Debbie Antonelli Inspires at Women in Business Signature Event
The Augusta Metro Chamber’s Women in Business Signature Event brought energy, inspiration, and a touch of basketball flair to the stage as Debbie Antonelli, longtime ESPN and CBS basketball analyst, delivered an empowering keynote message at this year’s event themed “Champions On and Off the Court.” Introduced by Michelle Pippin, CEO of the Augusta Sports Council, Antonelli was celebrated for her nearly four decades as one of the most respected and recognizable voices in college basketball.
Antonelli shared her belief that success starts with personal accountability. “Only you can determine these two things; no one can change this, only you can control this: how hard you play, as a basketball reference, and what you say,” she told the crowd. Her message centered on the themes of work ethic, resilience, and teamwork, reminding attendees that success is as much about what happens off the court as on it.
Throughout her talk, Antonelli encouraged attendees to find their passion and joy, to “champion” themselves and others. “Just being able to inspire people to try and find their passion and joy and do what they love,” she said. “You can champion yourself as an athlete, but you can champion yourself off the floor as well.”
Wearing sneakers and sharing stories from her 38-year broadcasting career, Antonelli highlighted the importance of networking, perseverance, and service to others. She spoke of her personal “shield” — three guiding words that have carried her through every challenge: build, empower, serve.
“There’s a lot of times in our lives things don’t go our way,” Antonelli said. “No matter where you go, you’re always going to be part of a team. You can be part of a family team, an athletic team, or a business team — and the key is how you help that team thrive.”
As the event came to a close, attendees left inspired to take Antonelli’s message to heart — to work hard, speak with purpose, and continue building stronger teams in business and life.
Thank you to our generous sponsors for making this event possible! Our Signature Sponsors include ADP, Piedmont Augusta, Ocozzio, SouthState, and Wellstar. Gold Sponsors are Augusta Entertainment Complex, SRP Federal Credit Union, and Georgia Power. Bronze Sponsors include Farm Bureau Insurance, Cherry Bekaert, Doctors Hospital, Life Strategies Financial Partners, and TaxSlayer. Additional support was provided by Door Prize Sponsor Windsor Fine Jewelers, VIP Reception Sponsor Augusta University James M. Hull College of Business, Signature Cocktail Sponsor Queensborough National Bank & Trust Company, Technology Sponsor Comcast, AV Sponsor Encore, Wine Sponsors Universal Plumbing and Carole Fabrics, Pink Carpet Sponsor Peach State Federal Credit Union, Media Sponsors WJBF News Channel 6, The Augusta Chronicle, and WRDW News 12 | 26 Augusta, Floral Sponsor Ladybug's Flowers and Gifts, and Printing Sponsor Phoenix Printing.
Photos from the evening captured by RedWolf Advertising: Signature Event | Pink Carpet