Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings discusses
the stories, impact, and future of women in athletics
In recognition of International Women’s Day, Grace Farms welcomed legendary Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, Women’s Sports Foundation CEO Danette Leighton, and Monarch Collective Co-Founder Jasmine Robinson for an inspiring conversation, Beyond the Game | The Stories, Impact, and Future of Women in Sports. Walsh Jennings also led volleyball clinics for 50 middle and high school girls as a part of the day’s events, along with coaches from Northeast Volleyball Club, based in Norwalk.
Kerri Walsh Jennings leads volleyball clinics at Grace Farms for 50 young volleyball players. (photo by Jacek Dolata)
Attendees heard first-hand accounts of perseverance and triumph from Walsh Jennings, one of the most decorated beach volleyball players in history, alongside perspectives on institutional change from Leighton and Robinson, who are driving investments and opportunities in women’s sports at unprecedented levels. The panel was moderated by Karen Kariuki, Grace Farms’ Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives.
(l-r) Danette Leighton, CEO of the Women’s Sports Foundation, Sharon Prince, CEO and Founder of Grace Farms, Kerri Walsh Jennings, Jasmine Robinson, Co-Founder of Monarch Collective, and Karen Kariuki, Director of Strategic Initiatives of Grace Farms following their panel. (photo by Jacek Dolata)
The powerful discussion explored the remarkable progress of women’s sports, the challenges female athletes continue to face, and the exciting future ahead for women in athletics. It also recognized the powerful and clear connection between women’s athletics and leadership. Notably, 94% of female C-suite executives played sports, according to a study by Ernst & Young/espnW and volleyball is now the #1 team sport for high school girls in the country.
“At Grace Farms, we believe gender equity isn’t just an aspiration — it is essential to our mission of advancing good in the world,” said Karen Kariuki. “We are committed to creating spaces where barriers fall and possibilities flourish. By bringing together champions like Kerri Walsh Jennings alongside industry leaders Danette Leighton and Jasmine Robinson, we’re not only celebrating their achievements but also creating new pathways for the next generation.”
“Through sports, girls don’t just learn skills and how to play the game — they are developing confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that will serve them throughout their lives,” said Kerri Walsh Jennings. “I am so glad to be able to talk about my experiences, alongside these incredible women. The challenges we’ve faced and overcome aren’t just our stories — they’re blueprints for progress that extend far beyond the court or field. By investing in girls’ sports today, we’re creating stronger, more empowered women tomorrow.”
(l-r) Krishna Desai, Former Dir. Strategy and Investments, NFL; Karen Kariuki; Sharon Prince; Jennifer Langton, MBA, Former Sr. VP, NFL; Kerri Walsh Jennings; Marci Goolsby, Director of Sports Medicine, WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) & her daughter; Danette Leighton; Amy Brooks, Pres. of New Business Ventures, National Basketball Association (NBA); & Jasmine Robinson. (photo by Jacek Dolata)
Additional photos can be accessed here.
For more information about this event and other programs at Grace Farms, please visit gracefarms.org.
