TAMPA, FL - In 2017, leaders from the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, PCA-Tampa Bay, and WeCOACH (formerly Alliance of Women Coaches) created a local event that marked the 45th anniversary of Title IX and celebrated the landmark legislation. This year, the tradition continues with the second event in the Beyond Barriers - Because of Title IX series which will coincide with the 33rd celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, a nationally recognized day honoring the extraordinary achievements of girls and women in sports. The event will take place at Amalie Arena on Wednesday, February 6 at 6:30 PM. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Visit BeyondBarriers2019.com to register or learn more.

Beyond Barriers honors yesterday’s leaders whose tireless work has paved the way for today's opportunities. It is the female executives and athletes who have defied expectations, pushed past gender barriers and broken glass ceilings that have helped to create a field of equal play in the sports industry. The lineup of incredible speakers features women with extensive backgrounds in sports who are at the top of their game in their respective professions.

The program will include:

• Donna Orender - CEO, Generation W
• Blair Bloomston - Vice President, Game On Nation
• Jane Castor - Mayoral Candidate, Former Tampa Chief of Police
• Tiffany Greene - Play-by-Play Commentator, ESPN
• Lauren Holtkamp - Official, NBA
• Brigid Merenda - Shareholder, Trenam Law
• Magie Cook - Motivational Speaker (Keynote)

“Beyond Barriers: Because of Title IX and National Girls & Women in Sports Day are important events that provide platforms to help raise awareness and create important conversations around gender equality and the extraordinary achievements of many women that have helped pave the way for young girls today,” said Claire Lessinger, Executive Director of the TBLOC. “I am confident that our audience will be inspired and motivated by the powerful lineup of special guest speakers and their personal and professional journeys that showcase the courage, strength, leadership and character they gained through sports participation.”

Together with our theme of "If you can see her, you can be her," Beyond Barriers is certain to serve as a rallying cry to young girls; to inspire them, through the impact and influence of sport, to follow their dreams with relentless pursuit. The Tampa Bay Sports Commission, PCA-Tampa Bay, WeCOACH, USF Women in Leadership & Philanthropy, WISE Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Lightning have partnered to take a community-based leadership role that inspires and encourages girls to play and stay in sports.