Speaking Up for Fair Play: Leah Wang’s Journey to Capitol Hill

Leah Wang 27BBA has always believed in the power of storytelling—not just to reflect history, but to shape the future. As a student-athlete at Emory and an advocate for gender equity in sports, she has turned her passion into action, working with Voice in Sport and even preparing to testify before Congress in support of the “Fair Play for Women Act.” In this Q&A, Leah shares her journey, the role Goizueta has played in her advocacy, and her advice for students looking to use their voices for change.

Can you share a little about yourself and what brought you to Goizueta Business School? 

I’m Leah Wang, a sophomore studying history and business. Growing up in a Taiwanese-American immigrant household in Austin, Texas, I developed a deep love for stories—history, to me, is a collection of powerful narratives that shape how we understand the world. 

While I loved uncovering stories of the past, I wanted to use storytelling as a tool for creating positive change in the present, particularly in the landscape of sports. That passion led me to Goizueta Business School, where I could combine my analytical skills with my interest in advocacy and business strategy to drive meaningful impact in the sports industry. Through my studies and experiences here, I’m gaining the tools and confidence to bridge the gap between business, storytelling, and social impact. 

What inspired you to get involved in advocating for gender equity in sports? 

I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities sports have provided me. I’ve gone on many adventures: playing in showcases from California to Florida, being in a movie promotion with Megan Rapinoe, and now playing college soccer for Emory University. That gratitude only deepened after conversations with my coach, Cat Whitehill, where I learned about her experience testifying before Congress on behalf of Title IX and the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her advocacy reinforced the importance of using our voices to drive change, which led me to promoting gender equity in sports and joining Voice in Sport. 

How did you get connected with Voice in Sport Foundation and this opportunity to speak before Congress? 

Last summer I had the privilege to intern at the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports, a local archive and exhibit within the University of Texas at Austin’s Football Stadium. There, I met a Ph.D. student who worked as a mentor at Voice in Sport and their advocate program 

When I learned about the opportunity to join Voice In Sport, a non-profit dedicated to promoting gender equity in sports, I immediately jumped at it. I integrated a Voice in Sports chapter at Emory to provide mentoring sessions for my fellow female student-athletes with Olympians, sports nutritionists, and psychologists. In my role, I also assessed Emory University’s Title IX compliance and discovered a 10% underrepresentation of female athletes compared to male athletes. This research led me to interview other student-athletes around the nation and collaborate with Senator Chris Murphy. I was invited to speak before Congress in February 2025 to support the “Fair Play for Women Act.” The Title IX bill will help hold higher educational institutions accountable for equal access to funding resources, opportunities, and support for women athletes. 

What was it like preparing for your testimony? Did any lessons from Goizueta, like B-Comm, help you feel more confident? 

I vividly recall a picture Professor Savage shared at the start of class, comparing a goldfish’s attention span to a human’s. As students walked in, their eyes locked onto the projector, curious about the unexpected image. The takeaway? The power of Attention-Grabbing Openings (AGOs). That lesson stayed with me as I prepared for my testimony, reminding me that a strong opening was crucial to capturing the room’s attention. 

B-Comm also reinforced the value of clear and concise messaging. I focused on structuring my speech in a way that was both data-driven and personal, making the case for gender equity in sports compelling and memorable. Practicing delivery techniques, refining my key points, and receiving feedback helped me feel more confident and prepared to speak before Congress. 

What was the most memorable or impactful moment from this experience? 

It was so awesome to meet and connect with other student athletes from across the country. I heard about their diverse experiences, which broadened my perspective on the challenges and triumphs within collegiate athletics. Another memorable moment was meeting a leading Title IX attorney whose insights into advocacy and legal strategies for gender equity in sports deeply resonated with me. Hearing firsthand about the legal battles fought to ensure fair treatment for women athletes was both eye-opening and inspiring. 

How has this experience influenced your goals for the future—both in sports and business? 

Participating in this experience reinforces my long-term career aspirations, as I hope to work in sports law and use my platform to advocate for gender equity. As a student athlete at Emory—an institution that leads by example in supporting women’s athletics—I want to help other universities follow suit. I will leverage my business background to develop strategic initiatives that promote equal opportunities for female athletes, ensuring that resources, funding, and representation in sports continue to grow. 

What advice would you give to other students who want to use their voice for causes they’re passionate about? 

Find your “why” and let that drive you! Passion is powerful, but persistence is what creates real change. Start by educating yourself—understand the history, policies, and key figures shaping your cause. Then, connect with organizations and individuals already working in the space, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek mentorship. Most importantly, take action, whether that is through volunteering, organizing events, raising awareness on social media, or having difficult conversations with those around you. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but every effort contributes to a larger movement. 

Leah Wang is a sophomore student-athlete on Emory’s Varsity Women’s Soccer team, majoring in history and business. She founded the Asian & Pacific Islander Student-Athlete (APISA) group on campus and currently serves as its president, leading initiatives to support AAPI student-athletes. Leah is also an active member of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity and Sexual Assault Peer Advocates. Outside of academics and athletics, she enjoys discovering new restaurants, attending concerts, and visiting museums. Leah looks up to Michele Kang, the owner of the Washington Spirit and a philanthropist in women’s sports, as her idol. 

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