In Tampa, Florida, more than 800 women gathered at Raymond James Stadium to participate in the first-ever “She is Football Weekend” organized by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This event, held during the first Friday morning of March, signified a monumental step in promoting women’s roles within the National Football League (NFL) and beyond. It featured talks from notable figures like Buccaneers co-owner Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, NFL executive Dasha Smith, and multiple female leaders from an array of industries. Participants engaged in a day-long summit that offered small group discussions and witnessed a live podcast recording of “Calm Down with Erin & Charissa,” featuring NFL reporters Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson. Additionally, All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs was present for an interview.
This two-day gathering exemplified the Buccaneers’ ongoing efforts to pave the way for women in the NFL, celebrating females employed within the community and spotlighting girls involved in flag football. Mentorship and empowerment were central themes, aiming to foster growth and opportunities. Remarkably, the Buccaneers made history four years ago when Lori Locust and Maral Javadifar became the first female coaches to triumph in a Super Bowl when the team bested the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Glazer family, who owns the Buccaneers, is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of female leaders through sports, aspiring to cultivate 50,000 female leaders each year. The organization strives to expand its successes with women-focused initiatives and solidify its leadership role among female sports fans nationwide.
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz expressed the organization’s goal to create networking opportunities and communities for women that would foster personal and professional growth. She emphasized that while the Buccaneers have hosted women-centric events for years, they envisioned this as a cornerstone event demonstrating their dedication to supporting women and girls both locally in Tampa Bay and beyond. The Buccaneers National Coaching Academy, spearheaded by the Glazers, is another initiative aimed at opening pathways for aspiring NFL coaches. Interestingly, 94% of women in executive roles have a background in sports.
The weekend’s festivities also included a 5K run, walk, and stroll, attracting over 3,000 participants. Inside the team’s training facility, a market festival spotlighted women-owned businesses, and curated tours offered young girls insights into potential careers within a professional sports organization. Glazer Kassewitz was actively involved, offering guidance, taking photos, and showcasing potential career paths for female attendees.
Kourtney Sanchez, the Buccaneers’ chief impact officer, highlighted that empowering women and developing young leaders is a long-standing family mission. Witnessing the enthusiasm and energy of participants reinforced the importance of this mission and the organization’s commitment to keeping women and girls engaged in sports.
Reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity, the NFL has hosted its ninth annual Women’s Forum, showcasing opportunities for women within football at all levels. Significant progress has been made, with the presence of 15 full-time female coaches last season—the highest for any male-dominated professional sports league globally.
Dasha Smith praised the summit as “truly inspiring,” applauding the unity and support among women from different backgrounds. She anticipates lasting impacts on both football and the local community, fostering connections and momentum long after the event.
Following the overwhelming success of “She Is Football” weekend, the Buccaneers have already scheduled the next event for March 6-7, 2026. Interest extended beyond the Tampa Bay area, attracting fans from different regions eager for networking, shared sports passion, and career possibilities.
NFL Network reporter Sara Walsh, who was a moderator and mentor for the event, noted how hosted activities allowed for meaningful exchanges of ideas and career insights. Such experiences could immensely expand one’s perspective and leadership aspirations.