PODCAST: S3:EP4–Bernell Hooker, IOU Sports

WELCOME TO SEASON 3 OF THE SPORTS PHILANTHROPY PODCAST!!

Join us for S3:EP4 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Bernell Hooker, Founder and CEO of Image of Us (IOU) Sports, sits down with our host, Roy Kessel, to discuss her drive to provide an empowering experience to female athletes and how her history as a coach influenced who she is today.

Bernell Hooker is a leader and advocate to excavate social change for Girls and Women Sports. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Images of Us (IOU) Sports (2002-Present) a nonprofit providing a Unique, Cultural, Educational and Athletic experience for girls/women and Owner of the Milwaukee Aces Professional Women’s Basketball Team. She is also the President of the Midwest Women’s Sports Group LLC, a catalyst for innovative and creative women sports and entertainment. It focuses on creating a product that provides memorable experiences, entertainment, and an amazing atmosphere for fans of all walks. MWSG produces events catered to women and girls to establish reparable programs that maximizes earning potential for both long and short term goals through professional sports leagues, tournaments and community events.

Additionally, Hooker is the Owner of the Milwaukee Aces Professional Women’s Basketball Team, in its 6^th season. Their season runs from May to August. The Aces are the second women’s Pro basketball team behind the Herstorical 1978 Milwaukee Does. Hooker is also the Producer of the IOU Sports Show a YouTube media outlet that reflects the actual existence of the Women Sports Industry and to educate the community about the issues surrounding Women in Business and Sports.

Hooker has been nationally and locally recognized for her leadership advocating for gender equity in sports by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports, Milwaukee Business Journal Woman of Influence and the Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee Title IX Athletes for her commitment to sports, business and community. Bernell is the Founder and CEO of Images of Us Sports. Established in 2002, IOU Sports is a nonprofit organization providing a Unique, Cultural, Educational and Athletic experience for girls and women. Its mission is to empower girls to achieve their best through sports.

Bernell was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University and has been a college coach of women’s basketball for twenty-five years, retiring in 2006 as the Senior Woman Administrator at Mount Mary University and one of the strategic team members of helping MMU obtain its NCAA Division III status. Her leadership skills of not giving in and not giving up show the effectiveness and dedication in her work.

Founded in 2002 by Bernell Hooker, Images of Us Sports, also known as IOU Sports, is 501 © 3 Nonprofit Organization serving girls and women. Their mission is to provide a unique, cultural, educational, and athletic experience for girls and women. IOU seeks to empower girls using education through sports as an avenue that instills teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness to create well-rounded individuals. IOU believes in the education, cultural awareness, diversity and growth of young girls and women in the professional sports arena. The organization is committed to providing educational opportunities, internships, and seminars to women to help them augment the skills they already have.