Game Changers

A Real Conversation on Challenges and Wins for Women Working in Sports

The Chicago White Sox concluded the fourth season of its “Game Changers” event series on Monday, November 16 with an inspiring discussion featuring female leaders who are transforming their industries and paving the way for a new generation of women. Aimed at celebrating the hard work, perseverance, leadership and achievement of women across sports and marketing, the all-star panelist lineup included Elaine Delos Reyes of the Chicago Bears, Ann Legan of Constellation Brands Beer Division, Michele Meyer-Shipp of Major League Baseball and the White Sox own Sheena Quinn. The group shared personal success stories, spoke to industry challenges – both pre- and midst-pandemic – and offered advice for all those pursuing careers in male-dominated professions.

Reflecting on the Legacy of the Negro Leagues

On Thursday, September 17, the White Sox held a virtual panel event honoring the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the Negro Leagues and discussing Chicago’s significance in black baseball history, titled “Game Changers: Reflecting on the Legacy of the Negro Leagues.” The free event, presented by Modelo Especial, featured insights on the league’s societal impact and a collection of player stories from notable Negro League historians, including Shakeia Taylor, James Brunson III, Larry Lester and Phil S. Dixon. Together with fans, the group celebrated the birthday of Negro National League pioneer Andrew “Rube” Foster, often referred to as the “father of black baseball,” while reflecting on his lasting legacy, Hall-of-Fame career and work towards a more inclusive and equitable game.

Latinos Reshaping the Sports Journalism Industry

On Monday, August 31, Los White Sox kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with the first free virtual panel discussion of the season, “Game Changers: Latinos Reshaping the Sports Journalism Industry.” The event, presented by St. Xavier University and Modelo Especial, and held in partnership with the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), focused on the importance of a diversified newsroom, including how hiring more bilingual sports reporters can improve story insights and amplify the voices of Latino athletes and sports reporters alike. The group addressed current trends across sports media and provided great insider advice regarding future opportunities in the industry.

The event was moderated by bilingual news reporter and NAHJ Chicago vice president Diana Gutiérrez and featured Hugo Balta of WTTW and PBS Chicago, Antonietta “Toni” Collins of ESPN, Iliana Limón Romero of the Orlando Sentinel and the White Sox own Billy Russo.

Incorporating Inclusion and Accessibility Through Sports

The White Sox held the final Game Changers event of the 2019 season in the Guaranteed Rate Club at Guaranteed Rate Field on November 7. "Game Changers: Incorporating Inclusion and Accessibility Through Sports," presented by Modelo, welcomed guests to the ballpark for a midday networking reception and panel discussion around issues in the sports world that impact people with physical disabilities. The conversation, moderated by WGN Radio Sports Reporter and Kane County Cougars Play-by-Play Announcer Joe Brand, addressed a range of topics, from breaking down societal barriers and transforming community attitudes on disability, to the importance of adaptive sports opportunities, among other topics. Panelists included Cindy Housner of Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association, Larry Labiak of the Chicago Park District and Dan Tun of Dare2Tri.

Women in Sports Media

The White Sox held "Game Changers: Women in Sports Media", presented by Modelo and held in partnership with WISE Chicago on Wednesday, September 11. The panel discussion centered around some of the leading voices in sports news, including Nancy Armour of USA Today, Lauren Magiera of WGN Sports and Peggy Kusinski of NBC 5 Chicago and was moderated by White Sox in-game host Alyssa Bergamini. After the program, guests enjoyed a networking reception, light refreshments and the 7:10 p.m. game vs. Kansas City.

Latinos in Sports and Entertainment

The White Sox continued its "Game Changers" event series on Thursday, August 8 at Guaranteed Rate Field. The evening, presented by Saint Xavier University, kicked off with a lively networking reception filled with Latin tunes, activations, tasty bites and refreshing Modelos, courtesy of Modelo Especial. In addition, guests received special access to the ballpark for an exclusive on-field photo op. Following the networking portion, over 100 attendees participated in a panel discussion surrounding Latinos in Sports and Entertainment. The conversation, moderated by WGN reporter Lourdes Duarte, touched on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the role sports figures, influencers and media have in shaping social change in the community.

Cultivating the LGBTQ Sports Community Through Leadership

On July 23, the Chicago White Sox held a pregame panel discussion in conjunction with Pride Night at the ballpark. "Game Changers: Cultivating the LGBTQ Sports Community Through Leadership", held in partnership with You Can Play, brought together five leaders - Billy Bean, Aleshia Ocasio, Tico Valle, Tierna Davidson and Sergeant Micah Merrill - from various industries and backgrounds to discuss relevant issues and ways to create a more inclusive culture in our communities.

The program was moderated by 670 The Score host and The Athletic beat writer, Maggie Hendricks, and it included a networking session, panel, Sox gift bag and the Sox vs. Marlins game at 7:10 p.m.

Race, Culture & Sports

On April 15, the White Sox held the second "Game Changers" panel discussion of the season in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. Game Changers: Race, Culture & Sports, presented by Modelo and held in partnership with the National Association of Black Journalists and the Black Public Relations Society, dived into various topics surrounding modern-day leaders speaking out on political and social issues as well as the role sports teams and athletes have in shaping social change in their communities. Panelists included Forbes contributor, attorney and media personality Exavier Pope, DePaul adjunct faculty and 41+ year veteran Chicago Tribune sports writer and author Fred Mitchell, Shawn and Maya in the Morning Sports Talk co-host Maya Akai, United Airlines director of sponsorships and brand activation Rahsaan Johnson. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune reporter, moderated the panel.

International Women's Day Celebration

For International Women's Day, the White Sox welcomed leaders from the City of Chicago, HispanicPro, Where Women CREATE and Women's Leadership LIVE for an early celebration at the ballpark on February 25. More than 100 female leaders and entrepreneurs joined the lively discussion featuring five incredible women who addressed challenges faced by many women entrepreneurs in male-dominated.

Negro Leagues Béisbol Exhibition

The traveling collection from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum that explores the connection between African American baseball history and Hispanic cultures dating back to the late 1800s. The exhibit is dedicated to the memory of White Sox legend Orestes "Minnie" Miñoso.

The exhibit was available to fans on game days and non-game days in the Chicago Sports Depot from August to September 2018. Admission was FREE with a game ticket during home games.

Latinos in Sports Business

Presented by Modelo and Saint Xavier University

The Chicago White Sox kicked off the "Game Changers" inclusion series on July 11 with a pregame panel discussion surrounding "Latinos in Sports Business." Nearly 200 leaders in sports business, local entrepreneurs and like-minded individuals gathered for engaging discussions and photos with White Sox great José Contreras. The evening was topped off with a Tex-Mex menu and a White Sox win!