2ND ANNUAL VIRTUAL CAREER PANEL

The 2nd Annual Harlem Lacrosse Women's Impact Network Virtual Career Panel was a powerful testament to the transformative impact of mentorship and representation. This event connected young women in our program with accomplished professionals across diverse industries, giving them direct access to role models who shared their career journeys, challenges, and lessons learned.

For our student-athletes, the experience was both eye-opening and deeply personal. Many expressed how meaningful it was to engage in one-on-one conversations with successful women who once stood in their shoes. The breakout rooms fostered honest discussions about overcoming adversity, following passions, and navigating career pathways.

When asked how to handle job stress, one panelist emphasized the importance of self-awareness, a strong support network, and balance.

"As a woman, there's a lot of pressure, and climbing any ladder is hard. It took my whole life to learn balance. Athletes, who face immense pressure, develop emotional resilience—94% of CEOs are former athletes. Don't compare yourself to others; take pride in yourself, and that confidence will be contagious."

Panelists not only answered questions but also offered ongoing mentorship, with some providing their contact information to continue guiding students beyond the event.

One student captured the essence of the evening, sharing, “Hearing their stories and knowing they faced challenges like mine made me trust my own journey.” Another remarked on the powerful encouragement they received, saying, “The panelists were so open about what they wished they had done differently, helping us recognize opportunities to shape our futures now.”

This event exemplifies the Harlem Lacrosse commitment to expanding opportunities for the young women in our program—not just in athletics, but in education, careers, and personal growth.

Watch our panelist introductions below

MEet Our Panelists

Hover on image to read bio

Amanda is a researcher and advocate in the Children’s Rights Division, where she specializes in youth justice. Her work focuses on developing effective strategies for reforming the ways in which US states interact with youth accused of crimes.

Before joining Human Rights Watch, Amanda led research efforts on extreme sentencing in California, specifically the reintegration of individuals formerly sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. She has also worked as a Human Rights Fellow at Columbia University where she developed a human rights blueprint for the Obama Presidency Oral History Project. She holds a B.A. in Public and International Affairs from Princeton University and an M.A. in International Policy from Stanford University where she was a Knight-Hennessy Scholar.

Amanda Leavell

Sherretta Peterson, CSE, is a visionary strategist, business leader, and community advocate dedicated to driving organizational success and societal impact. With an extensive background in finance, technology, and strategic planning, she has spent over two decades guiding companies, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs toward sustainable growth. As Chief Strategy Officer of STL Global Consulting, she leads initiatives that help organizations navigate complex market landscapes, adopt innovative technologies, and optimize operations. Her ability to implement industry best practices, enhance financial controls, and drive operational efficiencies has positioned her as a trusted leader in the business world.

Sherretta Peterson

Heidi is an accomplished medical device executive with over 20 years of experience at Boston Scientific Corporation, where she has served in multiple executive commercial leadership roles across Global Marketing and Clinical, most recently as Global VP of Clinical Education & Healthcare Operations. Throughout her career, she has led worldwide commercial teams while managing complex integrations and strategic initiatives across international markets.

A graduate of Bentley University with a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Heidi brings both business acumen and a dedication to mentoring the next generation of leaders. She currently splits her time between Bradenton, FL and Harwich Port, MA.

Heidi Baron

Michele is a dynamic and visionary leader dedicated to social equity, community empowerment, and second chances. As the Executive Director of Hang Time Programs, she leads with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting Connecticut communities—especially those impacted by incarceration.

Previously, Michele launched an innovative new impact granting program at the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, served as President of the Darien Community Association, helped start a private school in Bridgeport and began her career in private equity and executive search. In 2022, Michele received the Community Fund of Darien’s Unsung Hero Award for her work to uplift her community during the pandemic.  A strong believer in striving for one’s goals and the benefits of higher education, Michele is the first in her family to go to college and she received her undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.   She is married and raised her three adult children (2 biological daughters and an adopted son from Nigeria) in Connecticut.

Michele Litt

Heather is a partner at DLA Piper. Heather’s experience includes advising leading financial institutions, commercial and investment banks, direct lenders, private equity firms and corporate borrowers on a broad range of financing matters. These include syndicated and direct lending leveraged acquisition financings (both domestic and cross-border), asset-based financings and investment grade lending transactions, debtor in possession financings and exit financings.  

Prior to her current role, Heather was a partner at White & Case LLP and she also previously served as assistant general counsel for an international media corporation.

Heather Waters Borthwick

Oumou, an NYC native, is a registered nurse in the Medical ICU at NYU Langone Tisch Hospital. She earned her BSN, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Pennsylvania and has diverse clinical experience in emergency, pediatric, and behavioral health care. Beyond nursing, Oumou strives to serve the communities she's a part of, serving as Secretary of the Penn African Students Association during her time at UPenn and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, an organization committed to public service especially in Black communities.

Oumou Doumbia

Allison is a Managing Partner at The Marathon Fund, a venture capital firm whose thesis focuses on generating VC market rates of return while facilitating economic impact within underrepresented founder communities. At Marathon, she is primarily responsible for developing the firm’s strategy and portfolio selection process, facilitating investment transactions, and managing the firm’s investments and operations. Allison became a LAX Mom quite unexpectedly when her eldest daughter picked up a stick in the 4th grade and never looked back, achieving her dream by being recruited to play D1 lacrosse in the Ivy League at Dartmouth College starting in the fall of 2025. Shaped by her daughter’s experience, Allison and her family have become passionate about helping to make the sport of lacrosse more accessible and inclusive.

