Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Leary.
Hi Jen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a born-and-raised Philly sports fan and lifelong athlete (I played in the National Women’s Football Association), but for years there was nowhere in this city to watch a women’s game with other fans — bars wouldn’t put the games on, or played them with the volume off. So in April 2024, I threw a pop-up watch party for the NCAA Women’s Championship, Philly’s own Dawn Staley vs Caitlin Clark and it took off immediately — growing into Watch Party PHL, with events across every women’s sport at venues all over the city.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The transition from Watch Party PHL to a permanent women’s sports hub, The Stoop Pigeon, opening in January at Broad & Pine Sts has been challenging. For all the reasons anyone who’s ever started a small business or dealt with corporate real estate in the city will understand. We are building out this space from scratch so there is a lot involved.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Philadelphia Fire Fighter for work. But have spent my life organizing, running nonprofit orgs and starting businesses focused on filling voids in the city, like Watch Party & The Stoop Pigeon.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Collaboration is key to success. The more people you talk to, bring in and share ideas and experiences with, the more you grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thestooppigeonphl.com
- Instagram: stooppigeonphl
- LinkedIn: Stoop Pigeon PHL
