UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Caroline Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of GOALS, a consultancy and media platform dedicated to growing women’s sports, will present a talk on Oct. 13 in the Dean's Hall of the Penn Stater Conference Center. Fitzerald's talk, titled "Barbie, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and the Inevitable Prosperity of Women’s Sports," is sponsored by AAUW, the American Association of University Women, of State College.
The popular forum series, modeled after the National Press Club Speaker Series, includes a presentation by an invited speaker, followed by audience questions. Register here for Fitzerald's talk.
Fitzgerald is an accomplished entrepreneur and visionary leader who has dedicated her career to empowering individuals through innovative approaches to personal and professional development.
As the founder of GOALS, a transformative organization focused on leadership coaching, skill-building and goal setting, Fitzgerald has worked with a diverse range of clients to help them unlock their full potential. Her work spans industries and has made a significant impact on youth empowerment, corporate leadership, and community development.
Fitzgerald's passion for creating sustainable change is reflected in the programs she leads, helping individuals set and achieve meaningful goals while cultivating skills for lasting success. Her unique perspective on mindset and performance has earned her recognition as a thought leader in personal development.
About the talk: 'Barbie, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and the Inevitable Prosperity of Women’s Sports'
The examples of Barbie, Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have undeniably proven that when women consumers are prioritized, profits soar. And when it comes to an entertainment product, women’s sports are perfectly positioned to serve an historically underserved female audience. This talk will make “the business case for women’s sports” and discuss how women’s sports are at a tipping point and are poised for incredible growth ahead.
About the Penn State Forum Speaker Series
The buffet-style luncheons are held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in various venues on the University Park campus. All events are open to faculty, staff, students and the general public. Tickets are $25 each, or $250 for a table of 10, and include a buffet lunch.
Upcoming speakers include:
- February 2026: Pearl Gluck, associate professor of communications and the 2025–26 Penn State Laureate
- April 2026: Ryan Newman, Penn State alum and managing director at Goldman Sachs
Registration is now open for the Fall 2025 speakers. Registration for the spring speakers will be made available at a later date.
More information about the series, as well as previous and forthcoming topics and speakers, is available on the Penn State Forum website. Suggestions for future Penn State Forum speakers can be shared with Forum coordinator Cassie Marsh-Caldwell.