San Francisco, CA – April 9, 2024
WiST (Women in Sports Tech) is excited to announce the 2024 WiST Fellows program cohort, now in its seventh year. This year’s cohort consists of 19 students from diverse academic backgrounds across the US and internationally. Each WiST Fellow brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the sports technology field.
Every year, the WiST Fellowship program accepts a new group of Fellows from a variety of academic disciplines and institutions, including students from DI, DIII, and HBCUs. The 2024 cohort includes undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students from 18 universities, representing 11 different degree programs, who will participate in summer internships with 16 WiST Partners.
Marilou McFarlane, CEO+Founder of WiST, says, “The 2024 cohort embodies the essence of the WiST Fellowship program, which was established in 2018 to provide transformative experiences and a supportive network for motivated students beginning their professional journeys. Their growth mindset, dedication, and enthusiasm for the sports tech industry inspire us and instill hope for a more diverse, innovative, and successful industry.”
A key aspect of the Fellowship program’s success is the participation of WiST Fellow Alumni in the WiST Sis program, where former Fellows offer mentorship to new Fellows. Kahlia Hogg, a Fulbright Scholar and former professional soccer player, who interned with IBM Sports as a 2023 WiST Fellow, exemplifies the impact of the program. Kahlia will return this summer as a WiST Sis to mentor and guide the next group of WiST Fellows.
Kahlia shares, “WiST provides more than just a summer internship, it’s a comprehensive professional development program that empowers participants through industry experience, mentorship, networking, and career development sessions.”
Elizabeth O’Brien, Program Director, WW Sports & Entertainment Sponsorship Marketing at IBM, says, “As WiST’s first corporate partner in 2018, I am continually impressed by the impact of the organization, not only on the industry but also on our IBM team. I am proud of our ongoing support as a founding WiST partner and grateful for the support of other employers in the industry.”
WiST’s partnerships with industry leaders such as IBM, GameChanger, SRAM, Oura, and Comcast Sports Tech have created significant growth opportunities for women in sports technology. The addition of new partners like Warner Brothers Discovery, Specialized, and FairPlay Sports Media for the 2024 program emphasizes the industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. To date, over 60 employers have hosted WiST Fellows, with 84% of graduates currently working in the industry.
Madeline Demers, a Cornell undergrad majoring in Computer and Information Science and a 2023 WiST Fellow who worked for Hammerhead, says, “My Fellowship experience not only provided me with essential technical skills and a deep understanding of the sports technology field but also introduced me to a supportive community of like-minded individuals passionate about driving innovation in sports.”
By bridging academia and the sports tech industry, the WiST Fellowship program brings diverse perspectives and talent to host companies. Studies show that inclusive cultures and diverse teams foster innovation, making the WiST Fellowship not only a platform for individual growth but also a catalyst for industry-wide progress.
Sameer Ahuja, President of GameChanger, says, “I am continually impressed by the work WiST does to open doors for women in the sports tech industry. Diversity is crucial for a thriving workplace, and resources like the WiST Fellowship Program are invaluable in attracting top talent in tech.”
The Class of 2024 is the result of extensive outreach and a rigorous selection process, evaluating candidates based on leadership potential, work ethic, and a strong desire to enter the sports tech industry.
For more information, please visit WomeninSportsTech.org.
Contact: info@womeninsportstech.org
Congratulations to the 2024 WiST Fellows:
(List of names and universities)
Check out our 2024 WiST Fellows introduction video here!
About WiST
Women in Sports Tech (WiST) is a nonprofit organization that provides growth opportunities for women and employers in sports tech from education to the workplace. WiST offers innovative programs, original content, and a global community that benefits women and employers.
The WiST Fellowship program offers internship experiences for motivated female and nonbinary college, graduate, and PhD students to work on summer projects in the sports tech industry. Other WiST programs include the WiST NETWORK career hub for diverse hiring in sports tech and WiST Presents for engaging original content and events featuring women in sports tech.
WiST is supported by corporations and organizations, including IBM Sports, Game Changer, FairPlay Sports Media, and more. Visit womeninsportstech.org for more information.
