Soaring Together Webinar: Women Shaping the Future of Media
Thursday, April 9 | 12:00 pm
About the Event
Changing the Narrative: Women Shaping the Future of Media
Join Lehigh alumni for an inspiring Soaring Together women’s panel exploring the evolving role of women in media. Moderated by Kendall Coughlin ’19, our panelists — Renee Washington M.Ed.’16, Kayla Burton ’17, and Ariella Scalese ’14 — will share candid insights, industry perspectives, and advice for the next generation of women looking to make their mark on and off the air.
Featuring sports reporters and a meteorologist, this conversation will highlight:
- Personal Journeys
- Gender Dynamics in the Industry
- The Role of Representation
- Navigating Public Perception and Social Media
- Advice and Future Outlook
A Q&A session will follow the panel discussion.
Staff Contact: Morgan Nelson M.Ed.’19
Guest Speakers
Event Details
When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 12-1 p.m. Eastern
Online via Zoom
RSVP by: Wednesday, April 8
Moderator: Kendall Coughlin ’19
Kendall Coughlin is an award-winning booking producer at Good Morning America. She graduated cum laude from Lehigh University in 2019 with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in marketing. At Lehigh, she held several leadership roles, including president of the Lehigh Marketing Club and president of the Club Field Hockey Team, and she worked across campus as a tour guide coordinator, admissions fellow, Nasdaq media fellow, and social media manager for The Brown and White.
Coughlin completed internships through the Iacocca International Internship Program in Milan, Italy, as well as with WFMZ-TV and WPVI-TV (6ABC), which led to an internship with ABC News’ 20/20. After moving to New York City, she freelanced with 20/20 and Diane Sawyer before joining Good Morning America, where she has covered major national stories, high-profile trials, and championship sporting events. She currently lives in New York City with her fiancé, whom she met at Lehigh University, and will be married this June.
Panelist: Kayla Burton ’17
Kayla Burton is a host at NBC Sports Boston, covering all of Boston sports including the Patriots, Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins. Burton spent several years as a host and reporter for both collegiate and professional sports. She most recently spent time at ESPN where she served as a college football sideline reporter. Prior to that, she was with NFL Media where she served a multi-platform role across NFL Network, NFL.com, and the NFL app. Before working at the NFL Network, she spent time in various roles with Western Mass News based in Springfield, Massachusetts, including sports/news anchor, reporter, and content producer. She also presented Channel 5’s NFL coverage in the UK. Burton’s move to NBC Sports Boston will bring her back to her deep Boston roots. From her grandfather and father to her brother and sisters, her family has always been involved with and passionate about sports.
Burton graduated from Lehigh University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and a minor in Africana studies. While at Lehigh, she was a standout for the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball team. She then went on to earn her master’s degree from Syracuse Newhouse School.
Panelist: Ariella Scalese ’14
Ariella Scalese graduated from Lehigh University in 2014 with a degree in earth and environmental science and a minor in mass communications. She later completed the Broadcast Meteorology program through Mississippi State University while working in the field. Her career has taken her to Laredo, TX; Savannah, GA; Raleigh, NC; Philadelphia, PA; and Tennessee/Kentucky before joining AccuWeather in Central PA as a senior TV broadcaster and digital contributor.
Outside the studio, Scalese is a mom to a three‑year‑old and is expecting her second child in May. She enjoys cooking, baking, reading, working out, and spending time outdoors...especially when it's sunny and warm. And she feels like she should probably mention her husband by saying he is pretty great, a very supportive partner, and a loving father.
Panelist: Renee Washington M.Ed.’16
Renee Washington is a professional speaker, sports analyst, and anchor who leads meaningful conversations at the intersection of sports, media, and leadership. She has worked with networks including FIFA, NBC Sports, and ESPN, bringing credibility and clarity to some of the world’s biggest stages such as the World Cup, Winter Olympics, and college sports.
A native of Ewing, New Jersey, Renee is a former three-time All-American and Soccer Hall of Famer at La Salle University. She played professionally with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) before transitioning to coaching for two years at Lehigh University. During her time at Lehigh, she earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Beyond broadcasting, Renee is a sought-after professional speaker, emcee, and creator, having delivered TED-style talks, keynotes, panel discussions, and hosted global events. She inspires audiences on topics including leadership, sports, mental health, education, and personal growth, using her platform to empower and educate. She is also a content creator known for connecting storytelling with purpose and presence.
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