Providence, RI (October 29, 2025) – On Tuesday, October 28, the Connecticut Sun participated in the R.I.S.E Women’s Leadership Conference at the Rhode Island Convention Center in downtown Providence. The R.I.S.E (Realizing Inspiration & Sustaining Excellence) Women’s Leadership Conference is an annual event providing discussion, thought leadership, and networking across a diverse and broad range of women. Connecticut Sun Manager of Community Relations Shamare Holmes spoke on an afternoon panel discussion about community care and moving beyond self-care to attain sustainable wellness practices. The panelists dove into conversation and questions regarding self-care practices, burnout, healing, and creating support systems within personal communities. Additionally, members of the Sun sales team, Mikayla VanZandt and Maggie Smith, tabled at the convention and spoke to attendees about Connecticut Sun ticket offerings, community/organizational partnerships, and giveaways.

Sun front office staff members also attended various breakout sessions throughout the conference with topics discussing gender parity, social economics, workplace equality, women in leadership, financial literacy, health and wellness, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. The conference showcased keynote speakers, an awards ceremony, a scholarship ceremony and a Young Women’s Circle Panel with high school and collegiate students, to gain perspective on being a young girl in 2025.

“The Connecticut Sun is proud to have been represented at a conference with over 1600 attendees aiming to transform their lives personally and professionally. To see R.I.S.E invest in youth and women’s leadership was very impactful and I’m honored to have been able to contribute to the conversation while hopefully leaving a positive influence on the attendees,” said Sun Manager of Community Relations Shamare Holmes.

R.I.S.E is a nonpartisan and nonprofit annual event dedicated to the goal of connecting women across various ages, professions and diverse backgrounds to bring discussion around eliminating gender, pay, and socioeconomic gaps.

Established in 2003, the Connecticut Sun is a professional women’s basketball team in the Women’s National Basketball Association that takes residence at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT. For more information on the team’s community events and initiatives visit https://sun.wnba.com/community. To purchase season tickets, visit www.connecticutsun.com or call 1-877-SUN-TIXX.

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Photo Gallery: Saniya Rivers Attends USWNT Match in East Hartford