NEW ORLEANS – Before the action kicks off at Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, a series of marquee events here set the stage — including the prestigious Sports Power Brunch, a celebration of the most influential women in sports.
Founded by LaTonya Story, CEO of LPS Consulting PR, the brunch has grown into a signature Super Bowl Week event since its inception six years ago, honoring trailblazers shaping the industry.
ESPN soccer analyst and two-time World Cup champion Ali Krieger was among six women honored with awards (see sidebar below).
The event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Wednesday, also featured an exclusive panel presented by ESPN Films: “The Future of Women’s Storytelling at ESPN.”
Hosted by ESPN NFL Reporter Kimberley Martin, the conversation spotlighted four ESPN leaders:
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Marsha Cooke, Vice President & Executive Producer, ESPN Films and 30 for 30
Heather Anderson, Vice President, Original Content and Business Affairs
Chantre Camack, Senior Director, Talent Relations
Kati Fernandez, Senior Director, Original Content Development
SPORTS POWER BRUNCH
“The mission of ESPN Films is to tell unforgettable stories that serve and reflect our fans, and we have the best team to serve that mission. The Sports Power Brunch was the perfect showcase for the women of ESPN Storytelling who are creative drivers, decision makers, and deal makers within the company.”
– Brian M. Lockhart, SVP,
ESPN Films & Original Content
Front Row asked the panelists to reflect on their careers, the importance of amplifying women’s voices in sports media, and their commitment to creating more opportunities for the next generation.
What changes have you helped implement to promote female-led storytelling?
Anderson: It’s front of mind for us every single day. Each person on our team thinks about where we can source those stories and support those stories.
What do you want to see from this next generation of women broadcasters?
Martin: I want to see confident women. Women who are not afraid to be heard. Our voices are not only powerful, but they matter.
How did you take all the amazing accomplishments you had a hand in at VICE and apply them to ESPN?
Cooke: During the four years I was senior vice president at VICE, I realized the real power of narrative storytelling. When I took the role at ESPN, I saw how I could contribute to telling stories not only immersed in sports but also exploring other avenues that need a spotlight.
If a young, aspiring talent producer wanted advice on how to move up on the corporate ladder, what would you tell her?
Camack: I still believe that I am growing and learning every day. So, I would tell her just do the work. Everything else will follow.
How does it feel to be a woman in sports today, advocating for change and amplifying women’s voices on this panel?
Fernandez: What I love about the Sports Power Brunch is that it brings together an incredible group of women. More than ever, we need to be intentional about supporting each other.
The panel concluded with an overwhelming round of applause, fittingly marking an inspiring National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
(Jeff Schear/Getty Images for The Sports Power Brunch)
Ali Krieger joined ESPN in 2024 to headline coverage of women’s soccer, including the NWSL season. Two-time FIFA World Cup champion and former U.S. Women’s National Team still makes an impact off the pitch, as she was one of six honorees at the Sports Power Brunch Presented By ESPN Films this week.
Krieger won the Game Changer Award. Other women celebrated at the event include:
- Impact Award: Swin Cash, SVP, New Orleans Pelicans (NBA)
- Power of Spirit Award: Joy Taylor, co-host of “SPEAK” on FS1
- Leadership Award: Alicia Tillman, CMO, Delta Air Lines
- Visionary Award: Dawn Aponte, CFA, NFL
- Spotlight Award: Dr. KiKi Baker Barnes, Commissioner, HBCU Athletic Conference
Krieger reflected on the meaning of the Game Changer citation in the social media post below.
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