Shaping the Game: MLB, AUSL & Women Raise the Game Honor Trailblazing Women at Historic All-Star Week Event

Sports

July 24, 2025

By: Sarah Morton

As MLB All-Star Week kicks off in Atlanta, a groundbreaking celebration is poised to redefine the future of women’s sports. Major League Baseball (MLB), Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), and Women Raise the Game will unite to host the inaugural Women Raise the Game x MLB x AUSL Honors Lunch—a landmark event spotlighting the growing influence of women in baseball and softball, and MLB’s first-ever strategic investment in a women’s professional league.

Taking place on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Punch Bowl Social at The Battery Atlanta, this invitation-only gathering honors five women whose leadership is shaping the next chapter of the game. From boardrooms to dugouts, these trailblazers are building infrastructure, accelerating growth, and opening doors for the next generation of players, executives, and fans. The event underscores a significant shift in the business of sports, one that prioritizes visibility, opportunity, and meaningful career development for women in the industry.

The afternoon will open with remarks from Tish Galindo, Founder and CEO of Women Raise the Game, who launched the platform to amplify women’s leadership across the sports landscape. “This event is about legacy and leadership,” said Galindo. “We’re honoring the women whose vision and expertise are creating lasting economic and cultural impact across professional sports. Their influence is helping to scale what’s possible in baseball, softball, and beyond.”

Shaping the Game MLB, AUSL & Women Raise the Game Honor Trailblazing Women at Historic All-Star Week Event — Photo Courtesy: Forrest Smith for Women Raise The Game

The celebration will feature a fireside chat between MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr., AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, and MLB Youth Softball Ambassador and AUSL Advisor Jennie Finch. Moderated by Emmy Award-winning MLB Network analyst and former All-Star Harold Reynolds, the discussion promises an inside look at how the league’s latest strategic moves are positioning women’s sports for long-term success.

This year’s honorees include Kim Ng, Commissioner of Athletes Unlimited Softball League, who made history as the first female GM in MLB and continues to pave new paths in the sport. DeRetta Rhodes, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Culture Officer of the Atlanta Braves, is recognized for her influential work in organizational leadership and inclusivity. Olympic medalist Natasha Watley, an AUSL Advisor and MLB Softball Ambassador, is being honored for her continued advocacy and mentorship within the sport. Jennie Finch, also an Olympic gold medalist and a prominent voice in softball development, will be celebrated for her dual roles as an AUSL Advisor and MLB Youth Softball Ambassador. Rounding out the list is Sarah Padove, Senior Manager of Baseball & Softball Development at MLB, whose behind-the-scenes efforts are helping to grow the grassroots and professional landscape alike.

“Today in Atlanta, we celebrate five women whose leadership is shaping the next chapter of sport. Each of them is building infrastructure, driving growth, and redefining what’s possible in the game,” said Galindo. “I launched Women Raise the Game to move the industry forward—and honoring leaders like these is part of that mission. Recognition is a marker of growth, and growth is the work.”

Hosted by Women Raise the Game and powered by The 360 Agency, an AI-driven marketing firm known for its culturally attuned campaigns and Fortune 500 client partnerships, the Honors Lunch sends a powerful message: the future of sports includes women at every level, and investment in that future is no longer optional—it’s imperative. The afternoon will begin with a red carpet and networking lunch at noon, followed by Galindo’s welcome address, the awards presentation, and the headline fireside conversation. The event will close with a champagne toast to celebrate the honorees and the momentum they are building for the sport.

In a year when conversations about equity and representation are dominating headlines, the Women Raise the Game x MLB x AUSL Honors Lunch stands out not only as a tribute to extraordinary leaders, but as a bold statement about what’s next. With institutional backing, high-profile visibility, and community support, the message from Atlanta is clear: the game is changing—and these women are leading the way.

For more, visit the360agency.com and womenraisethegame.com.