LOS ANGELES – (October 26, 2026) — The Collective, THE·TEAM’s industry-leading global advisory and advocacy business focused on accelerating investment across sports, music, and entertainment announced the 2026–27 class of their Impact Cohort in partnership with Women Leaders in Sports.
The Cohort brings together accomplished women leaders from across the sports industry for a year-long experience centered on connection, leadership development, peer support, and meaningful industry engagement. Building on the strength of the existing community, the 2026–27 class welcomes five new members who bring a wide range of expertise across marketing, brand, strategy, business development, basketball, and executive leadership.
The Collective Impact Cohort is proud to welcome five accomplished leaders to its growing community: Kennedy Carter, Head of Marketing, at Amazon Fashion & Sports; Tari Cash, Founder & CEO of CitySwing; Lauren Denowitz, Vice President of Brand Marketing + Football Development for the Kansas City Chiefs; Alanna McDonald, President & Co-Founder of 3XBA (3×3 Basketball Association); and Danielle Smith, SVP of Strategy & Consulting at THE·TEAM. Together, these leaders bring diverse perspectives and expertise spanning sports, business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, further strengthening the Cohort’s mission to foster meaningful connections, elevate women in leadership, and drive lasting impact across the sports industry. The expanded Cohort was introduced and celebrated on October 13 at the 2026 Women Leaders in Sports Convention in Chicago, where members came together in person alongside Women Leaders in Sports programming and The Collective’s annual Cohort dinner.
“The strength of this Cohort has always been the women in it, the experience they bring, the honesty they share, and the way they show up for one another,” said Thayer Lavielle, Managing Director of The Collective at THE·TEAM. “As the community continues to grow, we are focused on preserving what makes it special while creating even more opportunities for connection, support, and leadership development. Our partnership with Women Leaders in Sports continues to make that possible in powerful ways.”
“Women Leaders is on a mission to transform the landscape of leadership through sports,” said Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports. “Our partnership with The Collective on the Impact Cohort is an important extension of that mission, creating a trusted community where senior leaders can connect, learn from one another, and continue building their influence across the industry.”
Throughout 2026–27, Cohort members will participate in monthly conversations, leadership programming, partner-led sessions, curated networking, and in-person gatherings designed to strengthen peer relationships, support professional growth, and create meaningful opportunities for members to learn from and advocate for one another.
The 2026–27 class joins a group of senior women leaders representing teams, leagues, brands, media companies, agencies, startups, and sports organizations across the industry. Together, these five leaders expand the depth and breadth of the Cohort while strengthening a community built on generosity, candor, connection, and shared leadership.
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About The Collective
The Collective is the global authority on women as athletes, artists, consumers, and fans across sports, music, and entertainment. Established in 2019, The Collective combines advocacy and advisory with proprietary research, strategic insights, industry partnerships, and cultural activations to prove and power women as a growth engine. To date, The Collective has helped unlock more than $750M in incremental investment for women in sports, turning insight into action, investment, and measurable change. The Collective is a member of THE·TEAM. Learn more at wearethecollective.com.
About THE·TEAM
THE·TEAM is proud to provide representation and marketing services to talent, brands and properties across 28 countries and more than 70 cities worldwide. Shaped by our belief in the unifying power of sports, music and entertainment, THE·TEAM leads with intelligence, ideas and influence. For more information, please visit the.team.
About Women Leaders in Sports
Women Leaders in Sports is a privately funded non-profit committed to transforming the landscape of leadership in sports. Since its inception in 1979, Women Leaders has sparked a vibrant movement, uniting over 7,000 members nationwide. Offering comprehensive programs and training, Women Leaders empowers female sports professionals at all levels with its invaluable networking opportunities, career resources, and growth initiatives. Learn more about their mission at womenleadersinsports.org and follow on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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