As someone who’s passionate about both healthcare and sports, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the powerful impact that philanthropy can have on various causes. One area where I’ve found myself particularly drawn is the intersection of women’s sports and mental health initiatives. As the CEO of a radiology group and an advocate for change, I’m a firm believer that healthcare, leadership, and philanthropy can drive transformative change in these spaces, ensuring better opportunities for women in sports while also addressing the mental health challenges that athletes face.

A Personal Commitment to Women’s Leadership Through Sports

Growing up, I always had a deep connection to sports. Whether it was playing baseball and volleyball in high school or following my passion for music, sports were an integral part of my identity. In many ways, the discipline, teamwork, and resilience I learned from sports shaped my career in medicine and healthcare.

But it wasn’t just the physicality of sports that interested me. The leadership and empowerment that sports provide, especially to women, is something that has always been important to me. For women, sports have historically been an arena where they’ve had to fight for equality, recognition, and opportunity. This is why I’ve made it a core part of my philanthropic efforts to support women’s leadership through sports, particularly in volleyball.

I believe that sports offer young women a unique platform to build confidence, hone leadership skills, and foster a sense of community. That’s why I’m proud to be involved in initiatives that aim to make women’s sports more accessible and give athletes the chance to excel without the systemic barriers that have existed for so long. My commitment to this cause goes beyond words—it’s about using my platform in healthcare and leadership to break down those barriers.

The Role of Philanthropy in Women’s Sports

Philanthropy has a tremendous role to play in ensuring that women in sports have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. In many countries, and even in some parts of the U.S., women’s sports continue to face challenges related to funding, visibility, and media coverage. Through our foundation, we’ve made it a priority to support programs that uplift young women in sports, particularly in fields where they may not traditionally have the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

One of the ways we’ve done this is by creating scholarships and mentorship programs for female athletes. These programs help young women pursue higher education and sports careers simultaneously, opening up doors that might otherwise remain closed due to financial constraints. I’ve seen firsthand how giving women the tools to succeed in both sports and education can change the trajectory of their lives, empowering them to not only become leaders in the athletic world but also in their communities and industries.

But it’s not just about providing opportunities for athletes at the elite level. We also focus on grassroots initiatives that promote sports participation for young girls. Encouraging girls to get involved in sports from a young age is vital for developing lifelong skills that extend beyond the field. Whether it’s building self-confidence, learning how to collaborate, or even dealing with failure and setbacks, these experiences help shape stronger, more resilient individuals.

Mental Health in Sports: A Growing Need for Awareness and Action

While supporting women’s sports is critical, we must also recognize the importance of mental health within the athletic community. Athletes are often under intense pressure to perform, whether they are competing for a championship or representing their country on the world stage. What’s often overlooked, however, is the mental toll this pressure can have on athletes, especially women, who may face unique challenges related to gender stereotypes, expectations, and societal perceptions.

Mental health has historically been a taboo subject in sports, but in recent years, there has been a welcome shift in how we approach the well-being of athletes. As someone who’s passionate about mental health advocacy, I’ve seen how leaders in healthcare and sports have begun to change the narrative. Acknowledging the mental health challenges that athletes face and providing the resources to address them is crucial for their long-term success and well-being.

One of the most significant barriers to mental health support in sports is the stigma that surrounds it. Many athletes, particularly women, fear that seeking help for mental health issues might be seen as a sign of weakness or a lack of dedication. That’s why it’s essential to create an environment where mental health is not only normalized but prioritized.

Through our foundation, we’ve worked to bring more attention to the importance of mental health in sports by funding programs that provide mental health services to athletes, both on and off the field. Whether it’s providing counseling services, creating peer support networks, or funding education around the issue, we aim to reduce stigma and ensure that athletes have access to the support they need. We’ve also partnered with institutions like Wake Forest University, where we work on initiatives that integrate mental health support into athletic programs.

Why Leadership Matters

Leadership is a fundamental element of both sports and healthcare. In sports, strong leadership can be the difference between a team’s success and failure. In healthcare, leadership drives change, fosters innovation, and ensures that patient care remains at the highest standards. For me, my work in radiology and healthcare has taught me that leadership is not just about making decisions—it’s about inspiring and empowering others to take action and make a difference.

As a CEO, I’ve learned that true leadership comes from listening to others, understanding their needs, and using your position to create opportunities for change. This is especially true when it comes to mental health and women’s sports. The leaders in this field—whether they are coaches, healthcare professionals, or philanthropists—must work together to break down the barriers that hinder progress and ensure that women athletes receive the same respect, attention, and care as their male counterparts.

Moving Forward: A Unified Vision for Women’s Sports and Mental Health

The future of women’s sports and mental health initiatives is bright, but there’s still much work to be done. As more athletes, coaches, and healthcare professionals advocate for change, we’re seeing tangible progress in terms of funding, visibility, and support. However, we must continue to push forward, ensuring that mental health is a top priority in sports and that women athletes have access to the tools they need to succeed both physically and mentally.

As I reflect on my role as a healthcare leader and philanthropist, I am reminded of the power that sports has to change lives. The combination of leadership, healthcare, and philanthropy is a potent force for good, and I’m honored to be part of this movement. By continuing to invest in women’s sports and mental health initiatives, we can create a future where every female athlete has the opportunity to thrive, both on and off the field. The work is ongoing, but with dedication and compassion, we can transform lives and the world of sports as we know it.