ForbesWomen’s Post

Raftyn Rignell, former UConn Volleyball player is my guest on Husky Talk. Loved seeing her for the first time in 20 years. Procyon Partners is one of the top 50 fastest growing companies in the country. They specialize in employee benefits, wealth management and retirement planning. President Sean Rabinowitz provides exceptional outcomes and is a proud supporter of Husky Talk. She was always athletic, competing as a gymnist before she grew taller . Volleyball and basketball were sports she excelled in. Ultimately, playing club volleyball with several teammates who went to division 1 colleges was how UConn found her and recruited Raftyn to Storrs. She had a great career despite a few difficult injuries and ended up being a double major. After coaching at the college level, working for her father, in 2019 she decided to try starting to use social media to be an influencer. Her competitive drive from sports translated to wanting to show she could be successful. It started with doing projects around her house with her husband and has grown into a juggernaut. She has millions of followers. Her best advice to me was to be relatable and build strong engagement. Very happy she would throw me a few tips, learning from the best, I am grateful. Between Raftyn and Nicki Maher , they have built empires on social media! Green Street Trust International is our newest sponsor of Husky Talk. Ronel Jumpp and his team specialize in alternative investments while optimizing portfolios through strategic tax planning. Schedule a free strategy session today at https://lnkd.in/eGQJUFdn Michael Burton and his team are running Bleeding Blue for Good , along with Storrs Central as NIL collectives. You can see the difference on the field with UConn Football winning its most games in September since 2014. We need continued success and will be in a Power 5 conference. Mike has given back, worked harder than anyone, I refuse to watch him do this alone. All off our alumni need to come together and donate. 1.5 million was raised off the backs of 12 people last year. We have strength in numbers and alumni who are very successful. Donate $200 or $500. If we can get regular monthly donations, you will continue to UConn sports be successful. Let’s come together and show what we are capable of raising money. Go to https://lnkd.in/e-UUUQGT to donate and receive a tax write off. https://lnkd.in/eUkxAWa5 https://lnkd.in/eKkmmqV4 https://lnkd.in/esYn_xMX

Ah, the Olympics! The highs, the lows, the victories, the heartbreaks. My 7 year old and I were watching our fellow Marylander, Katie Ledecky, in the Women’s 400m Freestyle last Saturday. She finished the race in third place, and then gave a big hug to first place finisher, Australian Ariarne Titus. “What?!?” my kiddo cried. “They are competing…why are they hugging?!” “Well, sure, they are competing, but they also know each other. Olympians see their competitors all the time, at different events and competitions. I assume they’ve become friends over time. It’s what happens when you share the same passion.” The Olympics are such an incredible display of the beautiful tension that can exist between competition and collaboration, and that got me thinking about how we can bring that same competing while collaborating mindset to our nonprofits. 🤺 I find some nonprofit leaders bristle at the idea of collaborators: Nobody helps us, we stand alone! 👭 Others wince at the mention of competitors: What kind of us vs. them mindset are you promoting, Kelly? But we don’t have to choose. The Olympics prove that competition and collaboration can be balanced and held in the same space. When considered in tandem in the nonprofit space, we realize that every collaborator is potentially a competitor (for volunteers, for donor dollars, for government grants). By the same token our competition might just be a collaborator waiting for the opportunity to partner and serve our community even better! One of my clients dove deep into this tension and realized that they were doing work that a few other nonprofits did better, but they had one specific way of standing out that put them in a whole other field. That realization was like winning a gold medal! Check out my blog for the whole story: https://lnkd.in/gsa7fF3u

