Beyond the Baseline

BEYOND THE BASELINE

Join us for a series of exclusive and exciting networking opportunities at Beyond the Baseline. Brought to you by the NCAA and its partners, we hope you’ll participate in one of the various professional development and networking events on the schedule. Celebrate women’s basketball and women’s advancement by joining an inspirational and motivating event. 

Planning is underway in Tampa, check back for updates. Here's a look at what happened in Columbus! 

All times local, Eastern. All events, times and locations are subject to change.

THURSDAY, MARCH 29

BEYOND THE BASELINE SUMMIT This full day of programming will bring together some of the top influencers in business and sports. Be motivated and inspired as we address the professional advancement of women through workshops, mock interviews, personal styling, professional headshots & more! Be prepared to network, build your brand and gain valuable insight into how to catapult your professional and personal success! 

The Fierce Urgency of Now (by invitation only)
The time is NOW! Women are taking the lead and their voices are being heard. This panel will discuss the urgency and need for diversity and female leadership in sports and business.

Guest panelists include:

• Yvette McGee Brown, Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice  
• Shannon Ginther, Chair, Columbus Women’s Commission
• Janelle Coleman, President, L Brands Foundation
• Lisa Whitaker, EXPRESS Employment, Compliance & Litigation Counsel 
• Ruthie Bolton, USA 2x Olympian & Basketball Legend 

One-on-One with Coach Katie Smith (by invitation only)
Maria Taylor of ESPN will host this conversation with three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time WNBA Champion, Katie Smith, who is now the head coach of the New York Liberty.

BEYOND THE BASELINE LOUNGE
New this year Women’s Final Four weekend, the Beyond the Baseline Lounge will feature some outstanding guest speakers and panelists, opportunities for makeup advice and professional headshots, networking mixers, fitness sessions and so much more throughout the weekend! The Beyond the Baseline Lounge will be located inside Tourney Town presented by Capital One at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. You won't want to miss it!

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

Breaking the Glass Panel
The glass ceiling is real and has a significant impact on upward mobility for women in the workplace. This panel of amazing current and former athletes will discuss how they’ve used their platforms, accomplishments, and professional pursuits in sports to break down barriers and work to empower other women to challenge the status quo.

Guest panelists include:

• Nia Noelle, Radio Broadcaster, Power 107.5, Moderator
• Stefanie Dolson, Center/Power Forward, Chicago Sky
• Briann January, Guard, Indiana Fever
• Marvellous Iheukwumere, Legal Coordinator, National Basketball Association
• Kelly Powers, Associate Athletic Director for Olympic Sports Performance at Cincinnati 

Chop Talk: The Importance of Healthy Eating
A fun and interactive conversation-style presentation centered on the importance of breaking the stigma of diets fads and increasing education around healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. Join us as Lindsey Mathes, registered dietician and health coach, gives us insight into how she helps her clients live their best lives from the inside out.

Live Art Showcase
Join us as Columbus’ very own artistic genius John Koldstitch brings the art of sculpting and artistic expression into the Beyond the Baseline Lounge. Check back throughout the weekend as his creation takes shape as he commemorates the Women’s Final Four weekend in his eclectic piece. We will celebrate a big reveal on Sunday April 1st at 4 PM.

Styled by Shyra
Get tips to dress professionally for every occasion from former Tennessee Vol and Indiana Fever player, Shyra Ely-Gash. After wowing fans with her Hoops Meets Heels Fashion Show at the 2016 Women’s Final Four, Shyra is back to share her secrets to dressing for the job you want.

Bring the Noise Networking
Who doesn't love to meet new people and make new connections? This mixer with a twist will give guests a chance to connect with one another and some of today's most prominent business executive and senior level managers.

SATURDAY, MARCH 31

NCAA Women’s Final Four Brunch: Marketing Your Game Plan  
Location: Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard | Columbus, OH
The NCAA Women's Final Four brunch* will host top professionals in business, sports and entertainment. The panel discussion will involve a deep dive into leadership development, public speaking, social media tips and best practices for building your personal brand. 

Special Guests Include:

• Maria Taylor, ESPN Analyst, College Game Day, Moderator
• Kim Blackwell - CEO, PMM Agency
• Vicki Bowen Hewes - CEO, Dress for Success Columbus
• Shyra Ely-Gash - Celebrity Stylist, Former WNBA Indiana Fever & Tennessee Volunteer
• Sara Tervo - CMO, Marketing for Ascena Retail Group

*VIP reserved seating is available.​​​​​​​

Yoga with a Twist
The best way to start the morning is with some great exercise and a good stretch! So what better way to start our morning together than with some yoga, with a TWIST. Get moving, get your blood flowing, and get ready for the best workout you've ever had as we bring fun and excitement to a classic way to increase strength and flexibility.

Special Guest Instructor: Shannon Taylor, Registered Yoga Teacher

WBB Trivia
Who doesn't love a good game of trivia? Join us as the Beyond the Baseline crew brings back this classic game with the help of some fun and exciting special guests! Let's find out if you have what it take to be the winner!

Live Art Update
Join us as we update you on how Columbus’ very own artistic genius John Koldstitch is progressing as he continues to bring the art of sculpting and artistic expression into the Beyond the Baseline Lounge. Check back throughout the weekend as his creation takes shape as he commemorates the Women’s Final Four weekend in his eclectic piece. We will celebrate a big reveal on Sunday April 1st at 4 PM.

​​​​​​​Even the Playing Field Panel
Our exclusive all-male panel will explore the male perspective and the importance of the male influence and voice in the advocating for gender equity. Our panelists will discuss their own commitments to celebrating and empowering the women around as they continue to reach new heights in sport and business. 

​​​​​​​Guest panelists include:

• Tyler Jones, Assistant Athletics Director, Fan Engagement, The Ohio State University, Moderator
• Robert Ghiloni, Head Men's Basketball Coach, Denison University
• Jason Singleton, Director, Student-Athlete Development, The Ohio State University
• Luke Fedlam, Attorney, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP

Kicking it with Quest
The Columbus Quest is BACK IN TOWN! Join us as we welcome home some of the best in women's basketball that Columbus has ever seen! Kick it with the Quest as we celebrate the legacy and continued success of the former members of Columbus' professional women's basketball team with autographs and laughs!

Make Money Moves 
Location: Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard | Columbus, OH
Featuring Paul Hensley & Terrence Lumpkin, Northwestern Mutual 

NCAA corporate partners Northwestern Mutual will discuss financial wellness, building wealth and planning for a prosperous future while building your career! 

​​​​​​​5 Principles to Promoting an Emotionally Healthy Work Place
Location: Grand Event Center at Grandview Yard | Columbus, OH

Featuring Lynne Themelaras, Psychology Professor - Columbus State Community College 

Most people burn out at work because of emotional struggles. Learn how to identify your emotional health so that your organization can reach its full potential.

SUNDAY, APRIL 1

​​​​​​​Ruling Our Experiences
The Girls and Sports Impact Report will share the impact that sport participation has in the lives of girls and provide adults with tangible skills and strategies to support, encourage and empower the female athletes in their lives. This report and presentation will share findings on girls' sport participation and its relationship to girls' friendships, school connection, confidence, social media and technology use and career leadership/aspirations.

​​​​​​​Yes, SHE Can
Who says SHE can't be a sideline reporter or sportscaster? This interactive activity will give guests the opportunity to try their hand at sports casting and see if they've got what it takes to make it in the business. Featuring Seattle Storm center Lanay Montgomery.

​​​​​​​Lady Legends Mixer
Mix and mingle with some of the biggest legends in sport and business. This speed mixer will allow you to connect with others and perfect your elevator pitch as you make the most of your conversation before the buzzer sounds.

​​​​​​​Live Art Showcase – THE BIG REVEAL!
The Big Reveal! Join us as we celebrate the big reveal of the Women’s Final Four themed artistic masterpiece and get insight into Columbus’ very own mastermind who created it.