October 25, 2023 - News
LAWRENCE – The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas will recognize Katie Sowers at the 2023 Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture. On Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., the Dole Institute of Politics will welcome Sowers to discuss her exceptional career as a trailblazer for women in the sports world.
Sowers, a native Kansan, has had a major impact in the industry and made history in 2020 when she became the first woman to coach on an NFL staff in a Super Bowl. Throughout her career, she has been a part of the coaching staff for the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons.
“Katie Sowers has blazed new trails for women in sports by rising above the expectations of others to reach the heights of her extraordinary potential. With determination, she committed herself to professional excellence and is showing the rising generation of women that there are no limits to what they can accomplish,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole.
Currently, Sowers is in her third year as Director of Strategic Initiatives at Ottawa University (OU). She also coached the 2021 and 2022 National Champion OU Women’s Flag Football team and now serves as the Director of Operations and Defensive Coordinator. As a result of her extensive career, she has a large influence in the sports world and uses it to open various doors of opportunity for women’s athletics.
She is responsible for leading the development and fundraising efforts geared toward building a state-of-the-art facility for the women’s flag football and other OU athletic teams. Sowers will continue to focus on the growth of female athletes and bringing these programs into the spotlight.
“We are excited to recognize our fellow Kansan Katie Sowers at our annual Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture,” said Director Audrey Coleman. “This signature occasion amplifies the game-changing impact of woman in leadership and distinguishes the Dole Institute as a unique, much-needed platform for discussing meaningful topics on politics, policy, and leadership.”
The program is an annual event featuring women in positions of leadership who break down barriers and make a remarkable impact in their fields. The women exemplify perseverance, innovative thinking and resilience and amplify the need for creating a meaningful dialogue about the importance of women in leadership. Some of the past speakers include Senator Elizabeth Dole, military and veteran caregivers, and Rep. Sharice Davids.
This series is named after former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole, in honor of her long career in public service. Dole served as commissioner on the Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, U.S. Secretary of Labor, President of the American Red Cross, and U.S. Senator representing the state of North Carolina. The Elizabeth Dole Women in Leadership Lecture series serves as a tribute to her dedication and contributions to the nation through her public service.
The Dole Institute was dedicated on July 22, 2003, at the University of Kansas on Senator Bob Dole’s 80th birthday. Home to the personal archives of both Senator Bob and Senator Elizabeth Dole, with a museum facility on par with the U.S. Presidential libraries, the Dole Institute has been a vibrant political forum promoting civil discourse, civic engagement, and idea exchange across the political spectrum for 20 years.
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