UC Berkeley Haas takes the lead in advancing equal pay, women’s sports leadership

November 24, 2025

Kellie McElhaney, executive director of the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL), which helped promote the conference, said women’s sports have a “special sauce”: positive community impact, role models, inclusive fan engagement, and purpose.

Recognizing the need for professional development for athletes and business leaders to drive the industry, EGAL has been working over the past 18 months to develop the new Leadership Academy for Women’s Sports. The program, in partnership with Berkeley Executive Education, launches in March 2026 as a three-day intensive course aimed at people working in the women’s sports industry or those looking to enter the field.

“The goal of the program is to continue to drive profit in women’s sports at the same time as driving purpose,” she said. “It also lays the groundwork for a broader vision to create professional development opportunities for those working in women’s sports, as well as for former athletes, beyond the playing field.” UC Berkeley Haas