Ally has always been a disruptor – and nowhere is that more evident than in its commitment to leveling the playing field for women’s sports. In this conversation, Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and PR Officer at Ally, shares how the brand is challenging the long-standing status quo in sports media coverage and investment—across leagues like the WNBA, NWSL, and beyond.
From launching bold media investment pledges to partnering with athletes and reimagining what brand equity really means, Andrea reflects on Ally’s broader mission to drive impact through action. And as the intersection of sports, media and purpose grows more powerful than ever, she’ll be joined by voices shaping the future of the game—from the court to the front office. This session is a call to rethink investment, visibility, and what it truly means for a brand to show up in culture.
Arielle Chambers
Arielle Chambers, a Forbes Under 30 Honoree, is a multi-media journalist, host, and women's sports and culture amplifier. Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina and currently based in New York City, Chambers utilizes storytelling to amplify the voices of women and magnify their excellence. Intentionally staying on the women's side of things, Chambers seeks to show girls and women world-wide, that their potential is limitless.
Chambers stands as an independent mixed-media journalist driving the success of ESPN’s Andscape and founded HighlightHER, now BR WOMENS SPORTS, an explosively growing women's sports platform. She consistently delivers a blend of news, highlights, user-generated content, and engaging interviews featuring renowned female athletes, all centered around the world of women's sports.
Beyond her reporting and commentary, Ari Chambers is known for her advocacy work. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice, gender equality, and racial equity in sports. Her efforts have not only sparked important conversations but have also led to meaningful change within the sports industry.
Merritt Mathias
Merritt Mathias is a former professional soccer player, boasting a remarkable 13-year career that left an indelible mark on the sport. One of the original players of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), is a 3X NWSL Championship titles and 3X NWSL Shield Winner. Her longevity and consistent performance are further highlighted by her more than 200 appearances and 20,000+ minutes played in the league. Beyond her on-field prowess, Mathias played a pivotal role in shaping the future of the NWSL off the field, serving as a vital member of the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) Bargaining Committee that successfully negotiated two historic Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in 2021 and 2024.
Crystal Dunn
The No.1 pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft out of the University of North Carolina, Crystal Dunn is a NWSL MVP, 3-Time NWSL Champion, and FIFA World Cup Champion. Versatile and ruthless, Dunn became the youngest player to win the NWSL MVP (at age 23) in the same season she won the NWSL Golden Boot and led her team to a championship. Dunn stars on Paris Saint-Germain and the USWNT.
Dunn is one of only nine USWNT players ever with 100+ caps, making 104 appearances to date and tallying 24 goals and 17 assists. She was instrumental in helping the US win the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting and playing 90 minutes of six of the team’s seven matches.
Dunn is a co-founder of the NWSL’s Black Women’s Player Collective. She resides with her husband, Pierre, and her one-year-old son Marcel.
Andrea Brimmer
Andrea Brimmer is chief marketing and PR officer at Ally Financial, leading brand transformation and driving significant growth. She joined in 2006, launched the Ally brand in 2009, and became CMO in 2015, unifying the brand under the "Do It Right" mantra. Recognized as an innovative marketing leader, she's been named to Forbes' Most Influential CMO list five times, earning a spot in their 2024 CMO Hall of Fame. She serves on multiple boards including eHealth and Ad Council, and is a Michigan State University graduate where she played varsity soccer.
