How can Design & Policy help build a safer, more hospitable "field of play" for HER.

The Inclusion by Design event will explore the intersection of design and policy to create a safer, more hospitable environment for female athletes. We will hear from female athletes and discuss the unique challenges they face, while focusing on policy, product design, and training. Event attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to build a supportive "field of play" for women, and practical strategies to advocate for change in their own fields throughout the Harvard Community and beyond.

From footwear, wearable technology, to menstrual health products, female athletes face a range of challenges that impact their performance and well-being. Inclusion by Design: State of Play, Design for Women in Sport will bring together scholars, elite athletes, and thought leaders to discuss actionable solutions. This event strives to emphasize that keeping girls and women engaged in sports requires a collaborative team effort and highlights the importance of community.

Panelists

Christine Yu: Christine is the author of Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, award-winning freelance journalist with a focus on sports, science, health, fitness, wellness, and the outdoors. Yu graduated from Harvard Kenney School with a Master’s in Public Policy in 2003.
Lauren Scruggs: Lauren Scruggs student-athlete at Harvard University, and Paris 2024 Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist with the United States Women’s Fencing Team, making her the first Black American woman to win an individual fencing medal.
Jamie Mittelman: Jamie Mittelman is the Founder of Flame Bearers, the world's first media production and content company for elite women athletes telling stories via an award-winning podcast, video production, and live events. Jamie founded Flame Bearers while receiving her Master’s in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, where she received the Don K Price award for her significant impact on the Harvard community.

Contributors

Karen Korellis Reuther is a Design Critic at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and a 2021-22 Advanced Leadership Fellow. Prior to Harvard she was VP Creative Direction + Innovation at Reebok and Global Creative Director at NIKE where she developed major product, merchandising and brand strategies. Karen is committed to “Inclusion by Design: Ending Gender Bias in our Built World”.

Sara Falkson is a Master of Design Engineering student at Harvard University, where she explores the intersection of women's sports and technology. Prior to Harvard, Sara was a Design Engineer within IBM’s Data & AI organization. Sara studied Human-Centered Design at Dartmouth College and captained the Dartmouth College Varsity Field Hockey team. Sara strives to design solutions that enable women to feel like the best version of themselves every day.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

The Harvard Grid welcomes attendees of all abilities to our events. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about physical access, please contact grid@harvard.edu in advance of the event.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS

Please note: By registering, you agree to receive emails about this event and future communications from the Harvard Grid.