RECOGNIZING CHRISTY CASTILLO BUTCHER, SARA GOTFREDSON, AND ALANNA HERNANDEZ FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP
LOS ANGELES, CA — October 25, 2024 — The Los Angeles Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE LA) proudly unveils its 2024 Women of Inspiration honoring Christy Castillo Butcher, Alanna Hernandez, and Sara Gotfredson for their remarkable contributions and leadership in the sports industry. WISE LA will pay tribute to these honorees during its 13th annual Women of Inspiration event on November 21 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. PST at the iconic Intuit Dome.
The Women of Inspiration Series is back to honor members of our community who continue to break down barriers, create connections and new opportunities, and exemplify professional excellence and serve as an inspiration to others. Join us as we pay tribute to the exceptional women who have made an impact and championed equitable change in the sports industry.
Introducing the 2024 Women of Inspiration
Christy Castillo Butcher
Senior Vice President of Programming and Booking, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park
Christy Castillo Butcher is a dynamic leader and guiding beacon in the sports and entertainment industry, consistently pushing boundaries, and setting new standards while inspiring others. She is responsible for developing the programming strategy and securing events year-round throughout the entire 300-acre Hollywood Park development, including SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater. With Castillo Butcher at the helm, she has secured global tours spanning all genres. A Los Angeles-native and sports and entertainment industry veteran, Castillo Butcher previously served as the Senior Vice President of Booking & Events for STAPLES Center (now Crypto.com Arena) and Microsoft Theater (now Peacock Theater). Castillo Butcher is dedicated to championing the next generation of leaders.
Sara Gotfredson
Founder, Trailblazing Sports Group
Sara Gotfredson is a visionary leader and trailblazer in the world of deal making and sports marketing, with a passion for women's sports and driving transformative change within the advertising industry. Her two-decade career as a seasoned executive at ESPN & Disney Advertising, where she spearheaded multi-million dollar campaigns for Fortune 100 brands and oversaw a billion-dollar advertising portfolio, is a testament to her strategic prowess and unwavering commitment to excellence. In 2022, Sara embarked on a bold new venture, founding Trailblazing Sports Group – the first female-led partnership agency dedicated to fueling investment in women's sports. Her leadership and unwavering belief in the power of women’s sports to uplift, inspire, and drive business results have attracted partnerships with global brands like CashApp, Google, Honda, L’Oréal, Morgan Stanley, State Farm, TIAA and Visa, among others. Sara's entrepreneurial spirit, deep industry expertise, and passion for fueling the growth of women's sports make her a true catalyst for change in the sports world. As a proud University of San Francisco alumna, soccer mom, and avid fan of women's professional teams, Sara is not just building a company, but a movement that is changing the game for women’s sports and brands alike.
Alanna Hernandez
Executive Vice President, Business Affairs and Operations, Wasserman
Alanna Frisby Hernandez leads the legal team and manages the day-to-day operations of the sports talent division team at Wasserman. Over the last six-and-a-half years, Alanna has finalized acquisition deals for Wasserman's historic growth into NFL, hockey, coaching and executive representation, media and broadcasting and creators, also spearheading the successful integration of these groups into the company. Consistent with her passion for service, she was a founding member of Wasserman’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council, and previously served as a co-leader of the women’s DE&I subcommittee. Since 2015, Alanna has served as a guest lecturer at a local Los Angeles law school, creating a five-week curriculum that allows law students to learn practical legal skills like contract drafting, editing and negotiation techniques. In 2017, she began her tenure as a board member of the Survivor Justice Center, and currently serves as the Board's Vice President. Alanna also serves on the board of the Sports Lawyers Association, and was honored to be included in Sports Business Journal's Class of 2021 Game Changers. When not working, you can find Alanna spending time with her husband David and their two daughters, Gianna (almost 6) and Anaya (2).
Join WISE LA at the 2024 Women of Inspiration Event
WISE LA invites you to join in celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of these Women of Inspiration on November 21st from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. PST at Intuit Dome. Limited general admission tickets are available; secure your spot and be part of this inspiring evening.
ABOUT WISE LOS ANGELES
Women in Sports and Events Los Angeles (WISE LA) is a vibrant community of professionals in the business of sports. WISE LA members connect through special events, meetings, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities throughout Los Angeles and online at losangeles.wiseworks.org. To learn more about becoming a member of WISE LA, please visit: wiseworks.org/about/membership.
Follow WISE LA on social media:
Instagram: @wiselosangeles
Facebook: @WISELosAngeles
LinkedIn: Women in Sports and Events Los Angeles
X, formerly Twitter: @WISELosAngeles
Join the conversation on social media using: #WISEWOI
MEDIA CONTACT
Bri Hamilton
Email: la_siteadmin@wiseworks.org