'Women of the Culture' Honors Women In Sports

Short N Sweet Ent

On Wednesday, March 26th, 2025, at Soho Dumbo House, The Ci Agency held its 3rd Annual Women of the Culture and this year honored Women In Sports.

The founder, Cierra Brooks, started this initiative to congratulate women who have positively impacted her career. The purpose of this special evening, during Women’s History Month, is to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of extraordinary women who have impacted the sports industry. This year, The Ci Agency acknowledged the work of 10 talented professionals who continue to make a difference.

As the night began, attendees entered the space while DJ Rubie Lee played the latest mix of music from the hottest artists of our day. During the networking portion, guests sipped on a delicious glass of ‘Red Blend’ a selection from South Africans IBest Wines.

To get the evening started, beautiful and talented singer, Dyna Edyne blessed the room with an exceptional performance of her newest song “Don’t Hold Back”. Her soulful and angelic voice set the tone for an incredible night of magical moments.

Photo Credit: joymalonephotography

The Women of Culture Honorees

Kysre Gondrezick - The Game Changer Award

“To be here in the presence and the space of empowering black women and to know that I fit in that space with you all is truly humbling and graceful at the same time”.

Kysre Gondrezick, former WNBA player “Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky”, dominated in everything she did on the court. Her love, talent, and skills for the game of basketball made a huge impact on the next generation of young female ball players. She not only made a statement on the court but as a model, Kysre has quickly become the “it girl” in the fashion industry. She steps out with confidence during the ‘hottest fashion weeks’ with cutting-edge and jaw-dropping style and personality. She is an example of a woman who can pivot in her career and still make a difference.

PJ DeCordova Boyd – Champion Of Diversity Award

“I am so humbled and grateful to be here. If you leave with anything tonight, live your life with intentionality”.

As a 2x Emmy Award Winner, PJ DeCordova-Boyd has made a career in the radio broadcast, news, sports, and entertainment television industry. As a producer, she has used her platform to tell us the stories that we deserve to know. From being behind the scenes to being on the court, PJ shinned the light on others who have made an impact in their community. She is the spotlight and the driving force that continues to uplift us in rooms that authentically celebrate what it means to be a strong woman.

Raya Clay – Excellence In Player Development Award

“My mission is to use my voice, my platform, and my mentorship for other women of color to be in these spaces”.

Raya Clay is known for her groundbreaking work in the sports industry and is a 2x Emmy Award Producer. She is a producer of digital talent and sports telling for Fox Sports. Her confident and remarkable personality has proved that she is a strong leader and will continue to make a powerful impact in the sports field.

Taylor Rooks – Cultural Catalyst Award

“My greatest strengths are being a woman and a woman of color. We have the strength for women to be seen and heard”.

From being an NBA sideline reporter for TNT to hosting and being an executive producer for The Bleacher Report, Taylor Rooks is the true definition of displaying what it means to be a strong black woman in the sports business. As a sports journalist and broadcaster, with impeccable fashion style, Taylor is known for her expertise and bold interview methods. Her poised presence on and off the camera has allowed her to get exclusive stories from the top athletes in the world. She is shaping sports and culture by telling stories the right way. Taylor Rooks is going to get the job done and is the perfect example of why representation is so important. She is a huge role model for other women of color in the sports world.

Brantlee Fields – Powerhouse In Sports and Communications

“I am so happy to be in a room full of impact and joy”.

As the Head of Athlete Partnership at Twitter, Brantlee Fields has created numerous spaces in the sports field where she can authentically be herself. Her marketing in the NBA and NFL has demonstrated her ability to be a game changer.

Lindsay Pinckney – Visionary Brand Leader Award

“I am so thankful and this is such an honor to share this space. I almost gave up on my dreams but fast-forward to now, I am being recognized for my contributions. Continue to put faith in the man above”.

Lindsay Pinckney is the face of ‘Female Black Excellence’ in the sports industry. If she is not at the 2024 Olympics she is in the office elevating and supporting the most elite and exclusive athletes of our time.

Edy Lawson Jackson & Samira Jackson – Trailblazer Legacy Award

“We are breaking barriers and paving the way for other women to come after us”.

Edy Lawson Jackson and Samira Jackson are the first mother-daughter duo NFL agents. They have used their voices to make an impact in male-dominated spaces and have successfully left their mark on everything that they touch.

Patricia Yanez – Industry Innovator Award

“Our capabilities are challenged and the assumptions are that we can’t. We are in a climate that wants to break down equity and representation and we have an obligation to live in our power”.

As a sports marketing and brand strategies genius, Patrica Yanez’s impact on the sports industry is undeniable. While she served as the Director of Marketing for the New York Red Bulls she was in charge of increasing the visibility of the team. Her hard work and dedication also allowed her to work with brands such as Paramount+ and ESPN. She continues to magnify the voices of the next generation.

Monica McNutt – The Voice Of The Game Award

“I am so thankful to be in the sports media industry where we champion sisterhood”.

If you are listening to the New York Knicks games live in the arena or your home, you have heard sports analyst and reporter, Monica McNutt breaking down plays and paving the way for sports journalism and broadcasting. She is known nationally for the work that she has done both in the NBA and WNBA and continues to change the landscape of women in sports media.

Photo Credit: iamtydavis

As the night came to an end, the ladies received a Proclamation from Senator Kevin S. Parker. He recognized everyone for their service and what they have done for the community.

Founder Cierra Brooks left us with some uplifting and empowering words. “Tonight I am feeling blessed. Seriously I thank God for allowing me to be a vessel and fully leaning on what purpose looks like”.

Photo Credit: joymalonephotography

Each and every single day Women In Sports are taking over and using their voices to amplify the talented women that are leaving a mark in their respective fields. Nothing and no one can stop us from achieving our goals and I am truly excited to be on this journey with other women of color who represent what excellence truly looks like.

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

All Photos are from Joy Malone Photography

Until Next Post... Coach Tay