The America East Conference is proud to be taking part in the U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program for three weeks this fall. One of just two NCAA conferences participating in this year’s program, the conference has welcomed Olga Aksyonova from Ukraine as its mentee.

Now in its fourth year, the Global Sports Mentoring Program supports the United States global commitment toward advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world, using sports as a vehicle towards greater opportunity and inclusion. 

“We’re thrilled to participate in the GSMP this year,” said America East Commissioner, Amy Huchthausen. “I’m excited to learn from such an accomplished woman as Olga and are excited to have her in Boston with our America East team. I’m grateful for espnW and the U.S. Department of State’s sponsorship of the program to help grow female leaders in sport around the world.”

Aksyonova, the Director of Development for Ukraine Sport Federation, is one of 16 women from 13 countries participating in this year’s Global Sports Mentoring Program. For three weeks, she will work with Huchthausen, Executive Associate Commissioner, Shonna Brown, and the America East staff on the development of action plan to implement back in her home community. Her plan will focus on helping Ukrainian women athletes develop lifelong skills for their betterment once their competition days are over.

America East’s involvement in the Global Sports Mentoring Program is the latest example of the conference’s commitment to developing and fostering leadership on and off the field.

The U.S. Department of State and espnW Global Sports Mentoring Program, the flagship component of the Empowering Women and Girls through Sports Initiative, pairs emerging women leaders from around the world with top American female executives in the sports industry. This program develops new lasting relationships and a global network of women and girls who strive to create positive change in their home communities through sports. The U.S. Department of State’s Global Sports Mentoring Program builds on America’s global commitment to advance the rights and participation of women and girls around the world.

Every year, emerging leaders from every corner of the world work side-by-side with top female executives in the American sports industry during their month in the United States. Not only do these female emerging leaders gain valuable business and management skills through the program, but they construct strategic plans with their mentors. While their action plans specifically address different needs, they share the goal of creating sports opportunities for underserved women and girls back in their home communities.

About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.