Allison Alexander

Johnson is a CEO, executive producer for both feature and documentary films, a political advocate, and philanthropist.

Johnson’s first feature film was the international box office success, Shall We Dance (Miramax), starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. Currently in development; Thunder Over the Prairie, award-winning Walter Hill as director, and The Winter’s Army, an adaptation of the New York Times bestselling book.

Her first documentary film was the award-winning The Last Animals (National Geographic), premiering at the Tribeca Film festival. She has produced several other impactful documentaries, including The Bleeding Edge (Netflix) with award winning filmmakers Amy Zierling and Kirby Dick; On The Record (HBO Max) also with Zierling and Dick, premiering at The Sundance Film Festival. Another standout is Mission: JOY – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times, inspired by The Book of Joy, which captures the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The Last Animals and The Book of Joy are both used in academic curriculums at the University level. 

Johnson currently serves as a Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) envoy to The United Nations’ High Seas Alliance, and a board member of the National Women’s History Museum in Washington, D.C. The museum has been honored to play a key role in the presidential commission to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary July 2026. The Museum has been named a resource partner to celebrate American women’s historical contributions to the Nation’s history. Additionally, she is a female board member at all-male Loyola High School, Los Angeles.

 

With deep appreciation for all of those that serve, Mari has been actively involved with The Greatest Generations Foundation supporting WWII veterans, Navy SEAL Foundation, SEAL Future Foundation and Team Rubicon.

Johnson is passionate about sports, particularly lacrosse. She helped found programs at Loyola High School & Marlborough High Los Angeles, as well as working with West Coast club teams. She played a pivotal part in assisting the University of Michigan’s elevation to Division 1 lacrosse. 

Mari Snyder Johnson

Savannah currently serves as the Chief Equity and Talent Officer at Harlem Lacrosse. She is a DEI practitioner, media scholar, educational healer, arts administrator, and media literacy advocate who is deeply passionate about antiracism and equity, human and civil rights, social justice, and all things creative.

Savannah Overton Williams

Kate is a partner in the Houston office of global law firm Bracewell LLP where her practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, primarily in the energy and infrastructure industries.  In addition to her active practice, she serves as the firm’s hiring partner and a member of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee. 

A longtime supporter of Harlem Lacrosse and its students, Kate is a current member of the New York Advisory Board, having previously served as an Executive Board member in the early days of the organization.  

Kate is a double Wahoo, having graduated from the University of Virginia in 2009 and the University of Virginia School of Law in 2014.  She serves on the Houston Regional Board of the UVA College of Arts & Sciences, the Houston Regional Selection Committee for the Jefferson Scholarship Foundation and the Alumni Council of the Law School Foundation. 

She lives in Houston, Texas and is a mom to Lee, 6,  and Evans, 4.

Kate Barrington McGregor

Karen is a Canadian and New York Attorney who advises Canadian venture capital firms, tech incubators and financial institutions. Karen worked at Canada’s top mutual fund firm before law school. Karen started her Masters in Economics, concurrent with her law degree.

Karen embraces being a feminist. She particularly enjoys representing and advancing women’s cases and issues both in the courtroom and beyond onto the world stage; economic, social and political challenges abound in this arena. 

Karen McArthur

Chris, a 2008 US Lacrosse Hall of Fame inductee, concluded her 36-year career as head coach of Princeton women’s lacrosse in June 2022. She retired as the fifth-winningest coach in women’s lacrosse history with 433 wins and holds the record for most wins by a head coach at one Division I program.

An advocate for the sport’s growth, she has served as chair of the Tewaaraton Trophy selection committee, on the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Committee, and as president, treasurer, and board member of the IWLCA. Chris currently sits on Harlem Lacrosse’s board and works as a recruiting consultant with BBL Club.

Chris Sailer

Hannah grew up in Chicago where she started playing lacrosse in high school before heading to Yale to play Varsity Women’s lacrosse for the Bulldogs. Hannah graduated Yale in 2020 with a B.S. in Cognitive Science with a concentration in machine learning. After college, she moved to New York City and began her career in finance, Starting out as an equities sales trader at Goldman Sachs. Currently, Hannah is on the Institutional Sales team at Galaxy where she now focuses on client coverage and crypto trading. Outside of her professional life, Hannah has been actively involved with Harlem Lacrosse for over 2.5 years and is excited to continue to grow the organization and the lacrosse network!

Hannah Burgess

Senior Sales Executive with over 25 years of experience at well-regarded sports organizations, Cynthia is an energetic and results-providing professional. A former two-sport D1 athlete, she embodies teamwork and discipline. She separates herself by forging deep relationships and finding new clients to increase revenue. She has a strong network of sports marketing and advertising agencies from 13 years at the PGA TOUR and 11 years at Sports Illustrated.

In March 2022, she joined Sturges Sports Group, a female-owned sports marketing agency with the mission to Elevate Brands by Elevating Women. SSG endeavors to drive revenue to female athletes and women’s sports platforms and consult brands on women’s sports.

Cynthia Howard