Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Bid celebrates leading women on International Women's Day

Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Host Destination today celebrates the inspirational women leading the city’s bid to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026.

Embodying and representing Baltimore-Maryland's diverse communities and with close ties and connections to the city itself, the bid’s female figureheads from across the sport, commerce and tourism industries include:

Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce

Angel McCoughtry, Double Olympic gold medallist, USA Basketball player and five-time WNBA All-Star

Shelonda Stokes, President of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore

Amy Rohrer, President and CEO, Maryland Hotel Lodging Association

Christina Ghani Smith, Senior National Sports Manager, Visit Baltimore

Ashley Harper Cottrell, Project Manager, Maryland Sports Commission; Web Manager, Maryland Stadium Authority

Robbin Lee, Executive Director, Baltimore Homecoming

Baltimore-Maryland 2026 is dedicated to prioritising diversity and inclusion and has ensured individuals from across the city and state’s culturally diverse communities are represented at every level.

The Bid Committee has developed a strategy for the implementation of clear paths of progression to ensure talented women from throughout the Baltimore-Maryland community have equal and fair opportunity, as this is one of the founding pillars of the bid.

As influential women in their respective industries, Baltimore-Maryland 2026’s female Committee members highlight the huge levels of support the bid enjoys. Alongside city and state-wide political support, Baltimore-Maryland offers the 2026 FIFA World Cup total commercial and financial certainty.

Baltimore-Maryland 2026 includes female business and community leaders spanning various committees, including:

Staci Golden, BWI Marshall Airport

Randi Norris, Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts

Kym Douglas, Maryland Stadium Authority

Nicole Matthews, Maryland Stadium Authority

Stacey Ullrich, Under Armour

Cynthia Miller, Maryland Department of Commerce, Office of Tourism

Donna Edwards, Maryland AFL-CIO

Liz Fitzsimmons, Maryland Department of Commerce

Jennifer Grondahl, Baltimore Orioles

Charlie Ashworth, Vero Communications

Kelly M. Schulz, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce and Baltimore-Maryland 2026 World Cup Inner Circle Member, said:

"I’m very excited to support Baltimore-Maryland's bid to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026, especially with the knowledge that this bid is centred around a commitment to reflect the cultural diversity our city and state are known for.

"Not only will hosting these matches will bring new jobs and new revenue, but it will put Maryland before the eyes of FIFA fans across the world."

Angel McCoughtry, Double Olympic gold medallist, USA Basketball and WNBA All-Star, entrepreneur and Baltimore-Maryland 2026 Goodwill Ambassador and Host Committee Member, said:

"Being part of the Baltimore-Maryland 2026 Host Committee is a privilege and I’m excited to be part of the diverse group of Baltimoreans working hard to bring the FIFA 2026 World Cup to our city and state. Our uniquely diverse city is ready to welcome the global football family with our world-class hospitality and fun, thriving culture.

"As an elite athlete I understand the power of major tournaments and the opportunities they present for inspiring future talent. The chance to host FIFA 2026 World Cup matches in Baltimore-Maryland is an unmissable opportunity for our city and state to accelerate the development of soccer and connect with a new generation of soccer lovers."

Shelonda Stokes, President of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Baltimore-Maryland 2026 Committee of Influence Co-Chair, said:

"Baltimore is an incredible sports town. As a host to world-class events and sold-out international friendlies, we know how to support top-flight sporting events with the best hospitality assets, convenient location, international air hubs, regional transportation, and friendliest fan base in the U.S."

Ashley Harper Cottrell, Project Manager, Maryland Sports Commission; Creative & Web Manager, Maryland Stadium Authority, said:

"Our entire bid, from the Legacy Plan to the training sites to goals and objectives set by our committees, is rooted in the firm belief that the World Cup has the potential to be a vehicle of empowerment for the residents of Maryland. However, positive change is only possible when everyone has the opportunity to have a voice. In the coming months, we intend to build upon the relationships we are continually establishing to ensure that our committee structure reflects the incredible and diverse populations that make up our extraordinary city and state."

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