SAAC’s Coog-HER Celebration Empowers Women, Builds Connections
2/11/2025 8:36:00 AM | General
Third-annual SAAC-led event features panel, Q&A session and networking opportunity
HOUSTON – University of Houston student-athletes, coaches and staff joined alongside area employers to celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) last Wednesday as part of SAAC's "Coog-HER Celebration" featuring a women's leadership panel, Q&A session and all-female employer networking event.
In total, 110 Houston student-athletes joined alongside 40 employees for the celebration. Participating employers included Chevron, TDECU, HISD, Lululemon, Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, Munk Wilson & Mandala, HR&P Solutions, United Rentals, TXDPS, State Farm and Rice University. Following the event, attendees made their way to Fertitta Center to support Houston Women's Basketball against Baylor.
"This program is important to me because it is crucial that female athletes have a space to share their accomplishments and reflect on the ways we can keep pushing to achieve gender equality in collegiate sports," UH SAAC President and event moderator Anna Economon said. "Through Coog-HER, my goal is to continue empowering the women around me to be confident and ready to make a positive difference in the world."
Panelists included Munck-Wilson & Mandala Principal Attorney Tasha Schwikert-Moser, Houston Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, Yes Prep Public Schools Athletic Coordinator Brittany Furlough, Chevron Counsel for Corporate Affairs and Strategy Law Islara Irgit and University of Houston junior swimmer Jenna Kerkman.
"I hope events like this continue to amplify the voices of women in sports, not just as athletes but as leaders, innovators, and advocates," Furlough said. "My hope is that these discussions spark action, whether it's through mentorship, policy changes, or increased visibility for women in leadership roles. Ultimately, I want young women to walk away from events like this feeling empowered, knowing they belong in every space they step into."
Houston soccer junior defender Jada Gibson attended the Coog-HER event for the second time and spoke to the inspiring and encouraging nature of the event which is in its third year.
"This is my second year attending and I genuinely feel more inspired every time I go," Gibson said. "The women, not only chosen for the panel but just present at this event, exhibit traits of fierceness, confidence, and overall boss behavior. The most outstanding thing to me was their dominance in fields that are normally taken by men. These women are sitting in roles that made me excited for life after sports. The future seems so bright for women, and I can't wait to soon be a part of the brilliant changes coming our way!"
Softball redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman valued the event and its ability to connect female industry leaders with student-athletes who have the same career aspirations.
"I enjoyed being able to hear from people in the industry that I one day want to pursue," Lehman said. "It was cool to see how these women came to be in their respected fields. After being able to talk to a few of the women, I have gained more confidence in going after what I want. Also to not be afraid of putting myself out there, and getting things done to set myself up for success."
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
On Feb. 3, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5606 declaring February 4, 1987, as National Women in Sports Day. NGWSD was originally initiated in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her achievements and work for equality. Hyman died suddenly of Marfan's Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since then, the day of observance has evolved to recognize all women athletes, their past and current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation for women, girls and society, as well as the progress made since Title IX was passed and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
In total, 110 Houston student-athletes joined alongside 40 employees for the celebration. Participating employers included Chevron, TDECU, HISD, Lululemon, Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, Munk Wilson & Mandala, HR&P Solutions, United Rentals, TXDPS, State Farm and Rice University. Following the event, attendees made their way to Fertitta Center to support Houston Women's Basketball against Baylor.
"This program is important to me because it is crucial that female athletes have a space to share their accomplishments and reflect on the ways we can keep pushing to achieve gender equality in collegiate sports," UH SAAC President and event moderator Anna Economon said. "Through Coog-HER, my goal is to continue empowering the women around me to be confident and ready to make a positive difference in the world."
Panelists included Munck-Wilson & Mandala Principal Attorney Tasha Schwikert-Moser, Houston Rockets President of Business Operations Gretchen Sheirr, Yes Prep Public Schools Athletic Coordinator Brittany Furlough, Chevron Counsel for Corporate Affairs and Strategy Law Islara Irgit and University of Houston junior swimmer Jenna Kerkman.
"I hope events like this continue to amplify the voices of women in sports, not just as athletes but as leaders, innovators, and advocates," Furlough said. "My hope is that these discussions spark action, whether it's through mentorship, policy changes, or increased visibility for women in leadership roles. Ultimately, I want young women to walk away from events like this feeling empowered, knowing they belong in every space they step into."
Houston soccer junior defender Jada Gibson attended the Coog-HER event for the second time and spoke to the inspiring and encouraging nature of the event which is in its third year.
"This is my second year attending and I genuinely feel more inspired every time I go," Gibson said. "The women, not only chosen for the panel but just present at this event, exhibit traits of fierceness, confidence, and overall boss behavior. The most outstanding thing to me was their dominance in fields that are normally taken by men. These women are sitting in roles that made me excited for life after sports. The future seems so bright for women, and I can't wait to soon be a part of the brilliant changes coming our way!"
Softball redshirt junior pitcher Paris Lehman valued the event and its ability to connect female industry leaders with student-athletes who have the same career aspirations.
"I enjoyed being able to hear from people in the industry that I one day want to pursue," Lehman said. "It was cool to see how these women came to be in their respected fields. After being able to talk to a few of the women, I have gained more confidence in going after what I want. Also to not be afraid of putting myself out there, and getting things done to set myself up for success."
HISTORY OF NATIONAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
On Feb. 3, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5606 declaring February 4, 1987, as National Women in Sports Day. NGWSD was originally initiated in 1987 as a day to remember Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her achievements and work for equality. Hyman died suddenly of Marfan's Syndrome, a genetic disorder of the connective tissue, in 1986 while competing in a volleyball tournament in Japan. Since then, the day of observance has evolved to recognize all women athletes, their past and current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation for women, girls and society, as well as the progress made since Title IX was passed and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by supporting LinkingCoogs – UH's very own NIL collective – and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
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