The Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) released its Strategic Plan for 2024-2030 as announced today by Executive Director Chris Voelz of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda.
“Strategic plans are powerful tools to provide structure for decision-making and give direction to the staff and board, keeping the larger vision of the organization in the forefront while increasing sustainability and focus,” stated Voelz. “As the Executive Director I am especially appreciative of the work done by the framing committee and approval of the Board of Directors. This plan will provide the structure for our team to build out the strategy into objectives and goals as we make progress towards realizing our potential.”
The CWSA first instituted strategic planning in 2013 and has grown and benefited from the direction of plans in 2013-2018 and 2018-2023. The Board of Directors unanimously approved the latest strategic plan for 2024-2030 after a framing committee of Duke’s Nina King, media representative Carol Stiff, NCAA representative Amy Wilson and CWSA Executive Committee member Marie Robbins worked directly with the Chair of Strategic Planning, Carol Cartwright. The CWSA Board Chair Jean Lenti Ponsetto served as Co-Chair for this process.
The Board of Director’s vote was intentionally executed on National Girls and Women in Sports Day to clearly state and communicate the Board’s unwavering commitment to continuing to preserve women’s rightful place in sport.
The CWSA’s new strategic plan establishes four primary goals (in no order):
- Monitor the significant evolving and emerging intercollegiate athletics and related environments and their relationship to CWSA, identifying and acting upon threats and opportunities.
- Maintain, enhance and embrace the importance of partnerships.
- Protect and enhance the brand.
- Identify and strive to be best in class in the operation of CWSA as a small non-profit organization with national relevance.
“This is an exciting time in the history of the Collegiate Women's Sports Awards program as we launch a renewed strategic plan (2024-2030) and vision for the future, honouring 'the of the best of the best' women intercollegiate athletes. CWSA has had the privilege and distinction of being the first organization to tell the amazing stories celebrating the outstanding achievements of hundreds of women honourees which are now woven into the American fabric of women contributions in our society and around the world. The CWSA Strategic Plan ensures the future of being the longest standing awards program for women athletes as we navigate changing times, unprecedented coverage of women's sports and the growth of women's participation at the collegiate level in Olympic, traditional and emerging sports.
As we look to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2026, the CWSA Strategic Plan recalls and pays tribute to our history. The trailblazing work of our two Executive Directors Chris Voelz and Judie Holland has been incredible in their pursuit to showcase the best women intercollegiate athletes in the country. The longstanding support of our current partner American Honda and our first corporate sponsor, the Broderick Corporation who both have demonstrated a belief in celebrating the achievements of women at the highest levels. The dedicated commitment of industry leaders who previously and presently serve on our Board of Directors has been forward thinking in leading the program with vision and purpose in pursuit of championing women athletes.
Our CWSA Strategic Plan is a renewed commitment to enhance the future of the CWSA Program at the highest levels toward honouring the best women intercollegiate athletes in the nation. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we remain steadfast in that pursuit."
Presenting language by Jean Lenti Ponsetto, CWSA Board of Directors Chair and Carol Cartwright, Chair of Strategic Planning.
Unlike earlier strategic plans, the living document includes a Background Statement; a summary of the significant achievements over the past two plans; an updated mission statement; a Values Statement; Vision for 2030 along with the four points of the Strategic Plan.
All information can be found posted on the CWSA website.
About Honda Corporate Social Responsibility
For more than 60 years in the U.S., Honda has been committed to making positive contributions to the communities where its associates live and work. Honda’s mission is to create products and services that improve the lives of people while conducting its business in a sustainable manner and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Accordingly, Honda believes in helping people reach their life’s potential through its focus on the areas of education, the environment, mobility, traffic safety and community. Learn more at http://csr.honda.com/.