📈 As we know, women's rugby is on the rise, not just in participation but also in performance. 💨 The game is getting much faster and more intense than ever before. The demands on college players now are probably the biggest they have been. 🥉 We know that the USA Rugby 7s team came third at the Olympics & it was Life University Women's Rugby Spiff who scored the winning try. 🇺🇸 The Life program has just had two more players join the 7s residency recently to play on the World Series, as well as two alumni earning their 1st XV caps over the summer, working towards the 2025 World Cup. (4 alumni in the 7s residency & 3 in the 15s pool) 💥 However, what’s more exciting is the mass of players simmering beneath the surface, waiting to break through into the national teams. ⬆️ The standards that are being set are only improving, and in order to keep up with our progress, it requires us to continue pushing the boundaries. 👤 Personally, I love to see the development of players grow into the national team, and it drives me to continue developing players to compete on the world stage. 👀 Not just the development factor, but I also aim to show people how entertaining women’s sports can be. I'm creating styles of play and helping players express themselves in ways they can’t in other aspects of life. 💰 There is a cost to these aspirations, and yes, there are often more important things to donate to these days. But if you believe in the growth of women’s sports, and if you believe in me and the journey I am personally on, please consider donating to the cause. 🦅 The Life U Running Eagles program is celebrating its 10th year, and we want the next 10 years to continue the same success we have had. 📲 [Donate here] https://lnkd.in/eQpk6dUB

With our 318 SPORTS program, every champion’s journey is a story of growth, resilience, and finding their path. One of our remarkable athletes shared how her passion for basketball began with a simple piece of advice from her parents: “Go where the tree goes.” That wisdom led her to the court, where she discovered her love for the game and began her journey as a basketball player. As a key program of the 318 Foundation, 318 SPORTS is more than just a training ground; it’s a place where talent meets opportunity. We’re dedicated to empowering young athletes, especially those who need more exposure or resources to succeed. Our programs aim to develop athletic skills and personal growth, empowering these young women to lead on and off the court. We believe in the power of sports to transform lives, and that’s why our approach goes beyond just physical training. We provide our champions the tools they need to excel in every aspect of their lives—from leadership courses and wellness support to financial literacy and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education. At 318 SPORTS, we’re committed to building the future of female athletes by empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. The 318 Foundation, through programs like 318 SPORTS, is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for Black girls and historically marginalized communities. We’re building a community where every athlete can thrive, with a network that believes in their potential and is committed to these girl’s success. ✨ To learn more about our programs and how to donate, please visit: https://lnkd.in/eJiuYD94 #318Foundation #318SPORTS #AthleteStories #GirlsInSports #ClosingTheOpportunityGap

Legendary basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar isn't just known for his signature skyhook. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently auctioned off his championship rings, MVP trophies, and other memorabilia for a staggering $2.8 million. But what truly sets this story apart is how Abdul-Jabbar plans to use the proceeds: to fund a youth education program. Abdul-Jabbar's decision highlights the importance of giving back and inspiring future generations. His quote is more powerful "when it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple, Sell it all." As professionals, we all have the opportunity to use our resources and influence to make a positive impact. #kareemabduljabbar #philanthropy #education #youthdevelopment #1billiontree #climatechange

Legendary basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar isn't just known for his signature skyhook. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recently auctioned off his championship rings, MVP trophies, and other memorabilia for a staggering $2.8 million. But what truly sets this story apart is how Abdul-Jabbar plans to use the proceeds: to fund a youth education program. Abdul-Jabbar's decision highlights the importance of giving back and inspiring future generations. His quote is more powerful "when it comes to choosing between storing a championship ring or trophy in a room, or providing kids with an opportunity to change their lives, the choice is pretty simple, Sell it all." As professionals, we all have the opportunity to use our resources and influence to make a positive impact. #kareemabduljabbar #philanthropy #education #youthdevelopment #1billiontree #climatechange

Women's sports have been undervalued for far too long, but times are changing. The skyrocketing viewership and popularity during the last World Cup proved that the momentum is unstoppable. It's especially inspiring to see women stepping up and investing in this incredible growth and success, driving the future of sports to new heights. 🚀🏆 #WomensSports #GameChanger #InvestInHer

