Promotional graphic for a conversation with Brandi Chastain and Candace Parker on teal background with text reading: Women & Philanthropy UC Davis presents A Conversation with Brandi Chastain & Candace Parker, Sunday, October 4, 2026, Mondavi Center, UC Davis

What does it take to lead with impact? From the professional sports to venture capitalism, our speakers will reveal the skills, mindset and focus that set great leaders apart.

Panelists

Ryann Greenberg, vice president of guest experience and venue operations, Bay FC

Headshot of Ryann Greenberg

Ryann Greenberg is vice president of guest experience and venue operations for the elite football franchise Bay FC, where she is responsible for delivering a world-class experience for players, fans, and partners across the club's operations. In addition to leading matchday operations and guest experience at PayPal Park, Bay FC's home stadium in San Jose, Ryann oversees the planning and execution of the club's year-round events and will lead venue operations for Bay FC's new state-of-the-art Performance Center on Treasure Island, opening in 2027.

Ryann brings more than two decades of experience in sports and live event operations. Before joining Bay FC, she spent 16 years with the San Francisco Giants, most recently serving as Senior Director of Event Strategy. In that role, she led cross-functional initiatives that modernized operations and enhanced the fan experience, spearheading the organization's first Fan Experience Advisory Group and helping shape long-term venue and event strategies. She also oversaw Giants Spring Training Operations in Scottsdale, Arizona, managing all aspects of baseball and business operations for the club's annual training camp. Ryann has also worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers where she gained experience in event operations and game presentation, helping deliver major league events and fan experiences.

Ryann is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. 

 

Ay’Anna Moody, executive director, Golden State Community Foundation

Headshot of Ay'Anna Moody smiling against a teal background

Ay’Anna Moody is Executive Director of the Golden State Community Foundation, where she leads the philanthropic strategy for the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries. Under her leadership, the Foundation has surpassed $50 million in total economic impact, advancing educational equity through strategic grantmaking, fundraising, and partnerships that expand opportunities for students, educators, and nonprofit organizations across the Bay Area.

Now in her seventh season with Golden State, Moody previously served as Senior Director of Social Impact, where she led the organization's education and community engagement strategy. In 2019, she launched Generation Thrive, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit accelerator in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Since its inception, the initiative has equipped more than 15,000 Bay Area educators with free professional development, wellness resources, and collaborative learning opportunities. She also spearheaded initiatives that strengthened school district partnerships, expanded educator support, and established signature programs, including Educators Night at Chase Center.

Before joining Golden State, Moody served as Director of College Access for Oakland Promise and Coordinator of College Access for Oakland Unified School District. Throughout her career, she has built systems that increase educational access and student success, helping drive FAFSA and California Dream Act completion rates to 85 percent and contributing to Oakland Unified's highest high school graduation rate in decades.

Moody has been recognized as one of the San Francisco Business Times' Most Influential Women in Bay Area Business (2026) and was featured in Essence for leading the Golden State Community Foundation beyond $50 million in total economic impact.

She serves on the National Board of Jumpstart Kids, the Board of Spark SF Public Schools, and the Workforce Investment San Francisco Commission, helping advance early literacy, educational equity, workforce development, and public education innovation.

An Oakland native, Moody earned a B.A. in African American Studies and Political Science from UCLA and an M.A. in Education Policy and Social Analysis from Columbia University.

 

Heather Vaughan, president, NorCal Rumble

portrait of Heather Vaughan smiling against teal circular background

Heather Vaughan is the President of NorCal Rumble, Northern California's Major League Volleyball franchise, where she is leading the launch of one of the newest professional women's sports teams in the country. Charged with building the organization from the ground up, she oversees every aspect of the club's business. This includes defining its brand, culture, and commercial strategy, assembling its leadership team, growing corporate partnerships, engaging communities, and creating a fan experience that sets a new standard for professional sports.

A passionate brand builder with more than 25 years of experience across professional sports, entertainment, and live events, Heather has built her career at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and unforgettable fan experiences. She believes the strongest sports brands are more than teams, they become movements that unite communities and inspire generations.

Prior to joining NorCal Rumble, Heather served as Vice President of Marketing for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, where she led marketing, creative, fan engagement, community impact, and event presentation for the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center, and Sharks Ice. Before that, she was Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Pac-12 Conference, leading conference-wide brand strategy, championship marketing, and revenue-driving initiatives, including the sellout of the 2023 Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Allegiant Stadium. Earlier in her career, Heather served as Senior Director of Marketing for the Sacramento Kings and began her career in agency-side public relations, communications, and advertising.

Throughout her career, Heather has been driven by a passion for growing the game, elevating brands, and creating moments that bring people together. Her work has earned multiple PromaxBDA and Telly Awards, and she serves on the boards of the Green Sports Alliance and Informa Connect's BizBash Sports.

Originally from Encinitas, California (Go Padres!), Heather earned her bachelor's degree from California State University, Chico, and her master's degree from California State University, Fullerton. She's been an Adjunct Professor at the Art Institute of Sacramento, Santa Clara University and University of San Francisco and currently teaches at both Santa Clara and USF. Among her proudest career moments is winning the 2005 WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs, an experience that continues to fuel her commitment to advancing women's professional sports.


Moderator

Pamela Wu ’95, director of news and media relations, UC Davis Health

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Pamela Wu’s career spans the fields of broadcast journalism, public relations, and communications training. Wu is the director of News and Media Relations for UC Davis Health. In 2021, she received an Emmy Award in the category of Health/Medical Long-Form Content. Wu continues her work in broadcasting as a substitute host for Capital Public Radio, Sacramento’s NPR station.