The U.S. Department of State and espnW are proud to announce this year’s mentor organizations and international emerging leaders participating in the 2013 Global Sports Mentoring Program. Now in its second year, this program supports the United States global commitment toward advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world, using sports as a vehicle towards greater opportunity and inclusion.

This year, the emerging leaders hail from Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Egypt, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkmenistan, and Uganda.

From September 8-October 9, 2013, top American women executives will work side by side with 17 emerging female leaders in sports to share valuable business and leadership skills. The mentors will also help construct strategic action plans with the emerging leaders in an effort to create additional sports opportunities for underserved women and girls when they return home to their communities. This year’s mentors represent the following companies and organizations: The Coca-Cola Company; Equinox; ESPN; Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA); the National Hockey League (NHL); NCAA; New Balance; New York Road Runners; Procter Gamble; The PGA of America; Saatchi Saatchi; U.S. Olympic Committee; United States Golf Association (USGA); Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA); and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

This collaboration between the U.S. Department of State and espnW, conducted in coordination with the University of Tennessee’s Center for Sport, Peace, and Society, aims to engage, inspire, and empower a new generation of women and girls through sports.

Join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #17Voices.

For more information, please contact of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at ECA-Press@state.gov or Amanda DeCastro, ESPN at Amanda.DeCastro@espn.com.

###