BWSF & Mastery Schools Host Lady Bulldog Leadership and Athletic Conference
(3/1/2023) Black Women in Sport Foundation kicks off Womens History Month in grand style!
Mastery Schools, in partnership with the Black Women in Sport Foundation, hosted the first Lady Bulldog Leadership and Athletic Conference, sponsored by the United States Tennis Association Middle States.
The Conference is to inspire and unite female student athletes within Mastery’s school network. It was held at Simon Gratz Mastery Charter High School, 1798 W. Hunting Park Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19140.
Channel 6ABC Action News covered the conference: https://youtu.be/i_EmF1Z2opo
Speakers included Alison Williams Bruno, Lacrosse Hall of Fame, collegiate lacrosse coach and a member of Temple’s 1984 national championship lacrosse team; Marirose Roach, Esq., former football player for the Philadelphia Liberty Belles and Philadelphia Passion; Dr. Tammika Williams-Witherspoon, poet and playwright — an associate professor of urban theater in Temple University’s theater department; and, Dr. Lurline Jones, Advocate and Philadelphia basketball legend. Student Presenters for Simon Gratz Mastery Charter HS were Samiyay Butler- Jackson, Sabirah Carter, Lovette Sah, and Zakkiyah Lucas.
The woman powered event was a huge success! BWSF wishes to thank our sponsor The United States Tennis Association Middle States! Special acknowledgment goes to Renée Bridges, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, United States Tennis Association Middle States for her continued support, and Hannah Masenheimer Tennis Service Representative (TSR), Philadelphia District United States Tennis Association Middle States for her valued participation.
We also thank our tireless event partner Maureen Quiles-Rosa and the staff and students of Gratz Mastery Charter, our dynamic presenters, and special sports guest Michael Carter, President, Primacy Futboller Academy.
The conference hosted female student athletes across Mastery’s network at Mastery’s Simon Gratz campus for a day of community building centered on the experience of being a female athlete, especially one of color. Organized by students and staff, the event featured guest speakers, facilitated group sessions for further discussions, and an open gym session. Open Gym consisted of various sports—tennis, soccer, flag football, softball, basketball, track & fitness. Mastery Schools invited 95 girls (80 high schoolers and 15 middle schoolers (8th graders)). The delicious luncheon sponsored by USTA Middle States was catered by Gab's Gourmet.