In this episode, we welcome Brittany Austin, Vice President of Marketing for the Nashville Predators. Brittany shares her incredible career journey, starting out as an aspiring graphic designer without any real knowledge of the sports industry. She found herself in an entry level position with the Tampa Bay Lightning from a job posting she answered…

In this episode, we welcome Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils and the Prudential Center. As a native Canadian, Jillian was exposed to the sports events industry while working for Molson, Labatt, and Nike Canada. Jillian is a builder, and since getting into the game, she has built brands, built a remarkable life wi…

In this episode, we welcome Melanie Abzug, Vice President of Consultation & Valuation for Playfly Sports. Melanie shares her remarkable career journey. As a student at North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she pursued a double major in Economics and Global Studies knowing that a career in business was her pursuit. She launched her path with Accenture as a…

In this episode, we welcome Camye Mackey, EVP and Chief People, Diversity, & Inclusion Officer for the Atlanta Hawks. Camye shares her remarkable career journey which includes working for Walt Disney World, Special Olympics, and MGM Resorts International. Today she serves as the top HR executive for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena and leads …

In this episode, we welcome Jennifer Prince, Chief Commercial Officer for the Los Angeles Rams. Jennifer shares her remarkable career journey which includes working in prominent positions at Google and Twitter, the evolution of her lifestyle when she welcomed her twins into the world, and her transition into the sports industry at the perfect time …

In this episode, we welcome Marina Carpenter, General Counsel & EVP of Public Affairs for the Arizona Coyotes. Marina shares her incredible journey as an Arizona native, who played division-1 volleyball at Arizona State University and built a remarkable career after earning her Juris Doctorate. It didn’t take her long to become a strategic, creativ…

In this episode, we welcome Alma Angeles-Parvaz, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Charlotte Hornets. Alma shares her remarkable journey as a first-generation Mexican American who carried out her parents’ dream for her to go to college. She since combined her love for sports with curiosity and grit to blaze a remarkable career that b…

In this episode, we welcome Brooke Faw, Vice President of Client Experiences for Bespoke Sports & Entertainment. Brooke shares her unique and incredible journey, which began in education as a Kindergarten Teacher and High School Basketball Coach. Through the power of connection and the spark of her passion for sports, she met some incredible suppor…

Season 5 Premiere! In this season opener we welcome Patti Phillips, CEO of Women Leaders in Sports —the nation’s premier organization that develops, connects, and champions women to advance and be a powerful influence in sports. Patti was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2015 and received the NCAA’s Champions of Diversity Award in …

In this live recorded season finale, we welcome Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Predators. Michelle shares her roots growing up in Kentucky, her foundation as an athlete at Vanderbilt University, where she would later return as the Associate Athletic Director to achieve her desire to someday work in sports. …

In this episode, we welcome Jill Gregory, EVP and General Manager of Sonoma Raceway. Jill is an acclaimed NASCAR executive and innovative sports marketer, who has blazed a career journey with a remarkable reputation. Twice named by Adweek as one of “The Most Powerful Women in Sports”, Jill was a key member of the leadership team, that shepherded th…

In this episode, we welcome Buffy Filippell, Founder of TeamWork Online. Buffy shares her remarkable career journey with her family- son, Davis and husband, Mark. Buffy is a true blazer by definition. She founded her Cleveland based company 30 years ago, and changed the game when she launched the online job portal that has effectively matched sport…

In this episode, we welcome Leah MacNab, Sr. Vice President & Managing Director of NBA Canada. Leah’s journey to becoming the first women to be named the Managing Director of NBA Canada was one of hard work and persistence. As the SVP and Managing Director, Leah is responsible for the development and growth of the league’s business in Canada, inclu…

In this episode, we welcome Starr Jemison, Sr. Vice President of Content Development and Private Events for the Oak View Group. Starr had an unconventional foundation to her career before starting her own talent management business that led her into the venue booking, content development, and private event space. Her investment in learning and taki…

It’s the 75th episode and we are excited to welcome Kelly Higgins as our featured guest for this episode. Kelly serves as the Vice President of Partnership Marketing for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Kelly was introduced to sports business at a young age when she landed an opportunity to work for the NY Mets during summer league throughout her high s…

In this episode we welcome Missy Ripepi, Sr. Director of Ticket Sales & Service for the Pittsburgh Pirates of the MLB. Missy has led an incredible career journey. She built the foundation of her career in inside sales with the Pirates, was dedicated to growing her career and found that growth in her journey. Missy has worked for the Rams of the NFL…

