November 10th, 2022
5:00 PM CST
Metropolitan Ballroom & Club
Our virtual 2022 Empower Gala will support TeamWomen and Empower Leadership Academy’s pursuit of inspiring women and girls to rise together through leadership development, mentoring, and youth empowerment.
Our sponsors and partners will also share details about their dedication to making a difference in the world, one woman and girl at a time.
For organizations and individuals interested in making a greater impact, we have several sponsorship opportunities and levels available for this event. We also are looking for donations! If you’re interested in donating to our auction, please email info@teamwomenmn.org.
Registration will open in the Fall of 2022.
Since playing basketball for the University of Minnesota, where she studied journalism and mass communication, Lea has worked for NBCSN, ESPN’s national WNBA coverage, and currently is a game analyst for the Minnesota Lynx, as well as a sideline reporter for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Fox Sports North. Lea has also broadcast both the boys and girls Minnesota State high school basketball tournaments.
Founder of her nonprofit Rethink the Win, Lea now champions young athletes as complete people and the positive impacts of sports beyond the game.
Lea has been a public advocate for promoting women in the media, served on the Minnesota Twins Community Foundation Board, and served at the invitation of Governor Mark Dayton on the Minnesota State High School League Board. She has also mentored African American athletes at the University of Minnesota, moderated a civil rights discussion featuring U.S. Congressman John Lewis, and interviewed Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Rylie is a rising star in the auction industry. Having a background in theater and entertainment, she knows how to dazzle audiences of all sizes all over the U.S. Rylie intertwines wit, humor, and show “woman” ship to every auction and event. With her dynamic personality, Rylie is able to adapt and accommodate a variety of audiences and nonprofit clients.
Rylie’s extensive theater and acting background elevates her in the auction industry. It allows her to quickly acclimate, improv, and adapt when needed. She has starred in films across the U.S. and even traveled to Canada. She is known for winning Best New Actress in 2013 at The Wild Rose Film Festival and for receiving an award for up-and-coming spokesperson from the Epilepsy Foundation. She has a knack for engaging audiences and making a room come alive like she’s done on the big screen since age 9.