Las Vegas, NV – December 4, 2024 – The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Sports Innovation Institute and Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Las Vegas are excited to announce a new collaboration aimed at creating a transformative mentorship program. This initiative will pair female students at UNLV with professionals from Las Vegas’ prominent professional sports organizations and entertainment companies, fostering education, career development and industry connections.
The mentorship program is designed to provide students with unique opportunities to gain insights, guidance, and support from experienced professionals in the sports, events, and entertainment sectors. By connecting students with mentors who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, WISE and the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute aim to enhance the educational experience and career readiness of future industry leaders.
“This opportunity created for UNLV students through this collaborative partnership is extraordinary! WISE mentors will provide access and guidance to the women who take part, while the Sports Innovation Institute will provide cutting edge research and education. The Las Vegas community and broader sport and entertainment industries will benefit from the leadership development this collaboration will provide.” said Dr. Nancy Lough, Director of Sports Management at the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute.
WISE, a leading national resource for women in the business of sports, brings a wealth of experience in mentorship and professional development to the partnership. This collaboration aligns with WISE’s mission to empower women in the business of sports with the tools to reach their career goals.
“Part of WISE Las Vegas’ mission as an organization is to empower women in the business of sports with the tools to reach their career goals; and what better way to support these young, aspiring women in this industry than to connect them to influential organizations in our community and the powerhouse women who they look up to. We are excited to facilitate these connections through this collaborative mentorship program and partnership with UNLV and be a supportive building block in the fundamental foundation of these young ladies’ careers!” said Jori King, Vice President of WISE Las Vegas.
The program will kick off in the spring of 2025, with a series of introductory events and networking sessions, allowing students to meet their mentors and begin building meaningful connections. Mentors will provide guidance on various aspects of career development, from resume building and interview techniques to navigating the complexities of the sports and entertainment industries.
This initiative is a testament to the commitment of both WISE and the UNLV Sports Innovation Institute to support the next generation of women leaders in sports and entertainment. By leveraging the diverse professional community in Las Vegas, the program aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.
For more information about the program or to get involved, please visit https://sportsinnovation.unlv.edu/programs-data/wise-las-vegas-unlv-sports-innovation-institute-mentorship-program/ or contact sportsinnovation@unlv.edu.
