LGBT Tech’s Executive Director, Chris Wood, attended the latest installment of the Ideas at Ford conversation series at the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice on March 24, 2025. This dynamic discussion brought together leaders from sports, technology, and labor to explore the intersection of advocacy, professional athletics, and social justice.
The event featured an inspiring panel of change-makers:
Carl Nassib, former NFL player, tech founder, and philanthropist, shared his experience as the first openly gay active NFL player and his work in LGBTQ+ advocacy and financial literacy through his tech platform, the Rayze app.
Jessica Berman, Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), highlighted the league’s rapid expansion, the role of women’s leadership in sports, and the power of community engagement in professional athletics.
Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, discussed the labor movement’s growing role in supporting professional athletes and how collective bargaining is shaping the future of sports.
A key takeaway from the discussion was how visibility, leadership, and advocacy in sports can push for progress and create lasting societal change. The panelists explored the importance of challenging the status quo, whether by increasing LGBTQ+ inclusion, advancing gender equity in sports, or strengthening labor protections for athletes.
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