Her Business of Sport - Donna Kelso

The Her Business of Sport podcast shines a spotlight on female sport business administrators who are changing the rules of the industry by carving new pathways for women in the field. Each episode interviews a woman in the sports industry about their career journey, experiences working in the field, and advice they give to future generations.

Episode 5 features Donna Kelso - Grand Slam Supervisor for the Women's Tennis Association and Director of the Women's Tennis Association University.

Donna has served the professional tennis community since the age of 20, attaining the highest level of International Certification – Gold Badge Chair Umpire, Chief Umpire and Referee simultaneously and officiating Her first Grand Slam as Chair Umpire at Wimbledon.

At the peak of her on court career, Donna was one of only 2 female Gold Badge Chair Umpires in the world.

Donna joined the WTA in 1998 as a WTA / Grand Slam Supervisor and continues to be highly involved in officiating, being the final on site authority on rules and decisions at WTA Tournaments and working closely with athletes, coaches, broadcast, sponsors, Tournament organizers and of course officials.

Donna has worked 111 Grand Slams, 4 Olympics Games and countless other tennis events all over the world.

This episode covers:

• How Donna was proactive in stepping into the tennis world at a young age
• Donna's career journey starting as a umpire and then transitioning into operations and logistics for the WTA
• Being a young female working in a male-dominated field that is umpiring
• How Donna balanced having a successful career with travel responsibilities and raising a family
• Qualities of a good leader and the impact Billie Jean King has on sports and society today
• Billie Jean King and the Original 9's 3 revolutionary ambitions for women and girls in sport
• Donna's piece of advice for pursuing a career in sport