Sola Winley

Professional Overview

Sola Winley is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in media, strategy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership. As the Executive Vice President and Chief DEI Officer at Major League Soccer, she is responsible for driving the organization's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable workplace and fan experience.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role at Major League Soccer, Sola spearheads the development and implementation of comprehensive DEI strategies, focusing on recruiting, retention, and advancement of underrepresented talent. She collaborates closely with executive leadership to embed DEI principles throughout the organization's operations, policies, and decision-making processes. Under her guidance, Major League Soccer has seen tangible improvements in workforce diversity, supplier diversity, and community engagement.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Sola founded and served as the Principal at Brown Angel Advisors, a strategic consulting firm specializing in corporate strategy, digital transformation, and DEI solutions. She has also held the position of Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Planning at A+E Networks, where she led cross-functional teams in developing and executing strategic initiatives to drive growth and operational efficiency.

Earlier in her career, Sola was the Founder and Principal at Provision Consulting, a boutique consulting firm, and held a role in international media marketing and sales at the National Football League (NFL).

Academic Background

Sola holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Connecticut.

Areas of Expertise

• Diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy development and implementation

• Corporate strategy and business transformation

• Organizational change management

• Stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration

• Talent management and leadership development

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Sola has been recognized for her ability to drive meaningful change and foster more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces. At Major League Soccer, she has spearheaded initiatives that have resulted in increased representation of underrepresented groups at all levels of the organization, as well as the development of comprehensive DEI training programs and the implementation of inclusive policies and practices.

Conclusion

Sola Winley is a seasoned executive with a proven track record of success in the media and sports industries. Her deep expertise in DEI, strategic planning, and organizational transformation positions her as a valuable leader in driving positive change and creating more inclusive and equitable environments.