Cross-sector leaders bring expertise in business, healthcare, finance, sports and nonprofit leadership to strengthen governance, expand partnerships and prepare more girls for future careers.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 15, 2026) — Play Like a Girl, a Nashville-based national nonprofit helping middle school girls build confidence, connection and career readiness through sports, mentorship and hands-on STEM exploration, today announced new appointments to its FY27 Board of Directors.
The newly elected leaders bring experience spanning business operations, healthcare, finance, sports, entrepreneurship, fundraising and nonprofit leadership. Their appointments support the organization’s continued national growth and its commitment to connecting girls with the people, experiences and opportunities that prepare them to thrive in fields where women remain underrepresented.
The announcement coincides with October 15, the annual date Play Like a Girl celebrates its anniversary alongside the birthday of its Founder and CEO, Dr. Kimberly S. Clay.
Having reached more than 50,000 girls, Play Like a Girl is entering its next chapter with a focus on strengthening year-round school partnerships, expanding corporate engagement and building sustainable pathways from early career exposure to future opportunity.
Building a Board for Play Like a Girl’s Next Chapter
As Play Like a Girl expands its national footprint, its Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring strong governance, financial accountability, strategic direction and long-term sustainability.
Board members also serve as ambassadors, advocates and connectors, helping the organization cultivate relationships with corporate partners, mentors, volunteers and community leaders who share its commitment to the next generation.
“We’re proud to welcome these accomplished leaders to the Play Like a Girl Board of Directors,” said Lee Rogers, Board Chair. “They bring the experience, perspective and commitment we need to govern well and grow responsibly. Together, we will help Play Like a Girl connect more girls with the mentors, experiences, and opportunities they need to become ready for any field.”
The newly elected directors will serve three-year terms, bringing diverse professional expertise and geographic perspectives to the organization’s leadership.
Meet the Newly Elected Board Members
Alexis Capers | Bethesda, Maryland
Analyst, Sports and Entertainment, JLL
Alexis Capers brings experience in sports business, market analysis and client strategy. Her perspective will support Play Like a Girl’s efforts to strengthen organizational strategy and connect girls with opportunities across the sports and entertainment industries.
Katy Chrisman | Florida
Founder, Cleats & Confidence
Katy Chrisman brings an entrepreneurial perspective grounded in youth sports, leadership development and confidence-building programs. Her experience aligns with Play Like a Girl’s belief that the skills girls develop through sports can prepare them to lead in every field.
Kat Cloud | San Jose, California
Chief Development Officer, San Jose Public Library Foundation
Kat Cloud brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising and cross-sector partnerships. Her expertise will support the organization’s efforts to strengthen philanthropic relationships, expand its network of supporters and sustain long-term impact.
Alexandria “AC” Coleman | Nashville, Tennessee
Executive Assistant, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Alexandria Coleman brings experience in healthcare administration, executive operations and community engagement. Her background will contribute to organizational effectiveness and meaningful connections with professionals and community partners.
Matt Daniels | Nashville, Tennessee
Associate Administrator of Behavioral Health Services, HCA Healthcare
Matt Daniels brings expertise in healthcare administration, behavioral health operations and financial oversight. As Board Treasurer, he will help strengthen financial stewardship and support responsible organizational growth.
FY27 Board Leadership and Continuing Directors
Play Like a Girl’s FY27 board leadership includes:
-
- Lee Rogers: Board Chair
- Matt Daniels: Treasurer
- LaPourche Owens: Secretary
- Dr. Kimberly S. Clay: Founder and CEO
Continuing directors include LaPourche Owens and Dr. Kristen Sharp Chandler.
Brandi Batten and Emily Johnson will continue serving as NextGen Board Co-Chairs and nonvoting members of the Board of Directors, helping connect emerging leaders with opportunities for service, professional development and community impact.
The FY27 Board of Directors began its term on July 1, 2026.
Advancing Confidence, Connection and Career Readiness
Play Like a Girl’s leadership strategy reflects its broader mission: helping girls build the confidence to recognize their potential, the connections to access opportunity and the career readiness to navigate their futures.
Through year-round school partnerships, sports-based leadership experiences, group mentoring and hands-on STEM career exploration, the organization introduces middle school girls to professionals and workplaces they might not otherwise encounter.
Its model also creates meaningful opportunities for companies to engage employees as mentors, share career pathways and invest in the development of future talent.
“This board reflects the kind of network we’re building for girls: accomplished leaders from different industries and communities working together to open doors,” said Dr. Kimberly S. Clay, Founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl. “Their leadership will help us strengthen school partnerships, deepen corporate engagement, and create more consistent pathways from early exposure to future opportunity.”
From Boardroom Leadership to Real-World Impact
Beyond governance and strategic oversight, Play Like a Girl is creating opportunities for board members to engage directly with the communities they serve.
Planned initiatives include a Storytelling Series highlighting directors’ personal and professional journeys, along with board mentoring opportunities at partner schools in Boston, Dallas, Nashville and New Orleans.
These experiences reflect the organization’s belief that every touchpoint can be a mentoring moment. By sharing their stories, career pathways and lessons learned, board members can help girls discover new possibilities and recognize the value of relationships, resilience and leadership.
Partnering to Prepare Girls for Any Field
As Play Like a Girl continues to grow, corporate partnerships and community investment remain central to its mission.
The organization works with employers and industry professionals to transform workplaces, expertise and resources into hands-on experiences that introduce girls to new careers, expand their professional networks and help them develop skills that transfer across industries.
Play Like a Girl invites companies, foundations and community leaders to explore opportunities to support school partnerships, employee mentoring, career exploration and other year-round experiences.
Learn more about Play Like a Girl and explore partnership opportunities at iplaylikeagirl.org.
About Play Like a Girl
Play Like a Girl is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that uses sports, mentorship and hands-on STEM career exploration to help middle school girls build confidence, belonging and workforce readiness.
Through year-round school partnerships, mentoring, workplace experiences and turnkey employee engagement opportunities, Play Like a Girl transforms corporate workplaces, professionals and community resources into a network of support that prepares girls to become ready for any field.
Learn more at iplaylikeagirl.org.
Never miss an update!
Stay in the loop by subscribing to our email list.