There is something incredibly special about living in a city that actively creates opportunities for women to grow, lead, and succeed.
From career summits to mentorship programs, leadership education, and networking experiences, Tampa has become a place where women are encouraged to step into their power and pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach.
But when an NFL organization takes the initiative to lead that movement, it elevates the impact to an entirely new level. That is exactly what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have done with their She Is Football initiative.
Attending Year 2 of the She Is Football Career Summit was an inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of what happens when organizations invest in women and leadership development.
The Growth of the She Is Football Movement
Last year marked the inaugural She Is Football event, and the momentum surrounding the initiative was undeniable.
Fast forward to Year 2, and the growth was incredible.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted over 1,100 women at this year’s event, creating one of the largest women’s leadership and career development experiences connected to professional sports.
The event was spearheaded by Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose vision was to create a platform that supports women pursuing leadership roles across industries including sports, business, media, healthcare, and finance.
One powerful statistic highlighted during the event perfectly captures the mission behind She Is Football:
94 percent of women in C suite leadership roles played organized sports.
Sports teach leadership, teamwork, resilience, and confidence. The She Is Football initiative recognizes that connection and works to keep women in sports while also opening doors to leadership opportunities beyond the field.
Funds raised through the initiative support youth sports programs, scholarships, and opportunities for the next generation of female leaders.
Mentorship, Networking, and Leadership Conversations
One of the most impactful additions to this year’s summit was the structured networking and mentorship sessions.
Attendees were placed into groups where we had the opportunity to hear directly from leaders across multiple industries.
I had the privilege of learning from an incredible group of women including:
• Lauren Key – AdventHealth
• Ashley Layfield – iHeartMedia
• Amanda Stevens – Raymond James Bank
• Danielle Bayard Jackson – Women’s Relational Health Institute
The conversations were honest, insightful, and incredibly motivating.
Topics ranged from:
• Developing confidence as a leader
• Navigating imposter syndrome
• Becoming a change maker in your industry
• Leveling up your skills and professional development
• Actively seeking opportunities
• Advocating for yourself and asking for what you deserve
These types of conversations matter.
Because leadership is not just about titles. It is about confidence, courage, and community.
Erin Andrews and Chris Godwin Jr. Talk Leadership and Real Life
Another highlight of the summit was the keynote experience featuring Fox Sports broadcaster Erin Andrews, who hosted a live edition of her podcast Calm Down.
Her guest for the conversation was Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr.
The conversation felt incredibly authentic and refreshingly real.
They discussed topics that many people chasing big dreams can relate to including:
• The sacrifices that come with pursuing your goals
• The reality of life inside the NFL
• Leadership on and off the field
• Balancing ambition with personal life
It was a reminder that success often comes with trade offs and that leadership requires resilience, discipline, and purpose.
Why Living in Tampa Feels Different
One of the biggest takeaways from the experience was gratitude.
It is hard to fully put into words what it feels like to live in a city that genuinely invests in women, leadership, and community impact.
Opportunities like She Is Football allow women to:
• Connect with high level leaders
• Build meaningful mentorship relationships
• Gain access to career development resources
• Be inspired by women breaking barriers across industries
When you are building something, chasing a dream, or working toward leadership in your field, experiences like this can reignite your motivation and remind you why the journey matters.
The room was filled with ambition, collaboration, and women supporting women.
And that energy is powerful.
Why You Should Attend She Is Football Next Year
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that She Is Football Weekend will now become an annual event taking place March 6 to March 7 each year.
If you are someone interested in:
• Leadership development
• Personal growth
• Career advancement
• Networking with inspiring women
• Mentorship opportunities
This is absolutely an event worth marking on your calendar.
It is more than a career summit.
It is a movement focused on empowering women to lead, grow, and create impact.
And after experiencing it for the second year in a row, one thing is certain.
The future of women in leadership and women in sports has never looked brighter.