Why the Global Community Was Created
For years, many women working in sports leadership found themselves walking into rooms where they were often one of the only women at the table.
The work was meaningful, but it could also feel isolating.
The Global Community was created from the belief that leadership becomes stronger when people feel connected, supported, and seen.
What started as a vision to create space for women in high school sports has grown into a community focused on connection, mentorship, growth, and sustainable leadership.
Today, the Global Community continues to bring together leaders from across the country and around the world who believe in supporting one another while helping shape the future of educational athletics.
For many women in high school sports, leadership has meant walking into rooms where they were one of only a few women at the table.
Sometimes the only one.
That kind of leadership can build strength, but it can also feel lonely.
The Global Community was created for the women who have ever wondered, “Am I the only one dealing with this?”
You are not.
This is a place to find connection, mentorship, resources, and people who understand the work because they are living it too.
Meet our Founder
Jen Brooks, CMAA
YOU WERE NEVER MEANT TO LEAD ALONE
For much of my career, I found myself in rooms where I was one of only a few women. Sometimes I was the only woman.
Conference rooms. Leadership meetings. Board tables. Decision-making spaces.
At first, it was intimidating. There were moments when I questioned whether I belonged, whether my voice mattered, and whether I had earned my place at the table.
Over time, I learned that being different could be a source of strength. I found my voice, built my confidence, and earned my seat at the table.
I also realized something else. Every time I walked into one of those rooms, I was carrying more than my own experience. I was carrying the responsibility to open doors, create opportunities, and make the path a little easier for the women coming behind me.
But I also realized something important.
Too many talented women were navigating leadership in sports alone.
Women were leading departments, coaching teams, managing budgets, advocating for student-athletes, and making difficult decisions every day, yet many still questioned whether they belonged.
Not because they lacked ability.
Because they lacked connection.
No matter where I traveled, the conversations sounded the same.
“Have you ever dealt with this?”
“How did you handle that situation?”
“Am I the only one experiencing this?”
“Sometimes I feel like I’m figuring this out alone.”
The answer was always the same.
They weren’t alone.
I knew there had to be a better way.
Not another organization.
Not another membership list.
A community.
A place where women could connect, grow, and sustain one another through every stage of their leadership journey.
The Global Community of Women in High School Sports was created to ensure that no woman has to navigate sports leadership alone.
What began as a vision has grown into a community of women who are committed to supporting, encouraging, and elevating one another.
We connect.
We grow.
We sustain.
Together, we celebrate successes, share challenges, exchange ideas, and create opportunities for the women who will lead after us.
Because when one woman succeeds, she creates possibilities for others.
When one woman finds her voice, she gives others permission to find theirs.
And when women come together with a shared commitment to support one another, we don’t just strengthen leaders.
We transform the game.
Being the only woman in the room does not mean you have to be alone.
THE FUTURE WE’RE BUILDING
Our vision is simple.
A future where every woman working in high school sports has access to a network, a mentor, and a community that believes in her.
A future where women no longer wonder if they belong at the table because they know they do.
A future where experienced leaders reach back and help the next generation rise.
A future where no woman has to lead alone.
That future is built one connection, one conversation, and one relationship at a time.
And we’re building it together.
The goal isn't to take up less space. The goal is to stop apologizing for taking up space.
