Mothers and wives of prominent NFL players were recognized during this year’s Women Raise the Game event.
Hosted by Boldyn Networks, the exclusive Women Raise the Game celebration at the esteemed Four Seasons recognized extraordinary women making pivotal contributions behind the scenes in sports. According to a press release, the event rallied together groundbreaking women from across different roles in sports to honor their contributions. As Josephine Martinez, NFL Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, congratulated event organizers, she highlighted the historic nature of uplifting women’s voices in this setting.
“This event is a tribute to the women whose tireless efforts have often gone unnoticed, yet they are the pillars of success within the NFL—shaping players’ careers, steering organizations, and driving impactful initiatives for the betterment of communities,” said the Women Raise the Game initiative’s visionary Tish Galindo. “Moreover, this event is not just about celebration; it’s also a platform to drive meaningful change.”
NFL players created heartfelt moments during the event as they came forward to commend the women who encouraged them most.
As New England Patriots wide receiver and Super Bowl Champion Juju Smith introduced his mother, he said, “My mother isn’t a normal woman; she is a force of nature…for raising seven kids and helping me become the man that I am today.” Retired NFL quarterback Rodney Peete raved about his wife, actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete. “She has been the glue that kept my life and our family together,” he stated.
Boldyn Networks CMO Jeannie Weaver addressed attendees with a call to action. “We’re not just reimagining for tomorrow, we’re building for it… without real diversity at the table, you will never deliver world-class solutions, and that’s what we are all about,” Weaver said before she presented President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee Zaileen Janmohamed with the Woman of the Year Award. “Women really do raise the game. We are developing the next generation of leaders — female powerhouses, and we have to do our part.”
Other WRTG honorees included:
Holly Robinson-Peete, Actress, Philanthropist, and wife of Retired NFL Player Rodney Peete, Philanthropist of the Year
Sammy Schuster, mother of NFL Wide Receiver & Super Bowl Champion Juju Smith-Schuster, Visionary of the Year
Laura Warner, mother of 49ers Fred Warner & Buccaneers Troy Warner, Cultural Trailblazer of the Year
Taylor Rooks, Sports Journalist, Journalist of the Year
Ana Martinez, mother of LA Chargers Michael Davis, Cultural Impact Honoree
Grammy Producer Hit-boy
Marilyn Booker, Tech Entrepreneur & Diversity Advocate
Lanny Smith, Actively Black CEO
Attendees also enjoyed a special guest performance from Grammy Award-winning producer and celebrity DJ Jermaine Dupri.
Proceeds from the event will support charities and initiatives that reflect a mission to empower women and amplify inclusivity and diversity in sports and beyond.
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Source: Black Enterprise
