Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.
The women’s national team is the best in the world. The men’s national team has some of the best young talent in the world. Now imagine what’s possible if the players fully supported each other, and everyone in soccer committed to grow the game at all levels and in all communities. That’s the challenge of U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone, who joined the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program on the eve of the Tokyo Olympics to explore ways to resolve the equal pay dispute and foster collaboration. What story can be told about U.S. Soccer by the 2026 World Cup co-hosted in the U.S.?
Speakers:
Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer Foundation President, Olympic- and World Cup-winning U.S. women’s national team player, champion National Women’s Soccer League head coach
Featuring behavioral scientist Cassie Holmes, to explore one of life’s most pressing questions: how can we spend our time to experience greater happiness and meaning.
Featuring Deborah Tannen, Linguist and best-selling author, for a keynote about the power of language in shaping our relationships, workplaces, and public life.
Featuring Dr. Emily Jacobs, neuroscientist and professor at UC Santa Barbara, whose groundbreaking research examines how hormonal changes across the female lifespan influence brain function and structure.
Featuring Dr. Vonda Wright, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, author, and internationally recognized expert on women’s musculoskeletal health and active aging.
Featuring Dr. Natalie Crawford, double board-certified OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist, co-founder of Fora Fertility, and author of “The Fertility Formula.”
The U.S sports system sits on the precipice of a massive transition, from the grassroots to the treetops. Traditional structures that have guided the development of youth, school, college, global and professional sports are being pressure-tested and in some cases ripped up by the forces of NIL, legal rulings, technology, private equity, and White House executive orders.
In moments like these, policy matters. But sports policy has never been a strength of our government. How did we get here and what needs to happen to ensure the Golden Decade ahead unfolds in a manner that is underpinned by a coherent, mutually beneficial sport system?