With our 318 SPORTS program, we believe in the transformative power of sports to shape athletes and strong, empowered individuals. Our recent basketball camp provided an inspiring glimpse into the future as these talented girls honed their skills on the court while developing essential life skills like leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Every pass, every shot, and every play is a step toward realizing their potential and breaking barriers in a field where representation matters. Our mission at 318 Foundation is unique. We dedicate ourselves to closing the opportunity gap for Black girls and historically marginalized communities. Through our innovative approach to immersive experiences and elite training, we provide young athletes with the tools they need to thrive on and off the court. It's not just about the game – it's about creating a community where every girl can excel, lead, and make an impact. Community is not just a part of what we do; it's at the heart of everything we do. The support of dedicated coaches, the camaraderie among teammates, and the encouragement from family and mentors are all vital to our young athletes. A network that believes in their success uplifts them. The importance of sports for girls goes beyond physical fitness – it builds confidence, teaches perseverance, and fosters a sense of belonging. We are deeply committed to providing these opportunities at no cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talent and potential. But we cannot do it alone. The 318 Foundation relies on our community's and supporters' generosity to continue offering these transformative experiences for young athletes. Together, we can make a lasting difference. Help us empower the next generation of leaders. Support our mission by donating today. To contribute, please visit: https://lnkd.in/e9ja2pb9 #EmpowerHer #GirlsInSports #318Foundation #CommunityLeadership #BreakingBarriers

As a person who likes statistics, here are a few good ones on how Scouting positively helps youth become successful. 1. **Active Citizenship**: Scouts score **17% higher** in active citizenship compared to their peers³. 2. **Life Skills and Employability**: Scouts score **16% higher** in life skills and employability³. 3. **Leadership Skills**: Scouts score **12% higher** in leadership skills³. 4. **Empathy and Supporting Others**: Scouts score **9% higher** in empathy and supporting others³. Scouting isn't just about adventure; it's about building well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to their communities! Please help me keep this great program running. Please consider a donation. https://lnkd.in/gpBR2P68 #Scouting #YouthDevelopment #LeadershipSkills #CharacterBuilding Source: Conversation with Bing, 3/28/2024 (1) About WSF | World Scout Foundation. https://lnkd.in/eYmbWVgK. (2) New Research Proves Scouting’s Long-Term Impact. https://lnkd.in/ez6GRTt7. (3) Building Leaders - Scouting. https://lnkd.in/eARdcxk2. (4) Measuring Scouting’s Impact on the Development of Young People. https://lnkd.in/eVZQ8DCu. (5) Study confirms what we already know: Scouting is good for you. https://lnkd.in/eC6Df7Ea. (6) undefined. https://lnkd.in/ezjbeuZD.

We are halfway through our Youth Sports Team contest, and the team spirit has been incredible! Thank you to everyone who has entered so far. Keep those team names and personal stories coming for your chance to win a $250 donation!   At North Shore Environmental Consultants Inc., flexibility is a core value that keeps us adaptable and resilient. In our work, it means tackling challenges with creativity and agility to deliver the best outcomes for our clients and the environment.   In youth sports, flexibility is a game-changer. Whether it’s learning to play different positions, pivoting strategies during a game, or bouncing back from setbacks, flexibility teaches young athletes how to adapt, overcome challenges, and stay focused on their goals. These lessons extend far beyond the field, preparing them to navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.   How to Participate in Our Contest: 📸 Step 1: Share your child’s team logo in the comments or simply comment with the team’s name. 💬 Bonus: Share a moment when flexibility made a difference for your child’s team for an extra entry! 👍 Step 2: Make sure to follow our page if you haven’t already. 🎉 Step 3: On December 12th, we will randomly select one lucky winner who follows our page and has commented with a team name, photo, or experience.   The selected team will receive a $250 donation from North Shore Environmental Consultants!   Let’s celebrate the adaptability and resilience that sports inspire in young athletes. Together, we can support local youth teams and help them thrive!   #NorthShoreFamily #YouthSports #CoreValues