Anna Pais, a consultant in Strategy & Analytics with Deloitte Consulting LLP, grew up playing competitive soccer across India, captaining teams, and advocating for women's sports. She believes that the power of sports and being surrounded by inspirational women has shaped who she is today and helps her thrive in her professional journey. Being a soccer player has given her immense strength, resilience, and confidence, and continues to guide her actions and decisions. She is inspired by many women professionals who lead with authenticity and hopes to follow in their footsteps.

Women's sports have had a profound impact on the life of Hannah Salinas, senior with Deloitte Tax LLP. She played professional soccer overseas and coached some of the next generation of soccer superstars. She's developed meaningful lifelong relationships, and it has given her the power to realize her potential on and off the field. She is immensely grateful to have been surrounded by strong and inspirational women throughout her career. By watching these women, Hannah learned about confidence, strength, resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Hannah hopes that by following in their footsteps, she will be able to inspire others.

"Words matter, so I don't say this lightly—sports saved my life." Coming out of the Army after serving in Afghanistan, Nik Hall, a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP, found the transition to civilian life daunting. She felt ill-equipped to succeed in the world. However, her junior college soccer team proved to be an unexpected haven. Here, she found more than a team. She found a family. One that she could take care of and one that could take care of her. It was on this team that she became an All-American and a NJCAA Hall of Famer. But no award could compare to her team's greatest gift. They gave her hope that she could make it.

Shauna-Gae Davis, a managing director in Technology with Deloitte Services LP, had a lofty goal to play soccer at the highest levels. Fortunately, her family supported her at all turns. Shauna went on to proudly represent her homeland in her country's first qualifier for soccer's biggest stage and as a D1 athlete with a full scholarship. Her experiences continue to inspire her and remind her of the impact she can make at Deloitte and within her communities. Through it all, Shauna has come to understand the importance of allyship, self-awareness, and the power that comes from being true to oneself.

Whitney Johnson's time as a D1 soccer player and international footballer taught her to focus and be persistent in pursuing her goal—regardless of the obstacles in her path. Whitney credits many skills learned on the pitch to her career success. But it's her growth mindset that she believes has helped her the most. In her role as a specialist in Marketing & Communications with Deloitte Services LP, Whitney keeps her biggest lesson from sports at heart, "Feedback can be a gift if you allow it." Plus, as a previous shebelieves summit attendee, Whitney was inspired to hear firsthand from women who are some of the best on and off the field.