Today, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced their inaugural She is Football Weekend, celebrating Tampa Bay's female leaders of today and tomorrow. The event is presented by Jabil, a manufacturing company and one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. The new flagship event is set to take place on Friday, March 7, and on International Women's Day, Saturday, March 8. The weekend will feature a women's career summit, a girls flag football tournament, 5K run, walk & stroll and a market that showcases women-owned businesses.
"My family has always been intentional on cultivating an environment that provides opportunities for everyone. She is Football Weekend will build upon this commitment," said Buccaneers Owner / Chairman Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation / Chairman Glazer Vision Foundation Darcie Glazer Kassewitz. "We believe in the connection between sports and leadership. 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports when they were younger. However, girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys. The Buccaneers are committed to doing our part in keeping girls in the game for success both on and off the field."
"Jabil is proud to partner with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to help invest in and inspire the next generation of women leaders," said Tuba Kuklen, Vice President of Talent Management at Jabil. "It's our goal to give all women and girls the confidence to achieve their greatest ambitions — whether it's leading a business, learning a new skill, or becoming a champion for their community."
The festivities will kick off with the She is Football Women's Summit at Raymond James Stadium. Bringing in female leaders from all industries, the Summit is designed for women interested in multiple career pathways. Programming will appeal to those at different phases of their career, from young professionals to senior executives. The summit will create intimate mentorship opportunities through audience-driven conversations and breakout sessions. More information on featured mentors will be released in the coming weeks.
On Saturday, March 8, community members can participate in the She is Football 5K Run, Walk & Stroll at the AdventHealth Training Center. Runners of all levels are encouraged to participate, with funds raised going towards programming to keep young girls participating in sports. Saturday will also feature a women-owned She is Football Market as well as curated tours throughout the AdventHealth Training Center for girls to learn more about the roles available within a professional sports organization.
Throughout the weekend, Florida's top talent will take the field in a two-day She is Football Girls Flag Football Tournament featuring eight of Florida's top high schools. Set to compete in the competition are Alonso High School, Harmony High School, Lecanto High School, Lennard High School, Newsome High School, Robinson High School, St. Pete High School and Wildwood High School.
Funds raised from the weekend will be allocated toward keeping girls in the game. By leveraging the power of mentorship and providing accessibility, the Buccaneers hope to serve as the catalyst for creating the next generation of female leaders.
