In the world of professional sports, women have historically been underrepresented in many aspects of the game, whether as athletes, coaches, or executives. However, as we look to 2025, there’s a growing movement in sports, and particularly in the NFL, to not only spotlight the achievements of women but also to create pathways for more women to thrive in these spaces. This is evident in the Chicago Bears’ initiative to host a special Women’s History Month panel each year to honor and uplift the women who contribute to the team’s success—whether on the field, in the front office, or behind the scenes.
The Chicago Bears, as a historic and well-known NFL franchise, have long been an integral part of Chicago’s sports culture. As one of the most prominent teams in the league, they are also in a unique position to influence change, help set standards, and create a culture of inclusion, representation, and opportunity for women in professional football. The 2025 Women’s History Month panel serves as an excellent example of how the team is using its platform to champion the achievements of women in sports, highlight their contributions, and encourage future generations of women to pursue careers in professional athletics and sports management.
This article will explore the 2025 Chicago Bears Women’s History Month panel, detailing the panel’s formation, the women involved, the topics discussed, and the significant impact of such events in breaking down barriers for women in sports. Through this panel and similar initiatives, the Bears continue to make strides toward fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment both on and off the field.
The Importance of Women’s History Month in Sports
Women’s History Month, which takes place every March, is an important occasion to celebrate and honor the contributions of women throughout history. In the realm of sports, it provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of women who have faced challenges in breaking into traditionally male-dominated spaces. Whether it is as athletes, coaches, executives, or in other leadership roles, women have long been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in sports.
For the Chicago Bears, celebrating Women’s History Month with a dedicated panel is a way to recognize these contributions, elevate the voices of women in the NFL, and highlight how far the sports industry has come—and still needs to go—in providing equal opportunities to women. Such initiatives are also vital in inspiring young girls and women to pursue careers in sports, knowing that they too can have an impact in a variety of roles.
The Bears’ commitment to promoting women in sports, particularly during Women’s History Month, reflects an understanding of the need for both recognition and action. The 2025 Women’s History Month panel aims to provide a platform for those making a difference in the sports world and to amplify their stories, creating awareness of how women are shaping the future of the NFL and professional football.
The Formation of the 2025 Women’s History Month Panel
The 2025 panel, hosted by the Chicago Bears, was a collaborative effort involving various leaders from within the organization. The event was held in partnership with the Bears’ community outreach programs and aimed to focus on women who have made substantial contributions to the NFL, the Bears’ franchise, and the greater sports community. Through these panel discussions, the Bears hope to raise awareness and inspire young women to pursue careers in sports management, coaching, media, and all other aspects of the professional sports industry.
The panel was formed not only to highlight the achievements of female trailblazers in sports but also to emphasize the ongoing need for progress and equity. The Bears’ leadership team was committed to creating a space where women could share their experiences and advice, thereby opening up opportunities for other women who aspire to work in sports but may feel excluded or uncertain about the challenges they may face.
Panelists: Pioneers and Innovators in the NFL
The 2025 Chicago Bears Women’s History Month panel featured several inspiring women from the Bears organization, as well as notable figures from around the league, all of whom have played a role in breaking down barriers and advancing women’s presence in the NFL. These individuals were selected based on their significant contributions to the team, their communities, and the broader sports industry.
- Kim Ng – General Manager of the Miami Marlins Although not directly involved with the Bears, Kim Ng is an exemplary figure who serves as an inspiration to women in all sports, particularly in leadership roles. She made history as the first female general manager of a Major League Baseball team. Ng’s groundbreaking success in a leadership role within professional sports helped open doors for women in executive positions. While she’s not a member of the Bears organization, her inclusion in the panel serves as an example of the broader shifts occurring in the sports world toward greater inclusion of women in high-level management positions.
- Laura Ricketts – Owner and Chair of the Chicago Cubs Laura Ricketts is a key figure in Chicago sports, both in her capacity as an owner of the Chicago Cubs and as an advocate for women’s rights and diversity. Throughout her career, she has been involved in several community initiatives and has led efforts to increase the involvement of women in leadership roles within the sports industry. Ricketts’ participation in the panel is a significant symbol of how women are transforming the way sports organizations are run, both on the field and off.
- Melissa L. Wechter – Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Bears Melissa Wechter has been instrumental in leading the Chicago Bears’ initiatives related to diversity and inclusion. In her role, she has helped guide the team toward a more inclusive and equitable environment for both staff and players. Wechter’s work has centered on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups within the Bears’ organization, and her contributions have had a profound impact on how the team approaches community engagement, hiring practices, and overall organizational culture.
- Tori Petry – Bears’ Senior Vice President of Communications Tori Petry is one of the few women to hold such a prominent position within the communications side of a professional sports franchise. As the Senior VP of Communications for the Chicago Bears, Petry oversees media relations, public relations, and the team’s communication strategy. She has been a critical voice in shaping the Bears’ narrative and engaging with fans and media outlets alike. Her experience on the front lines of sports communication provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that women face in high-pressure environments.
- Samantha Rios – Bears’ Director of Fan Engagement Samantha Rios is responsible for developing and enhancing the fan experience for Bears supporters. Her role involves working directly with the team’s marketing and events teams to create memorable experiences for fans, both at Soldier Field and in the wider Chicago area. Rios’ innovative approaches to fan engagement, including digital campaigns and interactive events, highlight her leadership in a critical part of the Bears’ operations. Her story showcases the importance of women in customer-facing roles in sports and how these positions contribute to building strong connections between teams and their fanbases.
Key Topics Discussed During the Panel
The panelists shared valuable insights and discussed a variety of topics that are crucial for women aspiring to work in the NFL or any other professional sport. Some of the key themes and discussions included:
- Breaking Down Barriers in Male-Dominated Spaces: Many of the women on the panel discussed the challenges they faced when entering the sports industry, particularly in the NFL, a historically male-dominated space. They spoke about their experiences navigating through skepticism, bias, and gender-based obstacles. However, they also shared how their resilience, confidence, and passion for the game helped them succeed and pave the way for others.
- The Importance of Mentorship and Representation: Several panelists emphasized the importance of mentorship and the positive impact it can have on young women looking to enter the sports industry. The need for more female role models in the industry was a consistent theme, with panelists advocating for greater representation at every level. They discussed how women in leadership roles can serve as mentors, guiding young women through challenges and offering career advice.
- The Role of Media in Promoting Gender Equality: The conversation also turned to the role of media in promoting gender equality in sports. The panelists discussed how media coverage of female athletes, coaches, and executives has evolved and how it’s critical for media outlets to continue elevating women’s stories. The panelists also addressed the need for increased visibility of women in football media roles, including analysts, reporters, and broadcasters.
- Creating a More Inclusive Culture: The panelists shared their thoughts on how sports organizations, like the Chicago Bears, can foster an inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages people of all backgrounds to thrive. The discussion focused on the importance of creating spaces where women feel empowered, supported, and heard in decision-making processes. They stressed the need for comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that span the entire organization.
The Impact of the Panel
The 2025 Women’s History Month panel hosted by the Chicago Bears is a testament to the progress the NFL and professional sports are making toward gender equality. By giving a platform to women who have achieved tremendous success, the Bears are helping to shape a more inclusive future for women in sports.
The impact of this panel extends beyond the panel itself; it serves as a powerful reminder that women have always played an integral role in sports and that their contributions continue to shape the future of the game. For young girls and women watching the event, it offers a powerful message: there is space for them in sports, whether as athletes, coaches, executives, or in any other role. These panel discussions serve as a beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and support, women can break down barriers and achieve greatness in the world of sports.