In this episode we welcome Tracy Ellis-Ward, Sr. Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Tracy has led an incredible career journey, where she has held several executive-level positions in athletics and higher education, contributed to building the foundation of the WNBA, and now is responsible for lead…

In this episode we welcome Khalia Collier, Vice President and Chief of Staff for Basketball Operations for the Dallas Mavericks. Khalia shares her incredible career journey with us. She started playing basketball at the age of 5, which sparked her love for the game and set her on a path to take what she learned on the court and apply it to her life…

In this episode we welcome Nam McGrail, Senior Vice President of Partnership Activation for the LA Kings of the NHL and AEG Global Partnerships. Nam shares her incredible career journey with us. After dedicating 10 years to her title as Mom, she was ready to dive back into her career life and explore new opportunities. It only took one conversation…

In this episode we welcome Janaki Cash, Vice President of Ticketing & Revenue Strategy for the New York Mets in the MLB. Janaki shares her incredible career journey with us. Originally pursuing a path to be a Veterinarian, she decided to switch focus and tap into her other passion, and break into the sports industry. Developing up the revenue verti…

In this episode we welcome Hallie Yavitch, Sr. Vice President of Booking & Marketing for Cyrpto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and L.A. Live. Hallie shares her incredible and unique career journey with us. Her original path was to become an attorney, in fact she has a doctorate from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is licensed to practice in her …

In this episode we welcome Laura Waters-Brown, Director of The Collective at Wasserman. Laura shares her incredible career journey with us. As a Division 1 Collegiate Volleyball player at South Carolina State University, she explored many potential career paths, but her passion for sports and people guided her path into the industry. With the help …

In this episode we welcome Kelly Lewis, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion and Recruitment for TurnkeyZRG. Kelly shares her amazing career journey with us. As a Detroit native, Kelly obtained an elite education from two of the top institutions in the country and focused in on building a career with purpose and passion. Today Kelly leads Turnke…

In this episode we welcome Amber Myczkowiak, Senior Director of Premium & Membership Development for the Detroit Pistons. Amber shares her remarkable journey with us, after surviving cancer in high school, she went on to play varsity softball at Trine University in Indiana where she led her team to three conference championships. Her passion for sp…

In this episode we welcome Alissa Lieppman, Vice President/Head of Culture & Business Operations for the NFL. Alissa broke into sports during the rise of digital and social media, and built her foundation in the industry consulting and leading all 32 NFL clubs in adopting strategies that created business growth in that space. Her passion evolved at…

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Martindale, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Chicago Cubs. Jen built the ultimate career toolbox with 14 foundational years in advertising where she drove brand strategy and led award-winning campaigns for notable brands, gained strategic business skills in the non-profit sector, and added entrepreneuri…

In this episode we welcome Lara Toscani Weems, Sr. Vice President of Global Communications for Elevate Sports Ventures.Lara has over 20 years of sports and entertainment communications and marketing experience with NBA, NHL, Top-10 internationally renowned venues, marquee professional sports leagues and properties, and global entertainment brands. …

In this episode we welcome Jessica Vella, Vice President of Tour & Event Sales for Legends at Sofi Stadium. Jessica shares her career journey, and provides insights from her personal and professional experiences in the industry. Knowing she wanted to work in professional sports going into college, she outlined her plans, established success in each…

In this episode we welcome Jamie Weinstein, Senior Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service for the Milwaukee Bucks. In this episode, Jamie shares her incredible career journey, where she has navigated up the ladder working with teams in the NBA, NHL, and NFL all across the country and with a stop in Canada. Her hard work ethic, openness to explore…

This season, I’ll be talking to 20 more incredible Women sports professionals who are breaking barriers and are on a journey to blaze trails!

In this episode we welcome Kim Stone, President of UBS Arena and Executive Vice President for Oak View Group East Coast. Kim shares her remarkable and decorated career journey, where she has served in executive leadership positions for two of the top global brands in sports - the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. There truly is nothing this wom…

In this episode we welcome Kimberly Davis, Senior Executive Vice President for the National Hockey League. Kimberly shares her incredible experiences and insights from her remarkable career journey. Kimberly had a fulfilled and successful career in the finance industry working for JP Morgan Chase for over 20 years before transitioning down a path t…

In this episode we welcome Allison Katz-Mayfield, Vice President of Business Strategy for LA28. Allison shares her incredible career journey. A graduate of MIT Sloan School of Management and Cornell University, Allison has spent her career driving business strategy through the use of data and analytics in the legal, healthcare, and sports industrie…

In this episode we welcome Jennifer Bower, Vice President of Stadium Partnerships for Legends. Jennifer shares her incredible career journey. As a student athlete at San Diego State University she strengthened her belief in hard work and built the foundation of her strong network. She tapped into that network to launch her sports career with the Sa…

