DAVIS, Calif. — In recognition of Women's History Month, UC Davis Athletics hosted its fourth annual Women in Leadership Panel, bringing together accomplished Aggie alumni to share their professional journeys and leadership insights with current UC Davis student-athletes.
This year's panel featured three former Aggies: Amanda Luchetti (field hockey), Ashley Armstrong (volleyball) and Brianna Salvatore Dueck (women's basketball). Each offered a unique perspective shaped by careers in entrepreneurship, collegiate athletics administration and global sports marketing.
Luchetti, a 2013 graduate and founder of The Skilled Project, works to reshape how careers in skilled trades and construction are viewed and accessed. A social impact entrepreneur and strategist, her work spans media, workforce innovation and technology ventures focused on addressing barriers to workforce participation and leadership.
Armstrong, a 1995 graduate, currently serves as deputy director of athletics, chief operating officer and senior woman administrator at Loyola Marymount University. In that role, she helps oversee the department's daily operations and strategic initiatives, including Title IX, facilities, sports medicine and mental health services. Armstrong previously spent 15 years in athletic administration at UCLA and has also worked at Louisville and Tennessee.
Salvatore Dueck, a 2015 graduate and former professional basketball player, is the CEO of UPLIFT Sports and Entertainment, a marketing agency that partners with elite athletes, creators and brands. Prior to launching UPLIFT, she held senior roles with 17 Sport and Nielsen Sports, advising organizations including the NFL, International Olympic Committee and Adidas.
The discussion was moderated by UC Davis women's tennis head coach Sara Jackson, who opened the evening by recognizing the significance of Women's History Month and the leaders who have helped expand opportunities for future generations.
Throughout the conversation, panelists reflected on lessons from their time as Aggie student-athletes and how those experiences shaped their professional paths. Topics included navigating career challenges, managing burnout and learning to advocate for themselves in the workplace.
Salvatore Dueck shared an experience early in her career when she discovered male colleagues were being paid significantly more for similar work. After raising the issue with her supervisor, she successfully negotiated a raise.
"I realized a colleague doing the same job was making more than I was," Salvatore Dueck said. "Advocating for yourself and keeping records of your work really matters."
Panelists also emphasized the value of mentorship, informational interviews, and building meaningful professional relationships. Each noted that their careers were far from linear and encouraged student-athletes to stay open to new opportunities.
"Figuring out what you don't like is just as valuable as figuring out what you do like," Luchetti said. "Follow what lights you up and stay curious."
The evening served as a reminder that the lessons learned through athletics extend far beyond competition, helping shape the next generation of Aggie leaders.
