International Women’s Day: Leadership Lessons from a Life in Soccer with Kelley O’Hara

Overview

As Atlanta looks ahead to hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta is celebrating International Women’s Day with a conversation that shines a spotlight on global leadership and representation. This year’s signature program features Kelley O’Hara—one of the most accomplished athletes in women’s soccer and a proud Georgia native. A two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, television commentator, and podcast host, O’Hara brings unparalleled experience from the world’s biggest stages. In this fireside chat entitled “Leadership Lessons from a Life in Soccer,” she will share insights on gender equity, leadership, and the vital role women play in shaping global systems—drawing on lessons learned from a career defined by resilience, teamwork, and excellence. 

O’Hara’s perspective comes at a pivotal moment, as women’s soccer continues to drive change worldwide. From pay equity and professional league expansion to record-breaking viewership and youth participation, women athletes are transforming the sports landscape while modeling leadership for the next generation. Sport has become a powerful platform for visibility, advocacy, and empowerment—values at the heart of International Women’s Day. This conversation will explore how athletics cultivates leadership, why representation matters, and the global impact of sport in advancing access and opportunity. Through the lens of elite competition and lived experience, the program connects Atlanta’s World Cup moment with the broader goals of International Women’s Day: reflection, engagement, and lasting impact. 

About International Women’s Day 

International Women’s Day is a global celebration held every year on March 8 to honor the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It is also a call to action for accelerating gender equality worldwide. Organizations, communities, and leaders use this day to spotlight progress, address challenges, and inspire dialogue on issues such as representation, equity, and empowerment, making it both a celebration and a movement for lasting change. Since 2015, the World Affairs Council of Atlanta has marked International Women’s Day with programming dedicated to the advancement of women. Prior world-renowned speakers have included former first daughter Barbara Pierce Bush, entrepreneur, and Edible Arrangements executive Asma Farid, and Judy Smith, the real-life inspiration for the hit TV show Scandal.  

About the Event 

As Atlanta prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, join the World Affairs Council of Atlanta for its 11th annual International Women’s Day program, presented by Bank of America, “Leadership Lessons from a Life in Soccer” featuring soccer legend Kelley O’Hara. O’Hara grew up in Fayette County, just outside Atlanta, and has become one of the most decorated figures in women’s soccer. From winning two FIFA World Cups and an Olympic Gold Medal to becoming a champion in the NWSL and a respected voice in sports media, she has spent her career leading on and off the field.

In this conversation, she will share insights into resilience, teamwork, and what it takes to thrive under pressure—lessons that transcend the game and apply to leadership in any arena. Attendees will leave with thought-provoking ideas on: 

• Global Leadership: Winning at the highest level, what elite competition teaches about strategy and performance.  

• Fairness & Opportunity: Pay equity and the rise of women’s leagues reshaping the game and business.  

• Resilience & Agility: How athletic discipline builds adaptability and success beyond the field.  

• Authentic Leadership: Body image, identity, and leading as a role model for future generations.  

• Representation & Access: Stories from the global stage—culture, representation, and leadership in action. 

Program Agenda 

7:30 a.m. – Registration & Networking Reception 

8:00 a.m. – VIP Photo Opportunity with Speaker (Exclusive to VIP Table Guests) 

8:35 a.m. – Welcome Remarks & Breakfast 

8:55 a.m. – Opening Remarks 

9:10 a.m. – Fireside Chat 

9:40 a.m. – Audience Q&A 

10:10 a.m. – Closing Remarks & Optional Networking 

10:30 a.m. – Adjourn 

The morning begins with registration and a networking reception, complete with coffee and tea. During this time, VIP table guests will enjoy an exclusive photo opportunity with the speaker. Guests are then invited to be seated for breakfast as the program opens with welcome remarks from executives and sponsors. The centerpiece of the event is a fireside chat featuring Kelley O’Hara, followed by an engaging audience Q&A. Closing remarks wrap up the formal program, after which attendees are welcome to stay for optional networking—continuing the exchange of ideas and connections in a relaxed setting. 

Distinguished Speaker 

Kelley O’Hara 

World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, media commentator 

Two-Time World Cup Champion (2015, 2019); Olympic Gold Medalist (2012); Two-Time NWSL Champion (2021, 2023); Host, Sports Are Fun!, Just Women’s Sports; Soccer Commentator, CBS 

Moderator 

Rickey Bevington 

President, World Affairs Council of Atlanta