WISE Chicago (Women in Sports & Events - Chicago Chapter)

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re excited to spotlight Christina Lopez, an Account Executive in Group Sales who has been with Chicago Fire FC for 1 ? years. Originally from San Jose, California, Christina is passionate about highlighting the often-overlooked successes of women and pushing for the stories that don't always get told. Christina’s career was significantly shaped by Analisa Travaglione, her first mentor and sales director, who played a key role in her professional development. Christina believes in staying authentic to yourself, avoiding the temptation to adjust your style to fit what’s expected, and actively networking to open new doors. Outside of work, Christina is deeply committed to uplifting women, whether through mentoring a first-gen college student, serving as President of CMSA, or advocating for women’s + divisions in sports leagues. She is also involved in WISE, helping inside sales reps feel supported and comfortable in their roles. Looking forward, Christina believes in mentoring, sponsoring, and networking to empower the next generation of women in sports, bridging gaps and creating new opportunities for leadership and representation. Thank you, Christina, for your dedication to mentoring and empowering women both in and out of the office!

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting Julia Tesoro Hull, the VP of Partnership Marketing and Strategy, who has been with the Chicago Fire for 3 years. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Julia is passionate about supporting and uplifting women in sports. For Julia, Women’s History Month is about celebrating the power and support system of women in sports and ensuring women are given the same opportunities for success as their male counterparts. She celebrates by working on initiatives that uplift women in tangible ways and by making sure her projects align with her values. A key influence in Julia’s journey was Lisa Neirotti, her professor at George Washington University, who encouraged her to break out of her shell and believe in her potential in the sports industry. Julia is committed to empowering women through the hiring process, making sure women have a voice and feel confident in their workspace. She actively mentors and helps create opportunities for women through internships, job interview training, and mentorship. Julia envisions a future where women's opinions are valued for their expertise and not their gender. Thank you, Julia, for being a trailblazer and inspiring others in the world of sports!

Honored to to have participated in the WISE Chicago (Women in Sports & Events - Chicago Chapter) event with the incredible Annie King Cazares, Laura Warren and Megan Donovan! Thank you to the Chicago Bulls for hosting us in honor of Women’s HERstory Month. ??????

Our friends at Chicago Fire FC are HIRING !!! Position Available: Senior Director, Communications Apply here: https://lnkd.in/eXu5ZgXH

Join WISE Chicago and our partner Chicago Bulls for "Power Play: Women Influencing Community & Culture" on Monday, March 10th! Hosted in celebration of Women's History Month, the WISE Power Play series brings together executive-level female sports business leaders for a panel discussion on their work within the organization and overall career journeys. We'll hear up close from women who are key players in arena development and cultural impact in Chicago, including: ? Deneé Barracato, Deputy Director of Athletics for Operations and Capital Projects at Northwestern ? Annie King Cazares, VP, Strategy & Development Business Operations at United Center ? Laura Warren, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at Chicago Fire FC ? Megan Donovan, VP of Partnership Marketing and WE Executive Sponsor at Chicago Bulls (Moderator) Enjoy networking, light snacks and beverages and transparent conversations. A ticket to the Power Play event also includes a ticket for the Bulls v Pacers game at 7PM CT following the panel discussion ?? https://lnkd.in/gnjBTuW8

We celebrated Black History Month and the vibrant culture of the Black community at games, in the community and at our offices throughout the month of February. Spearheaded by BOLD (Black Opportunity Leadership Development), one of four Bulls Employee Resource Groups, each initiative was designed to foster community and celebrate Black excellence in and around Chicago. We are proud to continue to recognize the incredible Black staff members who contribute to our organization and create meaningful programming that honors the impact of the Black community in the past, present and future.?

WISE Chicago’s Black History Month Partner Spotlight: Nia Robinson from the Chicago Sky WNBA !

We’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on?Martrice Caldwell, CPA, our Controller, who has been with the club for 2 ? years.?Martrice?plays a pivotal role in managing our financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and using past accounting data to help shape our future. What makes?Martrice’s role unique? She brings a creative flair to her work in financial management. Beyond crunching numbers, she thrives on solving the complex financial “puzzles” that come her way and loves collaborating with the amazing team around her. One of the proudest moments of?Martrice’s career came when she earned her CPA certificate. As one of the few Black CPAs in her field, representation is incredibly important to her, and she sees this achievement as a step toward creating more space for others to follow in her footsteps. For?Martrice, Black History Month is about both celebrating the accomplishments of Black Americans and continuing to uplift Black voices year-round. She participates in events such as the Garfield Park Conservatory's BHM Jazz concert, supports Black-owned businesses, and subscribes to BHM bootcamps to learn about Black figures often left out of mainstream discussions. Outside of her work,?Martrice?is actively involved in numerous initiatives that support Black cultural and professional growth. She’s a proud member of the National Association of Black Accountants, and she honors the legacy of Mary T. Washington Wylie, the first Black woman CPA, by supporting programs that empower the next generation of Black accountants.?Martrice?also contributes to organizations like Ladies of Virtue, Link Unlimited, and Chicago Scholars, providing mentorship and financial support to first-generation Black students pursuing higher education. We are grateful to have?Martrice?on our team, and we look forward to seeing her continued impact in both the financial world and the broader community!

Did someone say happy hour? ?? Join fellow WISE Chicago members at our first members-only social event of 2025! This is a great opportunity to network with other chapter members, board members, and corporate partners. As we celebrate Black History Month, we're incredibly excited to partner with a Black-owned sports bar, The Staley, for this happy hour. The Staley was founded by former Chicago Bears defensive end Israel Idonije. The event is free to attend, and your first drink is on us! RSVP today: https://lnkd.in/gZnKg5q8

SAVE THE DATE - 02/25??? WISE Member Happy Hour??- on Tuesday, February 25th, we're hosting a Member Happy Hour to kick off a new WISE Chicago season! Details to come for our members so stay on the lookout!! ??Not a member or need to check your status? Check here: https://lnkd.in/ezsY6f5b #chicago #wisechicago #womeninsports #womeninevents #chicagosports