New York, NY (July 28, 2025) – The Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF®) announced today that Meg Rushton has joined in the new role of Chief Communications Officer. With a 15-year track record in strategic communications, Rushton will lead the organization’s brand, media, and reputation strategy to expand visibility, deepen impact, and drive advocacy at the intersection of sport and social change. This addition to the WSF leadership team signals the Foundation’s next stage of growth – not just as a nonprofit, but as a high-impact platform advancing the case for women’s and girl’s sport participation at all levels as a catalyst for developing future leaders, better health outcomes and cultural and economic progress.
WSF has been a fierce defender of Title IX for more than 50 years. Founded by Billie Jean King, the organization fosters progress for girls and women in sports at all levels– from elementary, to college to elite — creating a pipeline of not only star athletes, but future leaders on and off the field. Through research-informed advocacy, data-driven grant-making, athlete empowerment, and community programing, WSF champions access, opportunity and representation from local communities to the global stage.
“Women’s sports are finally getting the surge of attention they’ve always deserved — but that surge didn’t happen by chance. It’s the direct result of decades of hard-fought progress led by the Women’s Sports Foundation. It is critical that we continue to lead the industry in protecting Title IX and investing in the entire athletic ecosystem if we want to build a future where every girl can rise through sport, “said WSF CEO, Danette Leighton. “Meg’s leadership will be instrumental as we coalesce the public and private sectors, sharpen our voice, broaden our reach, and accelerate our impact in a way that will activate new audiences and bold new investments.”
Rushton joins WSF having shaped communications strategy for some of the most recognizable names in the corporate and nonprofit sectors and brings a deep understanding of how to use storytelling to drive cultural change. She recently served as Executive Director of Company Brand & Purpose Communications at The Estée Lauder Companies, where she managed global brand and reputation, developed social impact campaigns focused on gender equity, and drove executive communications.
Prior to Estée Lauder, Rushton held multiple senior leadership roles at the Ad Council, including Senior Vice President of Brand Communications. There, she drove the nonprofit organization’s brand identity, B2B communications, content strategy, and shaped major public events, including the annual Ad Council Dinner, which raised over $6.5M annually. Her work has led purpose-driven campaigns in collaboration with leading nonprofits and brands such as UNCF, Feeding America, P&G, and Unilever, and her narrative expertise has been featured across global stages including Davos, Cannes Lions, and SXSW.
Throughout her career, Rushton has been dedicated to using communications as a tool to advance equity, influence culture, and build purpose-led platforms. She is a passionate advocate for elevating women’s voices as an avenue for social and societal growth – whether in sports, technology, education, or leadership.
“I’ve long admired the Women’s Sports Foundation as a trailblazer not only in sports, but in driving real systems-level change for girls and women and the entire sports industry,” said Meg Rushton. “To help shape and amplify this next chapter—at a time when the world is finally waking up to the power of women’s sports—is an extraordinary opportunity. By deepening our thought leadership, we have the ability to change hearts, shift culture, and spark investment. I’m thrilled to help grow WSF’s impact and expand the visibility of the athletes, advocates, and communities powering this movement.”
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About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation® (WSF®) exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow’s leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. For over 50 years, WSF has been changing the game through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $115 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. When girls play, they lead, and we all win!TM To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.
Media Contacts:
Patty Bifulco
Women’s Sports Foundation
631.230.3322
PBifulco@WomensSportsFoundation.org
Kandice Miller
Women’s Sports Foundation
479.409.7779
KMiller@WomensSportsFoundation.org