Celebrating Women in Sports: Entrepreneurs Who Lead The Way
Key Leader Luncheon Series
April 29th, 2026
11:00-1:00 PM
This moment in women’s sports is about more than cheering for your favorite teams, it’s about how we lead, who we partner with, and how we build systems that work for women in business to thrive.
Join The Circle Community for a strategic conversation that creates opportunities for women by highlighting entrepreneurs in the sports industry as they build their businesses and careers.
After a successful Key Leader Luncheon in 2025, The Circle Community is once again gathering entrepreneurs, executives, and allies who care about empowering women in leadership and paying it forward with their time, strategic connections, and resources.
Whether you’re shaping strategy inside an organization or showing up as a community leader, your voice and your investment matter more than ever.
Be one of the 25 key leaders that show up on April 29th!
Arrival & Agenda
Location:
Gallery 366 within The Northrup King Building
1500 Jackson Street NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
Parking:
On-site free parking lot.
Entrance:
Enter through doors at the 1500 black awning and take the elevators to the 3rd floor.
ADA accessible ramp is located at the next set of doors to the north/right of this main entrance. See photo here.
Gallery 366 Is on the 3rd floor.
Call/Text with questions:
Rachel Vassar | 651-728-0640
Agenda
11:00: Networking, Lunch, Exploring the gallery
11:20: Welcome, Introductions
11:30: Panel Discussion
12:00: Q&A + Group Discussion
12:20: Closing thoughts
12:30-1:00pm: Networking, Exploring the gallery
Speaker Line Up
Kelsey Joson
InControlDuring a summer job supporting students on accessible transportation, Kelsey began to wonder: who was taking care of the disabled adult community after they graduate out of the school system? This inspired her to create InControl, a business to educate on three pillars of health for folks with disabilities: physical, nutrition, and social/emotional. Kelsey is also a 2026 recipient of the Jackie Wurm Grant by The Circle Community.
Jessica Poole
Jessica Poole COmmunications collectiveAs the founder of Jessica Poole Communications Collective, Jessica brings more than 15 years of experience in sports management and athletic communications to every client relationship. As one of the few woman-owned PR firms in the country, Jessica offers her expertise to a variety of clients in the sports industry and is paving the way for athletes turned entrepreneurs.
Dani Foxhoven Young
Archive AgencyDani is the Founder & CEO of Archive Agency, a premier women’s sports agency, founded by former professional athletes and industry leaders, not to meet the market for women, but to move it. Dani is a former pro soccer player turned CEO, building a career at the intersection of sports, business, and brand partnerships.
“We are not here to meet the market for women.
We are here to move it.”
Meet The Circle Community
The Circle Community is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to create a community where women in business have the opportunity to thrive and build stronger businesses and communities through collaboration, education, and mutual support.
We are excited to celebrate our Grantee offers grants, scholarships, and education to women in business. Sister organization, The BWC was founded in 2009 to empower women with peer support groups, professional development, and a community of 200+ members in the Twin Cities. Learn how Lani and Rachel are empowering entrepreneurs and how you can join!
Who Should Attend?
Corporate leaders, sponsors, and decision-makers
Executives and professionals in sports organizations
Women in leadership across industries
Athletes, coaches, and advocates
The Circle Community donors and supporters
Key Topics
How women in the sports industry are rewriting the business playbook and advancing opportunity across sectors.
How corporate and small business partnership can shape the future and create mutual impact.
How we can advance pay equity and greater visibility for women athletes at every stage of their career through promotions, NIL, and entrepreneurship.
How women leaders are joining forces on the eve of the 2026 Special Olympics in the Twin Cities.
Sponsors
Venue Sponsor
Thank you to Jen Nash Kochevar of JNK Art Partners for hosting us at Gallery 366. Experience multi-dimensional works of art that amplify the power, beauty, and impact women create.
Photography Sponsor
Rachel Moscatelli offers a wide array of services through Linli Studio, check out her portfolio of: On-site Event Photography, Documentary-Style Shorts, Impact Photography, Interviews & Testimonials.
Food Sponsor
The Grocer’s Table is a market, cafe & wine/cocktail bar nestled in the heart of downtown Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka owned and operated by Lindsay Pohlad. Their scratch kitchen offers freshly made prepared foods, made-to-order menu items as well as a wide variety of retail and grocery provisions prepared both in house and brought in from outside artisans.
Food Sponsor
As a women-owned company, Kowalski’s recognizes the powerful role women play in shaping both business and community. Kowalski's owner Mary Anne Kowalski and CEO Kris Kowalski Christiansen exemplify that commitment through their dedicated civic leadership. Their continued efforts to advance the grocery industry focus on building right relationships with local growers, neighborhood businesses and the communities they serve.
Want to sponsor this event? Contact: rachel@thecirclecommunitymn.org
When Key Leaders Partner
We All Thrive
Collaboration in Action
Attendees of the 2025 Key Leader Luncheon forged new partnerships and:
Received free promotion in a publication
Gained a new client
Were invited to host a workshop
Got jazzed up for their next job interview
Made a key connection within a target market
“All who attended felt valued, had a chance to share their brilliance with each other and made new connections.”
—Lani Basa, Founder of The BWC & The Circle Community (TCC)
You are invited to do more for women in business with us!
Make your donation of any amount directly to The Circle Community,
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit: