PRESENTED BY
GIVE HER A DAY THAT CHANGES
THE WAY SHE SEES THE SPORTS INDUSTRY —
AND HER PLACE IN IT.
A full-day career exploration experience,
for high school and college women
SHE CAN'T BE
WHAT SHE CAN'T SEE
Your daughter is watching the game. She’s playing the game. But who is showing her how to lead the game?
The sports industry generates over $500 billion globally, yet women hold only 15% of leadership positions across professional and collegiate athletics.
“The pipeline doesn’t start at the job posting. It starts with exposure.”
— Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes
Her Game, Her Future Fest is the experience that fills the gap. One day of hands-on access to the careers, the leaders, and the pathways that exist beyond the playing field, so she can see herself in the industry before she ever applies for a job.
SHE CAN'T BE
WHAT SHE CAN'T SEE
Your daughter is watching the game. She’s playing the game. But who is showing her how to lead the game?
The sports industry generates over $500 billion globally, yet women hold only 15% of leadership positions across professional and collegiate athletics.
“The pipeline doesn’t start at the job posting. It starts with exposure.”
— Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes
Her Game, Her Future Fest is the experience that fills the gap. One day of hands-on access to the careers, the leaders, and the pathways that exist beyond the playing field, so she can see herself in the industry before she ever applies for a job.
ONE DAY.
FOUR EXPERIENCE ZONES.
TWELVE CAREER ACTIVATIONS.
Her Game, Her Future Fest is a first-of its kind, full-day career exploration festival designed to introduce high school and college women to the people, the pathways, and the possibilities across the sports industry.
Led by women who are currently working in sport, each activation is a hands-on experience, not a lecture. Students will build, create, analyze, and present alongside industry professionals in a high-energy, festival-style environment.
Whether she’s an athlete, a fan, or someone who’s never considered a career in sports, this is the day that opens the door.
EXPLORE FOUR EXPERIENCE ZONES
Each zone represents a different sector of the sports industry. Students rotate through activations led by women who are doing the work in media, business, science, and emerging industries.
THE SPOTLIGHT
THE SPOTLIGHT
Media • Brand • Story
Behind the Mic
Step into sports media and try your hand at broadcasting, podcasting, or sideline reporting while learning how stories are created and delivered on game day.
Brand Her
Discover how athletes and professionals build personal brands through social media, NIL strategy, and storytelling, and begin shaping a brand that reflects who you are.
Game Day Glam presented by Faces of Virture Beauty Studio
Discover careers in sport beauty by learning how broadcast-ready makeup, professional presentation, and confidence-building techniques support athletes and sports media professionals.
THE FRONT OFFICE
Operations • Business • Law
Run the Organization
Discover how sports organizations are led by building a front office structure and making real-world decisions that impact teams, events, and athletes.
Inside the Deal
Get an inside look at sports law and NIL by breaking down real-life contracts and learning how athletes and organizations are protected behind the scenes.
The Event Playbook presented by Verbal Slick
Plan a sports event from start to finish and learn how tournaments, championships, and major sporting experiences come to life through strategy and logistics.
THE LAB
Performance • Mind • Body
The Science of the Athlete presented by Ochsner Sports Medicine
Explore careers in sports medicine and wellness while learning how athletes stay healthy, recover properly, and perform at their best.
Coach’s Corner
Step into the role of a coach and learn how leaders develop athletes, design practices, and build confidence both on and off the field.
The Mind of the Athlete
Explore careers in sports psychology and mental performance while learning how athletes build focus, confidence, and resilience to perform at their best.
THE NEXT PLAY
Gaming • Data • Innovation
Data Drives Decisions
See how data and analytics shape strategy in sports by using statistics to make decisions about performance, recruiting, and game planning.
Beyond the Console
Discover the many careers in esports beyond playing, including event management, marketing, production, and team operations.
Sport for Impact
Explore careers that use sport as a tool for youth development, social impact, and community leadership through organizations that create access and opportunity.
Protect the Game
Discover careers in risk management, insurance, and athlete safety that protect teams, organizations, and events behind the scenes.
EVERY STUDENT EXPERIENCES
THE KICK OFF
A powerful opening session featuring a keynote designed to inspire students and introduce the possibilities of careers in sport.
MENTOR
MATCH-UP
Connect directly with women working in sports through fast-paced mentoring conversations that offer insight, advice, and encouragement.
THE FINAL
WHISTLE
A high-energy closing experience that brings the day together through reflection, recognition, and a “Styled for the Game” fashion showcase highlighting how to show up as a professional in the sports industry..
EVERY STUDENT EXPERIENCES
THE KICK OFF
A powerful opening session featuring a keynote designed to inspire students and introduce the possibilities of careers in sport.
MENTOR MATCH-UP
Connect directly with women working in sports through fast-paced mentoring conversations that offer insight, advice, and encouragement.
THE FINAL WHISTLE
A closing experience that brings the day together through reflection, inspiration, and clear next steps for continuing the journey.
HER DAY AT THE FEST
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Festival Welcome
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The Kickoff: Opening Keynote
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Career Pathway Exploration (Rotations)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch + Movement & Conversation
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Career Pathway Exploration (Rotations)
2:00 PM – 3:10 PM
Mentor Match-Up
3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
Fireside Chat PRESENTED BY HAHN Enteprises
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Final Whistle: Closing Panel & Call to Action
*Schedule is subject to change.
HER DAY AT THE FEST
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Registration & Festival Welcome
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
The Kickoff: Opening Keynote
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Career Pathway Exploration (Rotations)
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Lunch + Movement & Conversation
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Career Pathway Exploration (Rotations)
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Reflection, Networking & Ac20tivation Wrap-Up
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Final Whistle: Closing Panel & Call to Action
*Schedule is subject to change.
REGISTER HERE TODAY
Early bird pricing is available through May 31, 2026. Space is limited, and activations fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents, guardians, and coaches can register on behalf of their student.
READY TO REGISTER
Early Bird
$99
(thru May 31)
Standard
$125
(Jun 1 onward)
Need Financial Assistance?
We believe every girl should have access to this experience.
A limited number of scholarships are available.
Want to Sponsor a Student
Help provide access for a young woman to attend HER GAME, HER FUTURE Fest
Community Access Included
All registered students will receive access to the SYWACIA™ community as part of their registration—providing continued opportunities for mentorship, workshops, internships, and career development beyond the Fest.
WHO ATTENDS
HER GAME, HER FUTURE FEST?
The Fest is designed for high school and college women who love sports and want to explore what’s possible beyond playing.
Registration can be completed by a parent, guardian, coach, or the student herself.
WHO ATTENDS
HER GAME, HER FUTURE FEST?
The Fest is designed for high school and college women who love sports and want to explore what’s possible beyond playing.
Registration can be completed by a parent, guardian, coach, or the student herself.
WANT TO BE PART OF THE FEST?
PROFESSIONALS & INDUSTRY LEADERS
You’re a woman working in sport who wants to give back. We’re recruiting presenters and mentors to participate in Mentor Match-Up. Let us know if you want to assist.
COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
Become a corporte partner and put your brand in front of the next generation of women in sport.
PRESENTED BY SYWACIA™
POWERED BY PURPOSE.
So You Want A Career In Athletics™ (SYWACIA™) is a leadership development program of the Marc and Kiki Barnes Foundation dedicated to creating career pathways for young women in sports. Founded by Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, former intercollegiate athletic director, conference commissioner, and author of Blazing Your Own Trail. SYWACIA™has reached over 400 young women across 26 states through mentorship, virtual workshops, and career exploration experiences.
Her Game, Her Future Fest is the next chapter — a hands-on, in-person experience designed to show young women that the sports industry needs their talent, their voice, and their leadership.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who can attend the Fest?
Her Game, Her Future Fest is designed for high school and college-age young women interested in exploring careers in the sports industry.
Who can register?
Parents, guardians, coaches, and educators can complete the registration form and process payment on the student’s behalf, or the student herself can complete the registration.
Where is the event?
LSU New Orleans — 2000 Lakeshore Dr., New Orleans, LA 70148.
What time does the event start and end?
Registration opens at 8:30 AM. The Fest runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
What does registration include?
Registration includes full access to all experience zones, hands-on activations, mentorship opportunities, lunch, and entry into the SYWACIA™ community for continued learning and engagement beyond the event.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
Click the “Apply for a Scholarship” button on the registration page and complete the application. All scholarship applications must be submitted by May 31, 2026, and applicants will be notified by June 15, 2026.
What happens after I register?
After completing registration, you'll receive a confirmation email right away. About an hour later, you'll receive a separate email with participation documents that must be completed before the event — including an emergency contact form and a signed waiver.
If your student is under 18, a parent or guardian signature is required.
Please complete these as soon as possible so your student is cleared to participate.
What does “early bird” pricing mean?
Early bird pricing is available through May 31, 2026. After June 1, standard pricing applies.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch is included with registration.
What should my student bring?
She should bring herself, her curiosity, and something to take notes with. We’ll provide everything else.
Can I bring a group?
Yes. If you’re a coach or educator bringing a group of students, please contact us at [email protected] for group registration details.
Is the event indoors or outdoors?
The Fest takes place indoors at the LSU New Orleans University Center. The venue is fully air-conditioned.
Where do I drop off and pick up my student?
Drop-off and pick-up details, including building entrance and check-in location, will be shared in a pre-event email closer to July 2.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available on the LSU New Orleans campus. Specific lot information and directions will be included in the pre-event email.
What is the refund or cancellation policy?
Registration is non-refundable.
Does my student need to be an athlete to attend?
No. Her Game, Her Future Fest is for any young woman interested in the sports industry — whether she plays, watches, or has never considered a career in sports. The activations are designed for all levels of experience and interest.
I’m a professional in sports. How can I get involved?
We’re actively recruiting women working in sport to lead activations and participate in Mentor Match-Up. Click here to let us know you are interested.
How can I or my company become a sponsor?
We’d love to partner with you. Click here to receive the full sponsorship packet.
Give her the day that changes everything. Register now for Her Game, Her Future Fest.
Thursday, July 2, 2026 | LSU New Orleans
Early bird pricing ends May 31.
Not attending, but still want to make an impact?
Sponsor a student and help expand access to this experience.