Bears announce women’s advisory board for improving female fan experience

Eli Ong
·2 min read
28

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — The Chicago Bears announced the formation of a women’s advisory board Friday, one where the members of the board will work toward enhancing the organization’s connection with their female fans through community engagement, and championing diversity and inclusion, according to a press release from the team.

Led by the Bears newly-hired Executive Vice President of Stadium Development and Chief Operating Officer Karen B. Murphy, the board is composed of eight women in total:

  • Barby K. Siegel, Global CEO, Zeno Group

  • Bridget Brennan, Founder and CEO, Female Factor

  • Dinai Yelverton, Founder, The uDe Agency & President, WISE Chicago

  • Hon. Patricia Brown Holmes (Ret.), Managing Partner, Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila

  • Juliana Zavala, Senior Manager of Elementary Sports, Chicago Public Schools

  • Karen B. Murphy, EVP of Stadium Development & Chief Operating Officer, Chicago Bears

  • Sheila Oliver, SVP and General Manager, WFLD-TV (FOX32 Chicago)

  • Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner, Kinzie Capital

According to the Bears, the women’s advisory board will be instrumental in understanding and resonating with the needs and interests of the team’s diverse female fanbase.

“The passion of our Chicago Bears fans, especially our female fans, is incredibly powerful. From our dedicated female season ticket holders to the mothers who have raised our current players, to the women who lead many of the iconic corporations based in Illinois, women are an integral part of our Chicago Bears football community,” said Chicago Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren.

“We are committed to enhancing the gameday female fan experience, making an impact in our community that reflects the values of our female supporters and seeking advice during the design of our Chicago Bears stadium,” Warren continued. “This Women’s Advisory Board, composed of amazing, accomplished leaders, will provide invaluable insights and guidance.

“Their work will ensure our efforts resonate with women and drive meaningful change across our organization, the city of Chicago and our fans both nationally and globally.”

Of Bears season ticket holders for the upcoming 2024 season, 16% are women and 19% of whom are people of color. Across all age demographics, 43% of the Bears’ female fans are younger than 45 years old, and 43% of that group are also people of color.

According to additional survey statistics from the Bears, 20% of their female fans started following the team by age 8, while 42% of their female fans root for the Bears as their primary hometown Chicago sports team.

“I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead the Women’s Advisory Board, alongside this diverse and talented group of female leaders,” Murphy said. “Having been part of the Chicago Bears organization for over two decades, I understand the importance of our female fans.

“Our goal is not only to strengthen our connection with our female fan base but
also to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the Chicago community.”

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