Dasha Smith, Sam Rapoport and Kimmi Chex to Headline United WE’s 2023 Champion Breakfast
Kansas City, MO – April 13, 2023 – During Draft Week on April 28, three top leaders from the National Football League (NFL) will discuss their commitment to advancing opportunities for all women. Dasha Smith, Sam Rapoport and Kimmi Chex will speak about diversity, equity and inclusion and how male allies and women can champion these efforts in their own communities and workplaces.
The conversation is taking place during United WE’s 2023 Champion Breakfast, which brings together all allies to raise funds and awareness for the advancement of women’s economic and civic leadership. Presented by Bank of America and co-hosted by Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan and United WE board member Kathy Donovan, the event will inspire attendees and organization leaders as they hear from three trailblazing leaders.
Dasha Smith oversees all administration for the NFL including HR, technology, data & analytics, strategy and business intelligence, diversity and inclusion, social responsibility, and philanthropy.
“Diversity and inclusion is a top priority for our league and we are committed to advancing opportunities for all women,” said Dasha Smith, NFL EVP & Chief Administrative Officer. “Until we reach a gender-equitable world, we will continue to use our voice and platform to help pave a smoother path for future generations.”
A former professional American Football player, Sam Rapoport has been named to People Magazine’s “25 Women Changing The World” and named one of Sports Illustrated’s Most Powerful, Most Influential and Most Outstanding Women in Sports.
“Both on or off the field, advancing girls and women is a critical priority for the League and a personal passion of mine in my role at the National Football League,” said Sam Rapoport, NFL Senior Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “Dasha and I look forward to sharing the initiatives, procedures, and steps we’ve taken to create even more gender equity in hopes of inspiring other companies to do the same.”
Champion Breakfast moderator, Kimmi Chex, is an on-air host for NFL Network and NFL Media. As a full-time personality for the league, she uses her voice to raise awareness of issues Black and Brown communities are facing, liaise with League leadership and advocate for programming that reflects the population of the players in the league.
“As a Kansas City native, I’m proud to see my hometown and United WE stepping up as a national leader for the advancement of all women,” said Kimmi Chex, NFL Network On-Air Host. “It will take all of us to reach gender equity and these types of transparent conversations with male allies and women are an example of the forward momentum that should be replicated across the nation.”
The event will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023, from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m CT. This event will be hybrid, with attendance available both in-person at the North Club at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and through a virtual live stream.