And so we begin.

As the VP of Sales for Sideline Sports, I attend the National Sports Forum each year in February.   This year (2024) for the first time, there was an all-female panel made up of some very heavy hitters.  Among them was Macaela (Mac) Mackenzie, author of "Money, Power, Respect: How Women in Sports Are Shaping the Future of Feminism".  I was lucky enough to get a signed copy of her book later that evening. 

The next day I sat in on the presentation of the Project Possible Award, an award that recognizes an individual in the sports and entertainment industry who goes above and beyond to better their community.  To my delight, my good friend Curtis Walker won due to his work with The Black Sports Business Academy.  In his acceptance speech, he said those with the ability and power to help, have the obligation to do so.  I have always looked up to Curtis so his words hit me that day.

On my flight home, I began to read Mac’s book.  I got to page six and put the book down, as she had just mapped out how girls who play sports are more likely to graduate from high school, go to college, and hit leadership levels across all industries.  I picked up my notebook and mapped out a nonprofit organization aimed at helping girls from rural and low-income areas participate in sports, acknowledging the financial and logistical challenges they are likely to face.

What started as this crazy idea is now snowballing down a mountain with no signs of slowing down.  I’d like to introduce you to: Leveling the Fields.

If you’d like to support the mission, please join us by attending the launch party later this spring, donating to the program, volunteering, or spreading awareness on social media.

Thank you.

Melyssa