Charlotte Checkers COO Paves Way for Women in Leadership
By Claudia Puente
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The sports industry is known for being competitive and hard to break into, particularly for women. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, since 2000, for every two women employed in sports, there are on average slightly more than seven men. In Charlotte, one game-changer has paved the way for more women to hold leadership positions in sports.
Tera Black: A Trailblazer in the World of Sports
“I definitely have love for the game from the very beginning, and I love it today,” said Tera Black, chief operating officer for the Charlotte Checkers. Among the ice and pucks, Black never imagined her path would lead her to manage Charlotte’s minor league hockey team.
“The team doctor at the school that I went to that helped at my college was also the team doctor for the team in Sacramento, and he just at that point said, ‘Hey, I need some help and would you like to help out?’ And I said, ‘Yes,’ and that’s kind of where it all started,” Black shared.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
Black joined the Checkers as vice president in 2008 and within two years was promoted to chief operating officer, serving as a driving force behind the team. But the leadership journey hasn’t always been easy. Despite making up 47% of the American workforce, women hold just 42% of managerial positions.
“In the beginning, you know, you don’t know what you don’t know and you kind of learn as you go. And I think a testament to a lot of wonderful people in my life that taught me things and were willing to take me under their wing and make sure that I was successful is kind of where I am at today,” Black reflected.
Empowering Other Women in Sports
Black has in turn used her experience to pave the way for others. “It’s been an incredible life. I will say that it is a really great way to make a living and to make a life, really. It’s coming into work every day and doing something that you love, working with people that are incredibly talented,” Black stated.
Projections for Women in Elite Sports
Women are also making strides all around the sporting industry, as Deloitte predicts that in 2024, revenue generated by women’s elite sports will surpass $1 billion for the first time.
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