International women’s day campaigns
The Corporate Athlete – where sport meets leadership
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2023, Brewer Morris launched the “corporate athlete” series, spotlighting five remarkable women whose athletic backgrounds have profoundly shaped their professional journeys. These stories—featuring Alice Hogg, Alyssa Sawinski, Annah Jamison, Chloe Barnes, and Devon Novotnak—highlight the powerful intersection of sport, leadership, and personal growth.
Each woman brings a unique perspective, yet they all share a common thread: the discipline, resilience, and teamwork honed through athletic pursuits have become the foundation of their success in the corporate world. Whether through hockey, dance, basketball, or cheerleading, these athletes-turned-professionals exemplify how the mindset of a competitor can fuel innovation, inclusivity, and impact far beyond the field.
Together, their voices form a compelling narrative of empowerment, showing how the lessons of sport continue to inspire excellence in business, leadership and life.
A unified portrait of resilience and leadership
Alice Hogg
Alice, a Senior Enterprise Account Executive at Meltwater, attributes her self-assurance, grit, and maturity to her years playing competitive hockey. Her leadership experiences on the field taught her the importance of accountability, communication, and stepping outside her comfort zone. She believes sport offers an instant community and a lifelong toolkit for navigating change.
Alyssa Sawinski
Alyssa, a Chicago-based HR recruiter and former dancer, performer, and teacher, channels her passion for movement into entrepreneurship and fitness advocacy. Her background in dance instilled discipline, creativity, and a strong work ethic. She emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and using physical activity as a means of self-expression and empowerment.
Annah Jamison
Annah’s athletic journey began in childhood and continued through high school, where she excelled in cheerleading, basketball, cross country, and lacrosse. Her competitive spirit and team experiences taught her perseverance and adaptability. These qualities now fuel her professional drive and collaborative mindset.
Chloe Barnes
Chloe, a former Division I basketball player turned entrepreneur and DE&I advocate, faced a pivotal moment when an injury ended her sports career. She transformed that setback into a mission-driven path, using her platform to foster inclusion and mental health awareness. Her story highlights the power of resilience and redefining success beyond the scoreboard.
Devon Novotnak
Devon, a product manager at The RealReal, blends her passions for technology, fashion, and sustainability. She founded the company’s Women’s Employee Resource Group to support women in tech. Her athletic background taught her leadership, community-building, and the value of showing up consistently for others.
Rachel McKenzie
Rachel McKenzie, a New York-based associate at Sidley Austin LLP, draws on her experience as a former ski instructor to navigate the legal world with confidence and adaptability. Her athletic background taught her resilience and composure—skills she now applies to high-pressure legal challenges.
