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A Woman of Inspiration is a woman who leads by example and inspires others to be extraordinary. She is a role model who inspires others to go further, making an impact across her company, community, and industry. Women of Inspiration recognizes leaders who impact their community and champion to advance women in the sports and events industry.
Changemaker of the Year - Chelsey Falzone, Manager - Youth Engagement, Minnesota Twins
Chelsey Falzone, a Stillwater, Minn. native is in her 12th year with the Minnesota Twins. She began her career with the Twins as the only female baseball instructor for the team’s youth camps while also playing softball at Bethel University. Later, she moved into the Front Office as an intern with the Game Presentation department, then nearing the conclusion of her internship, Chelsey was hired full-time as the Ballpark Operations Assistant where she served for nearly five years. Now, Chelsey’s profession aligns with her passion of reaching all communities through baseball and softball as the Minnesota Twins Manager of Youth Engagement.
Chelsey’s career highlight includes helping select and coach the first-ever 14U Minnesota Twins Girls Baseball Team, who ultimately made it to the championship game at the biggest girls baseball tournament in the country.
Chelsey is the proud recipient of several Minnie & Paul Awards for outstanding teamwork, as well as the 2019 Twins Tradition Award for most exemplifying the four tenets of the Twins Tradition: passion, hustle, heart, and fun. Chelsey is a passionate and easily excitable person who deeply loves her wife, Becca, their toddler, Luciana, her people, and her life.
Executive of the Year - Amy Rahja, Assistant General Manager, Target Center
Amy Rahja serves as a member of the Legends Global Central Booking Team and Assistant General Manager at Target Center in Minneapolis, where she oversees booking, marketing, box office, and event management operations. With more than two decades of experience in live entertainment and venue management, she has played a key role in securing high-profile events such as the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments, USA Gymnastics Olympic Team Trials, and sell-out concerts. Prior to her current role, Amy held leadership positions with VStar Entertainment Group, Feld Entertainment, and Broadway Across America. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has completed the WISE Emerging Leaders Certificate Program.
Emerging Professional of the Year - Samantha Ziwicki, Community Relations Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Samantha Ziwicki is in her fifth season with the Minnesota Vikings. In her role as a Community Relations Coordinator, she creates meaningful experiences for individuals and groups across the Twin Cities and beyond, leading and supporting more than 35 community events annually. Samantha oversees partnerships with organizations such as Special Olympics and Make-A-Wish, helps in securing annual grant funding, and supports key activations for NFL initiatives including Crucial Catch, Salute to Service, and Inspire Change. In addition to her role with the Vikings, Samantha serves as the Head Coach of the University of Wisconsin - Stout Dance Team. She is passionate about using athletics as a platform for community connection, student leadership, and memorable experiences. Samantha is a proud UW–Stout graduate and resides in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
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