LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida Southern College Athletics hosted its inaugural StrongHER Together event on Jan. 27, bringing female student-athletes together with women leaders from across the local community for an evening centered on conversation, mentorship and connection.

StrongHER Together welcomed all female student-athletes and provided an opportunity to learn from women with a wide range of professional and personal experiences.

The event featured 32 women leaders from throughout the area who participated in roundtable discussions with student-athletes. The conversations gave attendees the opportunity to ask questions, hear firsthand experiences and gain insight into navigating careers, leadership, relationships and life beyond college athletics.

Claire Lessinger, senior vice president of events for the Tampa Bay Sports Commission, served as the keynote speaker for the inaugural event. Lessinger shared experiences from her career in the sports industry while speaking to the student-athletes about leadership, professional growth and the lessons she has learned throughout her career.

Following the keynote address, student-athletes participated in small-group roundtable discussions with the invited women leaders. The format created an open environment for conversations about career paths, overcoming challenges, building professional relationships and finding success both personally and professionally.

The inaugural StrongHER Together event was created around the message, "Team up with local women leaders for an empowering night of conversation, mentorship and community," with the goal of connecting Florida Southern's female student-athletes with women who could share experiences and perspectives beyond their respective sports.

Through StrongHER Together, Florida Southern Athletics continues its commitment to providing student-athletes with opportunities for personal and professional development while building connections between the college and the greater community.