PLAYMAKERS NASHVILLE is a collective of women working in sports who are ready to redefine the game together. We’re building a bold, membership-driven organization dedicated to elevating women in Nashville’s sports industry where inclusivity, connection, collaboration, and career wins are the name of the game. Whether you’re calling the shots on the field, behind the scenes, or at the table, PLAYMAKERS NASHVILLE is your space to lead, grow, and thrive — all while helping shape the future of Nashville’s sports scene.
Vice President and Executive Director of ONE Community and the Tennessee Titans Foundation
FOUNDER
Emma May-Bradley brings over 20 years of experience in sports and media marketing & operations, leading teams at powerhouse brands like Nike, Red Bull, NBA, Turner Sports, and the Washington Spirit. She’s currently the founder & CEO of Open Highway, a marketing, business strategy & consulting firm focusing on building brands and personalities in sports, entertainment, & hospitality. A proud Nashville native, Emma was born and raised in Music City and returned home just last year. While Nashville’s incredible growth inspired her, she quickly recognized a missing piece—an organization dedicated to championing women in sports. That’s why she co-founded Playmakers, driven by a passion to create a more inclusive, empowering, and opportunity-filled sports community right here in her hometown. Emma is a believer in clear being kind, laughing and dancing as much as possible, and loves to explore the world with her husband John and dog Rizzo.
FOUNDER
Erin Ryder has spent over 20 years in sports and entertainment, building a career in production and marketing with industry leaders including Amazon, ESPN, and NBC. As the founder and CEO of Pax Pictures and The Away Team, she has dedicated her work to storytelling, innovation, and amplifying voices through the lens of sport. After relocating to Nashville to be closer to family, Erin quickly connected with a network of inspiring women shaping the city’s sports landscape. Recognizing the need for a dedicated space to support, elevate, and unite these leaders, she co-founded Playmakers Nashville — a powerhouse organization rooted in connection, opportunity, and impact. A lifelong adventurer, Erin is just as happy jumping out of helicopters or listening to live music as she is in her garden with her dog, Cowboy.
Director of Strategy & Impact
Kara currently serves as the Chief People, Impact & Belonging Officer at Spurs Sports & Entertainment and Executive Director of Spurs Give, their nonprofit arm. Kara has led complex, people-rooted, cultural transformation, designed a sustainable impact-rooted sponsorship strategy, and co-architected player off-court holistic development programming. and secured the team’s former practice facility as the first-of-its-kind Impact Center. which will serve as a global model for sustainable impact with the community at the center. In response to Kara’s leadership of the Spurs’ embrace of healing within the Uvalde community, the Spurs were recognized with an ESPY for Humanitarian Team of the Year. Beyond work, Kara is driven to lead change with empathy and urgency—tackling complex problems, challenging inequity, and collaborating with bold thinkers. She’s bungy-jumped off the world’s highest point, donated a kidney to a stranger, and never eaten ketchup. She loves tea, Twizzlers, early mornings, and most of all, her 11-year-old daughter, her inspiring partner (head coach of TSU WBB), and their 7-year-old twin girls.
Director of Brand & Marketing Strategy
Megan is a renowned sports marketing expert and entrepreneur with a proven track record of success. As the Founder and CEO of Alluvium Strategies, she leads a cutting-edge sports marketing agency that specializes in creating strategic partnerships, media initiatives, and compelling storytelling to foster meaningful connections between communities and fans. In 2025, Megan expanded her influence by founding Athletez PR, a forward-thinking agency focused on personal brand development, media placement, and brand partnership opportunities for the next generation of Gen Z athletes. Megan has held prominent roles at WME Sports and adidas America, where she made significant contributions to team sales, NCAA-licensed properties, women’s sports marketing, and brand partnerships. Her expertise in name, image, and likeness (NIL) and athlete management has earned her recognition in leading outlets such as Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, and CBS Sports.
Director of Advocacy & Outreach
Sheila is a dynamic executive and community leader with three decades of experience in Nashville, where she currently serves as Assistant Vice President in the Information Technology Group at HCA, one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. A champion of inclusion and women’s empowerment, she chairs HCA’s ITG Culture and Values Council, leading the focus and impact within ITG that fosters a culture where colleagues feel valued, inspired, and recognized. She has received numerous accolades for her leadership and advocacy, including the 2024 Nashville Black Chamber Community Advocate Award, the 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Advocate of the Year from the Nashville Technology Council, and the 2020 YMCA Impact Award. A former collegiate All-American basketball player, she attended the University of Alabama/Huntsville and University of New Orleans. After graduating, Sheila played semi-pro for Athletes in Action and coached AAU basketball for several years. Her love for sport, mentorship, & culture drives her passion to serve on influential boards like Play Like a Girl, Nashville Sports Council, and the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. In 2025, she was instrumental in bringing Nashville’s partnership with Athletes Unlimited to life, paving the way for the city to host the AU Women’s Basketball season! When she’s not leading change, she’s at the gym, enjoying Nashville’s music scene, or spending time with loved ones.
Director of Membership & Events
Carey is a seasoned entertainment executive with a distinguished career spanning film, television, and live events. As the Director of Global Sales, Entertainment & Live Events at SOS Global Express, she leverages her expertise to deliver comprehensive logistics solutions in the live entertainment, TV, and film spaces. Previously, Carey held leadership positions at NBC and William Morris Endeavor, where she played pivotal roles in business relations and partnerships. She is also the Owner of My Own Shingle, serving as an executive producer and manager, guiding clients through the complexities of the entertainment landscape. Dedicated to advocacy and mentorship, Carey has contributed her insights as a board member for organizations including the Nashville Film Festival, Memories of Honor, and Leadership Music. Additionally, she has supported emerging industry professionals through her involvement with Belmont University’s Film and Television Advisory Board.
Director of Community Impact & Governance
Johari is a dedicated leader with over 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, focusing on serving marginalized communities. Currently, she serves as the Vice President and Executive Director of ONE Community and the Tennessee Titans Foundation, where she oversees corporate social responsibility initiatives and philanthropic efforts. A Nashville native and Tennessee State University alumna, Johari has been instrumental in shaping impactful community programs, including the establishment of the ONE Community platform. Her commitment extends to board service with organizations such as the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and Corner to Corner. Recognized among Nashville's Top 40 Under 40, Johari's leadership is characterized by empathy, relationship-building, and a deep commitment to community upliftment.
Director of Education & Curriculum
Kristi is an accomplished academic and former athlete, currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Sport Administration at Belmont University. She earned her Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Sport Management from Texas A&M University and holds both a Master's and Bachelor's degree from East Carolina University, where she was an all-region and all-conference softball student-athlete. Dr. Oshiro's research focuses on social justice in sport, as well as mental health and well-being for athletes and sport industry practitioners. She was recently appointed as Belmont's Faculty Athletics Representative, reflecting her dedication to bridging academia and athletics.
Director of Sports Industry Relations
Dionna is a seasoned sports executive and Chief Revenue Officer for the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena, leading ticket sales, partnerships, and business intelligence. She previously held executive roles with Houston Dynamo FC, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Indiana Pacers, driving revenue growth and fan engagement. A passionate advocate for diversity in sports, Dionna is a founding board member of Pro Sports Assembly and hosts the Women Blazers podcast, highlighting female leaders in the industry.
