Creating Community and Opportunities for Latinas and Allies
Los Angeles, November 15, 2024 – Women Raise the Game, a multimedia creative and community platform, powered by The 360 Agency, hosted “Latinas in Sports and Entertainment” on the rooftop of the Grammy Museum on Tuesday, November 12th. The invitation-only event was an inspiring night of conversation and community, shining a spotlight on powerhouse Latinas and creating opportunities for those in these competitive fields.
Women Raise the Game’s mission is to support, elevate, and celebrate new mainstream women, now more important than ever, as evidenced by the over 300 in attendance. The event opened with remarks from Emmy award winning host Pili Montilla, the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies; Celine Cordero, Deputy Chief Of Staff for Mayor Bass, and Tish Galindo, CEO & Founder of Women Raise the Game and The 360 Agency.
“With Women Raise the Game, we’re building a movement that champions and empowers ambitious women to connect, collaborate, and transform individual ambitions into shared success. Our goal is to give women the access and opportunities they need to rise in competitive spaces. Nothing great is made alone,” said Founder & CEO, Tish Galindo.
The curated panels highlighted Latinas leading the way in sports and entertainment, industries not typically dominated by women, and even less by women of color. The evening featured panels including “Changing the Game: Building Power and Unity in Sports” with moderator, Renata Simril, CEO & President, LA84; and panelists Iris Diaz, Director, Brand & Marketing, FIFA 2026; Daysi Garcia, Founder/Head Boxing Coach, Boxing Program at PUC Excel Charter Academy; and Alana Meraz, Founder, Latinx in Sports. The discussion focused on the expanding sports opportunities coming to Los Angeles in the coming years where Latinas should and could be leading in executive roles.
The next panel “Authenticity as a Competitive Advantage, Women Shattering Industry Barriers” included moderator Tania Mercado, Principal Communications Manager, Intuit; speakers Priscilla Chavez, PCL Construction, Business Development Manager; Maria Garcia, Managing Director, CA Divisional Director, JP Morgan Chase; and Karina Martinez, Founder, Drafted. The conversation gave emphasis on being bold and knowing your self-worth in the rooms where decisions are made.
The closing panel “Voices of Change: Trailblazing Paths in Entertainment, Music, and Advocacy” was led by moderator Ruben Garcia, formerly of CAA; and speakers Bonnie Abaunza, Founder, Abaunza Group; Jennie Carreón, President and CEO, Carreón Group; and Lupita Infante, Grammy-nominated Singer-songwriter. A key take away was the importance of bringing others with you into these spaces, and creating a legacy of Latinas as leaders.
The panelists shared personal anecdotes from their own career journeys and encouraged the audience to find ways to include more Latina voices in the rooms and at the executive tables. Under the glittering lights of downtown LA, guests were able to soak in the knowledge and expertise shared on stage, as well as meet their contemporaries and find opportunities to support each other and collaborate.
“With Women Raise the Game, we’re not just celebrating women’s achievements—we’re creating rooms where deals are made. By bringing together ambitious women, we’re turning ideas into action,” said Tamala Barksdale, 360 Agency Partner and Chief Strategy Officer.
Culminating the evening was a passionate acoustic performance from Lupita Infante, Grammy-nominated Singer-songwriter, and an awards presentation honoring: Alana Meraz (Innovator Award), Iris Diaz (Impact Award), Lupita Infante (Radiance Award), and surprise honoree Bonnie Abaunza (Advocate Award) presented by Emmy award winning journalist, Giselle Fernandez.
The event was supported by partners Chase Bank and Boldyn Networks, and media partner Fierce by NGL Mitu.
For more information and to stay up to date on future events, visit https://womenraisethegame.com/
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