CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 15, 2024) -The Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today its strategic partnership with Trane Technologies, a global climate innovator, as the presenting partner of the Carolina Ascent Women’s Leadership Speaker Series. This announcement comes on the heels of The Carolina Ascent’s recent announcement of the newly formed female ownership group The Empower Her Fund, LLC, a locally based women’s ownership group that has taken on a significant investment in the team.
As the presenting partner of the Women’s Leadership Speaker Series, Trane Technologies will host multiple events featuring successful female executives who will share their career journeys with high school, college, and young professionals to help them plan for success in life and business.
The mission of the Trane Technologies Women’s Leadership Speaker Series is to connect, develop, and inspire current and future women leaders of the Charlotte community –
- To be a positive and bold change agent while continuing to innovate & achieve powerful results
- Develop and inspire strong, talented, empowered, emerging female leaders.
Four to six times during the season, we will feature a female corporate executive who will serve as a moderator to a panel of female executives as they share their journey with the attendees and offer insight into their respective industries and professions.
In addition, Trane Technologies’ partnership with Carolina Ascent is its first collaboration with a women’s professional sports organization and the region’s newest top-tier women’s professional soccer team. The Carolina Ascent is one of the eight inaugural franchises of the United Soccer League’s Super League, the newest Division One women’s professional soccer league in the United States. The collaboration will promote Trane Technologies’ purpose to boldly challenge what’s possible for a sustainable world and its commitment to creating opportunities for all.
“At Trane Technologies, we’re committed to creating an uplifting and inclusive culture where everyone feels empowered to be themselves. Carolina Ascent shares these values and that’s why we’re excited to partner with them as they kick off their inaugural season,” said Carrie Ruddy, senior vice president and chief communications and marketing officer, Trane Technologies. “We’re particularly enthusiastic about the Women’s Leadership Speaker Series and the opportunity to inspire the next generation of women leaders.”
Maryann Bruce, managing member of the investor group Empower HER Fund, LLC, expressed enthusiasm about forming a strategic partnership with Trane Technologies, stating, “Trane’s longstanding commitment to community service and fostering an inclusive culture where representation and empowerment are paramount directly aligned with Carolina Ascent’s and Empower Her Fund’s mission.” Bruce added “that this collaboration will help uplift women in the Carolinas, particularly in soccer, by providing more opportunities, amplifying their voices, and supporting their pursuit of excellence both on and off the field.”
As a result of the partnership, the Trane Technologies logo is featured on the sleeve of the Carolina Ascent away jersey. Trane Technologies will also sponsor a “Science of Soccer” feature that will be showcased on the scoreboard and social media channels.
Carolina Ascent kicks off its inaugural season on Saturday, August 17, at 7 p.m. The new women’s professional soccer team hosts DC Power FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at carolinascent.com.
ABOUT TRANE TECHNOLOGIES
Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane® and Thermo King®, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. Visit tranetechnologies.com.
ABOUT EMPOWER HER FUND LLC
A group of women leaders and investors from the Carolinas have united with a shared passion for empowering, supporting, and advancing women in professional sports, aiming to make a significant positive impact in the community.
ABOUT THE USL SUPER LEAGUE
The USL Super League is a Division One professional women’s soccer league kicking off in August 2024. The USL Super League’s vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities.
The inaugural markets are Brooklyn, Carolina, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Lexington, Spokane, Tampa Bay, and Washington, D.C.
The USL Super League will sit at the top of the USL’s distinct youth-to-pro women’s pathway. The complete pathway includes the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s soccer league in the United States; the USL Academy, an advanced talent-development platform connected to professional and pre-professional USL clubs; and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.
