaged with more than 40 panelists representing professional, collegiate and high school sports organizations during previous seminars.

“This seminar has become a signature event on the GNAC calendar, and we’re pleased to once again provide this forum for young women who seek more information and advice regarding potential sports careers,” said GNAC commissioner Dave Haglund. “Regardless of one’s professional aspirations, the life-learning opportunities provided by our panelists will be of immense value to each and every participant.”

“We’re excited to host this event and include attendance at an NBA game as part of the overall experience,” said GNAC associate commissioner Bridget Tetteh, the event coordinator. “This has been an extremely valuable networking and sharing opportunity for young females who are interested in pursuing sports-related careers and we highly encourage those who might be considering such a career track to reserve their space soon.”

The seminar is limited to the first 100 registrants.

2017 Seminar -- Panelist Profiles