In the wake of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, Clemmie Perry, a former NFL cheerleader for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins, organized an event at Amalie Arena to foster dialogue among five sports organizations. This gathering aimed to celebrate women who have broken barriers in male-dominated fields. Perry, founder of Women of Color Golf and Girls on the Green Tee, shared her journey from growing up in a sports-loving family to creating initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion. Her mentor, Dr. Renee Powell, a trailblazer in golf, inspired Perry's mission to increase representation of women of color in sports. Additionally, the Buccaneers announced their inaugural She is Football Weekend, focusing on empowering female leaders through various events.

Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Trailblazers in Sports

The event at Amalie Arena brought together five prominent sports teams—Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays, Rowdies, and Sun FC—to honor women who have made significant contributions in traditionally male-dominated industries. Perry emphasized the importance of unity across different sports, highlighting how women can support each other despite their diverse backgrounds. The event provided a platform for these athletes and executives to share their experiences and inspire future generations. By uniting under a common cause, they demonstrated that collaboration can lead to greater progress in promoting gender equality in sports.

Perry's story is one of resilience and transformation. Growing up, she was surrounded by influential figures like her father, Charles Perry, one of the first African-American men to receive an NFL contract. His legacy inspired Clemmie to pursue her own path in sports. After losing her job as a corporate executive, Perry turned to golf, a sport where she noticed a lack of diversity. With the support of her family and mentors, she founded "Women of Color Golf and Girls on the Green Tee." This initiative aims to bridge the gap for young career executives and provide them with opportunities to succeed in sports. Perry's dedication to mentoring others reflects her commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment in the world of sports.

Empowering the Future: Initiatives for Women in Sports

The Buccaneers' announcement of their inaugural She is Football Weekend marks a significant step toward empowering women in sports. The event, set for March 7-8, will feature a series of activities designed to inspire and support female leaders. Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Owner/Chairman of the Buccaneers Foundation, highlighted the organization's commitment to providing opportunities for everyone. The weekend will include a women's career summit, a girls flag football tournament, a 5K run, and a market showcasing women-owned businesses. These events aim to create a supportive network for women at various stages of their careers, from young professionals to senior executives.

Tuba Kuklen, Vice President of Talent Management at Jabil, emphasized the importance of confidence and ambition in achieving success. The She is Football Women’s Summit will bring together female leaders from diverse industries, offering mentorship and networking opportunities. Attendees will engage in audience-driven conversations and participate in breakout sessions tailored to their career needs. On International Women’s Day, participants can join the 5K Run, Walk, and Stroll, with proceeds going towards programs that encourage young girls to stay active in sports. The weekend also features curated tours of the AdventHealth Training Center, giving girls insight into the roles available within professional sports organizations. Through these initiatives, the Buccaneers are committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.