NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Sixth Annual Sports Power Brunch took place on Wednesday morning at the Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans, setting the tone for the Big Game weekend. The event, widely regarded as the premier celebration for women in sports, brought together an impressive crowd to honor five influential women making waves in both the sports and entertainment industries.
The ceremony began with Swin Cash, Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations for the New Orleans Pelicans and a 15-year WNBA veteran, being presented with the prestigious ESPN Films Impact Award. Cash, a three-time WNBA Champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has made it her mission to give back to women in sports and entertainment. She founded the organization “She’s Got Time” to create opportunities for women finding their place in the industry.
Reflecting on her Hall of Fame induction in 2022, Cash shared: “As I was writing my speech, I took a moment to reflect on how intentional I wanted to be with my time. Intentionality is: ‘How do we pour back into create community?’ — ‘She’s Got Time.’”
Ali Krieger, a two-time World Cup champion and Olympian, was honored with the Prime Video Gamechanger Award. A 17-year soccer veteran, Krieger now works as an analyst for ESPN and has aspirations to coach in the future. She is also committed to giving back to the community, supporting organizations that help children, women, and the LGBT+ community.
The Porsche Leadership Award was presented to Alicia Tillman, the Chief Marketing Officer of Delta Air Lines. Tillman brings over two decades of experience in global marketing and strategy, having led numerous successful initiatives.
Dawn Aponte, the NFL’s Chief Football Administrative Officer, was recognized with the Visionary Award, presented by Microsoft. Aponte has played a key role in shaping the NFL’s administrative structure, demonstrating outstanding leadership in the league.
The Spotlight Award, presented by the NFL, went to Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, Commissioner of the HBCU Athletic Conference. Dr. Barnes has been instrumental in revitalizing the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and rebuilding Dillard University’s athletics program following Hurricane Katrina.
The event’s host for the third consecutive year, Taylor Rooks, captivated the audience with her charm and professionalism, while the program’s founder, LaTonya Story, ensured the event ran smoothly and left a lasting impression.
LaTonya Story, founder of LPS Consulting PR LLC., spoke about the growth and success of her event. “I always knew I believed in myself, but the level of support and attention the event receives now? Absolutely not. It’s overwhelming, and I’m humbled by it,” said Story, visibly moved by the overwhelming response.
Among the notable guests in attendance were Angel Gray, LaChina Robinson, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Monica McNutt, and Kysre Gondrezick.
A portion of the proceeds from the event went to the Sterling Legacy Fund, established in honor of Story’s son, who tragically passed away from cancer in 2019. The fund supports causes close to her heart, ensuring her son’s legacy lives on in a meaningful way.
