USC College of Information and Communications to host national sports, media, and journalism leaders for The Power of the Pivot: Women, Media & the Business of Sports
January 15, 2026
Event presented by Next Level Partners explores leadership, storytelling, and career evolution ahead of National Girls & Women in Sports Day
The University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications (CIC) will host The Power of the Pivot: Women, Media & the Business of Sports, a leadership and career-readiness program featuring nationally recognized leaders in sports, journalism and media, on Monday, Jan. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. The event will take place in the Russell House Theater, followed by a reception in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications atrium. The event is free and open to students and the public; advance registration is required. Attendees may register at https://form.jotform.com/
Presented by Next Level Partners, The Power of the Pivot brings together influential voices shaping the future of sports, media and cultural storytelling. Held in advance of National Girls & Women in Sports Day on Feb. 4, the program will explore career pivots, leadership decision-making and how visibility and narrative strategy influence opportunity across industries.
Featured speakers include:
- Jemele Hill, Emmy Award–winning journalist; contributing writer, The Atlantic; CNN contributor
- Judi Gatson, Emmy Award-winning news anchor, WIS-TV
- LaChina Robinson, Emmy Award–winning WNBA women’s basketball analyst and host, ESPN
- Charece Williams, founder, Inside the Huddle, a strategic marketing firm and partner, Next Level Partners
- Bianca Crawford Shelton, CEO of The Crawford Austin Agency and partner, Next Level Partners
“Careers in sports and media are rarely linear,” said Bianca Crawford Shelton, a 2003 graduate of the College of Information and Communications and partner at Next Level Partners. “This conversation gives students and early-career professionals a realistic look at how communication, storytelling and strategy translate across industries — and how embracing evolution can open doors they may not have initially imagined.”
“Athletes, journalists and executives today are brands, whether they choose to be intentional about it or not,” said Charece Williams, an award-winning sports marketing executive who previously served as vice president of sports and entertainment marketing at The Coca-Cola Co. “Understanding visibility, narrative and strategic brand decisions is no longer optional — it’s foundational. The Power of the Pivot helps demystify how real careers are built, sustained and scaled.”
“We are committed to providing students with access to leaders who reflect where the industry is headed,” said Rushondra James, assistant dean for student success at the College of Information and Communications. “Programs like this prepare students to lead, adapt and succeed.”
“With many students and professionals seeking guidance in a rapidly evolving communications landscape, this program offers timely and practical insight,” said Julie Hutt, CIC career services manager. “Our speakers bring real-world experience that resonates far beyond the classroom.”
About Next Level Partners
Next Level Partners is a sports marketing and public relations consulting firm focused on maximizing the careers of athletes, executives and media professionals. The firm specializes in brand development, strategic positioning, media training and long-term visibility planning, helping clients extend their influence and increase their value on and off the field.
About the College of Information and Communications
The University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications is a community of scholars, teachers, practitioners and staff providing inclusive, transformative learning experiences. The college prepares students to become ethical leaders and real-world-ready professionals across journalism, media, public relations and communications.
