Merz Aesthetics WOTM

Editor in Chief at The Women's Game, former NC Courage and USWNT player

March 22, 2025
 
Sam Mewis led the Courage to three NWSL Shields and two NWSL Championships whilst she was playing at the NC Courage, cementing herself as one of the most dominant players in the history of the NWSL. 

On the international stage, Mewis won the 2019 World Cup with the USWNT and was named the 2020 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year. 

Since retiring, Mewis has become one of the best podcast hosts in sports with The Women's Game, blending her infectious personality with a deep knowledge of soccer and connection to the players she interviews.The Women's Game is a leading platform dedicated to all things women's soccer, where Mewis currently serves as Editor-in-Chief. She continues to play a key role in expanding coverage of women's sports across the media landscape

Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission

November 2, 2024

Kaila'Shea A. Menendez is currently the Deputy Director of the Durham Sports Commission since 2021. A transformative leader, Menendez has driven social and economic impact in local sports, earning awards like the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and the NC Travel Industry Association’s Rising Star Award. She led the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, empowering women in sports and business, and played key roles in events like the Champion Durham Classic and 2024 National Fencing Championship. Menendez also serves on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Association. A Raleigh native, former basketball student-athlete, and dedicated community leader, Menendez brings excellence to the triangle sports landscape!

President & CEO of El Centro Hispano, Inc.

October 5, 2024

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg is the President & CEO of El Centro Hispano, Inc. She represents the organization in the community and advocates for the Latina community. Pilar is focused on strengthening the organization for sustainability.

Pilar also serves on various boards, including Duke University's Chancellor's CEO Health Advisory Board, Durham Tech BOD of Trustees and is Chair of the Aging Well Durham Board. She owns and teaches at Takiri Folclor Latino Dance Group and loves spending time with her nine grandchildren.

Iraqi Veteran and Founder of the Khyiah T. Bryd International Foundation

September 1, 2024

Shakema is a disabled Iraqi veteran and founder of the Khyiah T. Bryd International Foundation which focus on providing simple, affordable and convenient hearing solutions.

She is additionally focused on helping special needs students within the community and serves on the Transportation and Community Access Chair within the Raleigh Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities.

She has ten years of extensive expertise in the management and supply chain spectrums within the public and private sectors and the United States Army, including philanthropy/community outreach, project management, and human resource/administration.