In this episode we welcome Katie Stocz Miller, Sr. Vice President of Premium & Client Services, Fan Experience & Operations for the Orlando Magic of the NBA. Katie shares her incredible career journey that started out with a passion for sports, seeded by her childhood experiences of going to games and making memories with her family. This year, she…

In this episode we welcome Sofi Armenakian, Head of Sustainability for the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. Sofi shares her incredible career path that started out with a 10 year foundation in the retail industry that she launched in High School. Sofi reinvested her skills and experience into a new passion of leading operations and sustainability for orga…

In this episode we welcome Ann Seeney, Chief People and Diversity Officer for the US Soccer Federation. Ann shares her incredible career path that kicked off after graduating from Hampton University. Ann has worked in various organizations in many capacities in Human Resources. She broke into the sports industry, grew her network, built trusted rel…

In this episode we welcome Stacy Johns, Chief Financial Officer for the Los Angeles Football Club of MLS. Stacy shares her incredible career journey where she built her foundation in Finance with Ernst & Young and Eli Lilly. Thanks to her hard work, relationship building, and never passing up an opportunity, she was swept away from the public secto…

In this episode we welcome Keia Clarke, Chief Executive Officer for the New York Liberty of the WNBA. Keia shares her incredible career journey where she establishes a successful career path powered by her love of the game and her commitment to contribute to the continued growth of women’s professional sports. Now as the CEO of the New York Liberty…

In this episode we welcome Sam Rapoport, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the NFL. Sam, a former Quarterback, shares her incredible career journey which was built on the foundation of her passion for the game and driven by her goal to create societal change. Through hard work, perseverance, and pure determination, Sam has succes…

This is our 50th episode!! In this episode we welcome Ashley Galbraith, Senior Director of Membership Services for the LA Dodgers. Ashley shares her career journey starting out as a collegiate at athlete at Ohio State University, which is where her passion for sports inspired her to launch a career in the industry. Since breaking in with the Clevel…

In this episode we welcome Carolyn Kindle Betz, President & CEO of St Louis City SC. Carolyn shares her incredible career journey that led her to lead the development and launch of the 28th Team in the MLS that is set to kick off their inaugural season in 2023. Carolyn is a savvy and authentic civic, charitable, business leader who is at the forefr…

In this episode we welcome Nicole Metzger, Sr. Vice President of National Sales for JMI Sports. Nicole shares her incredible career journey where she has navigated a successful path in Partnership Sales & Marketing, with experience working in both professional and collegiate sports, and within leagues and teams. As a leader who specializes in secur…

In this episode we welcome Shani Tate Ross, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City. Shani shares her amazing experiences and insights from her incredible career. As someone who has always had a love for sports & entertainment, she made her passion her purpose. Now, over a 15 year span with the T-Mobile Center, sh…

In this episode we welcome Erin Miller, Sr. Vice President of Operations and Events for the National Basketball Retired Players Association. Erin shares her incredible career journey, starting out on a path to become a FBI Agent, but ultimately followed her gut which led her back to her roots in sports. Today, she celebrates 10 years of incredible …

In this episode we welcome Mel Raines, President & COO for Pacers Sports & Entertainment of the NBA and WNBA. Mel shares her incredible career journey, spending a significant portion of her career in politics with experiences working for US Senators, at the White House for the US Vice President, and running significant events - including multiple R…

In this episode we welcome Kareeda Chones Aguam, Sr. Vice President of Partner Strategy and Management for the Milwaukee Bucks of the NBA. Kareeda grew up in a basketball centered family where she learned the values of desire, determination, and dedication. It was those values that led her to become a Division 1 athlete at Marquette, and opened doo…

In this episode we welcome Chelsea Drobnick, Vice President of Premium Partnerships for the New Jersey Devils of the NHL . Chelsea shares her remarkable journey launching her career in ticket sales, where she found her calling in leadership amongst some of the best in the business. From season-to season, she challenged herself by taking the path wh…

In this episode we welcome Marissa Daly, President & General Manager of Media for the LA Rams. Marissa shares her incredible journey, where she trades in her finance career in the big apple to pursue a new path in the sports industry. Thanks to her hard work and saying yes regardless of qualifications, she has had the honor to grow and create impac…

In this episode we welcome Katrina Palanca, Vice President of Global Partnerships for the San Antonio Spurs, as our featured guest. Katrina shares her incredible journey, born and raised in Guam, as a fan of the game of basketball she wrote her NBA career hopes in the stars and set forth a path that led her to that moonshot goal. Now, an SBJ 2021 N…