Discover the inspiring journey of Odessa Jenkins, founder and CEO of the Women's National Football Conference (WNFC), as she breaks stereotypes and champions gender equity in sports.
Most people still think women can't or don't play tackle football — Odessa Jenkins breaks down why that narrative is wrong and how she's transforming the game for women. If you've ever wondered why women are marginalized in sports, or how underserved women athletes truly are, this episode is a must-listen.Odessa, founder and CEO of the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), reveals her journey from childhood football dreams to building a league that now features the best women players on the planet. She shares vivid stories of fighting for recognition and resources, the grueling reality of playing in underfunded leagues—on Holy Grass fields, with donated equipment, and little visibility—and how she turned her passion into a movement that’s changing perceptions of women in football.We break down the strategies behind scaling a professional women’s league, including the surge in talent, increasing media exposure — over 100 million digital impressions last year alone and national TV on ESPN2. Odessa shares how the league aims to accelerate women's financial equity through football and why challenging the status quo is essential for genuine progress. You’ll discover why flag football is just the start and how women’s strength, both physical and mental, is reshaping notions of femininity in sports.This isn’t just about football — it’s a movement toward breaking barriers, rethinking femininity, and creating opportunities that empower women to claim their space in the most physical game of all. If you believe women should be paid, seen, and heard in sports, this episode will inspire you to see the potential in women who are redefining strength and resilience.Perfect for sports fans, entrepreneurs, gender equity advocates, and anyone hungry for stories of empowering change. Odessa's insights reveal why women’s football is on the brink of a revolution—and how you can be part of it.
In this episode:
- Odessa shares her childhood love for tackle football and how she belonged in the sport while defying societal expectations
- The evolution of women’s tackle football from neighborhood games to organized leagues with professional ambitions
- The challenges of playing football with limited resources and community building in the league’s early days
- How the NFL's flag football initiatives both help and hinder the growth of women’s tackle football
- The WNFC’s current state: growth metrics, talent caliber, media visibility, and sponsorship success
- Odessa’s vision to accelerate financial and cultural equity for women through football
- The importance of challenging athletes, especially women, to embrace their strength and versatility
- Opportunities for women athletes in Seattle and the challenge to show up for the sport
- A call for investment and support in women’s football as a burgeoning business opportunity
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Odessa OJ Jenkins was born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, overcame early challenges, including the tragic loss of her brother to gang violence, to become a top high school athlete, earning a Division 1 scholarship to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She began her career in sales before transitioning to a decade-long tenure in healthcare technology with Medco Health Solutions (Express Scripts). In 2008, Jenkins entered women’s football, where she quickly rose to prominence, being named the #1 running back in the world and leading Team USA to multiple world championships. She returned to coaching and team ownership in 2014, co-founding the Texas Elite Spartans and later the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), which broke barriers as the first women’s tackle football league sponsored by major global sports brands like Adidas and Riddell. Under her leadership, the WNFC rapidly grew, accelerating women’s tackle football toward professionalism. Today, Jenkins is a sought-after keynote speaker and coach, mentoring leaders in sports and corporate environments on building diverse and inclusive teams.
Follow OJ on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/ojthejuice03
Connect with OJ on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odessajenkins/
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The Forecast is a Production of :
KVRU (https://www.kvru.org/shows/the-forecast/) & JEFFSCOTTSHAW
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Executive Producer + Host // Maggie Mertens // Maggie@KVRU.org
Executive Producer // JEFFSCOTTSHAW // Jeff@KVRU.org
Additional Production Support Provided By // Crystal Fincher & Shannon Cheng & Maurice Jones Jr.
