How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?
I’ve always loved sport and competition. I’m a competitive equestrian in my spare time, and I volunteered for various teams during high school and college. When I found out that it was someone’s job to put on professional and collegiate sporting events, I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. I live for game day – for the fans who bring passion and loyalty, the athletes who demonstrate toughness and grit and the coaches who exemplify leadership. When the announcer first introduces the home team, or they score their first touchdown, and the crowd erupts, I get goosebumps. I get to be there every day helping fans to make lifelong memories on the world’s biggest stages.
Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?
One of my first bosses, Eric, from the Atlanta Hawks. He is the most kind, genuine and generous individual I can possibly think of, and his support has been invaluable as I progress through my career. I really struggled in Inside Sales, the first step in most sports careers, but he made the time to help me and was always available for advice. He is the definition of a servant leader, a concept I first learned from him, who is someone that seeks to lead not for power or prestige, but so they can pave the way for their followers. He is always seeking to make things easier for the people who work for him. Even after I no longer directly worked for him, he was always quick with a word of encouragement when I was down or tough love when it was needed. I don’t think I’d still be in sports if it wasn’t for him, and I’m eternally grateful.
How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?
I’m in the Delta Zeta LinkedIn group and follow Delta Zeta on Instagram. I’ve seen Truly Connected conferences, but the timing hasn’t been great lately as they tend to overlap with game days.
How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?
I have the best friends, and they’re unwaveringly supportive of my career, as I seek to be for theirs, but they would be unwaveringly supportive of anything I needed them to be, which is the beauty of friendship. There’s more to life than work, and I’m so lucky to have the best friends to share it with. My little sister, Reeves, who is also a Delta Zeta was also one of the women who nominated me for 35 under 35, and I wanted to share my sincerest appreciation for her and the push to be recognized. She’s my biggest cheerleader on and off the field, and sharing DZ with her has been a true blessing.