New York, NY (March 30, 2022) — As the nation continues to celebrate Women’s History Month, the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) is welcoming two new members to its Board of Trustees, each with their own impressive history. Scout Bassett, U.S. Paralympian and world record holder in Track & Field, and Jill Nash, a seasoned public relations and corporate communications executive, join an elite group of cross-sector experts that help guide the Foundation’s operations and mission, to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life.
“We are delighted to welcome Scout Bassett and Jill Nash to the WSF Board of Trustees,” said Danette Leighton, WSF CEO. “Our Board’s support and leadership are key to the continued success of the Foundation. In addition to their impressive experience, Scout and Jill share our passion and commitment to unlock possibilities for girls and women through the power of sport.”
Bassett, a WSF Athlete Ambassador and past Travel & Training Fund recipient, and Nash are joining a Board known for its wide range of backgrounds. Members hail from professional sports, teams and leagues, collegiate conferences, media entities and sports broadcasting, powerhouse brands and corporate industry, and academia. This accomplished group join WSF in shared determination to advance girls and women in sports to reap the life-long benefits that come with sport participation.
To learn more about the newest members of WSF Board leadership, please find their bios below:
Scout Bassett spent seven years in a government-run orphanage in Nanjing, China after she was abandoned on the side of a street following the loss of her right leg in a chemical fire as an infant. Given a makeshift prosthetic leg patched together from leather belts and masking tape, she never stepped outside of the orphanage, spending her days mopping floors, washing dishes and taking care for the younger children before being adopted by an American couple from Michigan in 1995. Still learning the English language, Bassett joined sports as a way to connect with her peers. She tried basketball, softball, golf, and tennis before competitively racing in track & field and triathlons. At 14, she was introduced to the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), who gave her a grant to fund her training while also allowing her to attend running clinics and mentor young amputees. Bassett worked her way to qualify for her first U.S. Paralympic Team in 2016. In pursuit of her Paralympic dreams, she competed at the 2012 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field London Trials, where she placed 2nd in the 200m and 3rd in the 100m. Standing at 4’9”, Bassett is a 6-time National Champion in the 100m. She is currently the World Record holder in the 400m and American Record holder in the 200m. Prior to competing in track, Bassett was on the USA Paratriathlon National Team, where she won three silver medals and one bronze medal at the ITU Paratriathlon World Championships. Off the track, she spends time as a mentor, activist for people with disabilities, athlete ambassador and motivational speaker and is a unique and inspiring role model for all people to dream big and believe.
Jill Nash is a seasoned public relations and corporate communications executive with a successful track record of working with leading global consumer brands and Silicon Valley technology companies. She has also helped guide leading philanthropies as both a board member and volunteer. Most recently she has worked as a consultant to a number of Silicon Valley start-ups and grassroots organizations. Previously, Nash was an Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Government Relations for LifeLock, an identity theft and cyber security company and a Senior Vice President at Levi Strauss where she led global corporate communications, social responsibility, government affairs and community relations. Prior to that she served as Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Yahoo! Other professional experience includes senior communications and executive leadership roles at Gap Inc. and Charles Schwab. Nash serves on the Board of Emerge California and is a former board member of water.org, GLAAD, the San Francisco SPCA. She has received numerous industry honors and was named to the Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business list for three consecutive years.
For a complete list of the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Board of Trustees, please click here.
About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we strengthen and expand participation and leadership opportunities through research, advocacy, community programming and a wide variety of collaborative partnerships. The Women’s Sports Foundation has positively shaped the lives of millions of youth, high school and collegiate student-athletes, elite athletes and coaches. We’re building a future where every girl and woman can #KeepPlaying and unlock the lifelong benefits of sport participation. All girls. All women. All sports.® To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
Media Contact
Patty Bifulco
Women’s Sports Foundation
631.230.3322
PBifulco@WomensSportsFoundation.org