Women Blazers

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 entrepreneurial experience in the restaurant industry. She took her toolbox and brought it to the sports industry where she has now been able to grow historical brands for the next generation.

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. She built the foundation of her career in Marketing and Public Relations with Comcast-Spectacor and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Lara has had a record-breaking career, but Lara is most fulfilled in her role as mother to her children Carter and Ellie. She credits the momentum she has had in her career and life from the response and learnings of her family’s remarkable journey.

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 women can’t do as she has led and governed all aspects of business and facility operations across her career making her what I would consider an industry Swiss Army Knife.

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 that launched an opportunity to join the NHL League office, where she is making a social impact and impacting the growth of the sport. Recognized as one of the most influential and powerful women in sports, Kimberly is one of the ultimate women blazers.

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 industries. With a passion for sports - she took her skills and built a storied career working for StubHub, the NFL, and now LA28. Allison is a true game changer and recently recognized as a 2022 SBJ 40 under 40 honoree.

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 San Diego Chargers and grew to where she is today - Full Circle, driving revenue growth for San Diego State University with Legends and giving back to the community she loves.

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 organizations, and now for the Atlanta Hawks where she help lead the organization to become the first in the world to be certified True Zerowaste.

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 relationships, and invested in her growth that led her to be the game changer she is today.

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, she is one of the key leaders in the game pushing the vision forward and unlocking opportunities for the next generation.

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 Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015, she’s been on an accelerated path delivering and launching successful membership service programs for LAFC and now the LA Dodgers, all while enjoying the fulfillment that comes with learning and leading.

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 experiences and valued relationships created at the National Basketball Players Association. Congratulations Erin on this remarkable career milestone!

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 doors to not only launch her career with the Bucks but also dedicate over 24 years and counting in helping shape the organization she loves and that has become an extended family to her and her loved ones.

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 where she would face adversity and established a strong belief system that has given her the confidence to be authentic and know that all paths will lead her to where she is meant to be.

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 New Voices Under 30 honoree, Katrina is focused on making an impact, inspiring others to follow their hearts, and leading a life at the center of her happiness.

In this episode we welcome Meka White Morris, Chief Revenue Officer for the Minnesota Twins of the MLB. Meka shares her incredible and diverse career path, starting out with the Cleveland Cavaliers and taking a journey that gave her the experience of working in NFL, college, music, attractions and for a tech start up before completing the full circle back with a team. Now the Chief Revenue Officer with the Minnesota Twins and a SBJ 40 under 40 honoree, Meka is focused on making a significant impact on baseball, Minnesota, and the Industry she loves.

In this episode we welcome Maya Mendoza-Exstrom, Sr. Vice President of Legal and External Affairs for the Seattle Sounders of the MLS. Maya shares her remarkable experiences and journey, rooted in the heart of Seattle, she fell in love with the game of soccer thanks to her parents. It was that foundation and her decision to lead forward with her heart, that has given her the opportunity to be a difference maker and contribute to strengthening the community she loves and represents.

In this episode we welcome Iris Diaz, Chief Marketing Officer for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. Iris brings the energy in this conversation as she shares her remarkable journey, a journey with humble beginnings, a no quit mentality, and an inspiring determination rooted by her family to lead the life she imagined for herself.

In this episode we welcome Jessica Smith, Head of Revenue for one of the the newest clubs in the NWSL, Angel City FC. You’ll hear Jess share her incredible journey, sparked by self determination and built on the foundation of a strong work ethic, commitment to her vision, and by differentiating herself as she climbed the industry.

As the Head of Revenue for Angel City, she is one of the key leaders building a brand on a mission to make a difference in this world.

In this episode we welcome Carley Knox, President of Business Operations for the Minnesota Lynx. Carley started out as a Division 1 soccer player with the goal to coach the game she loves, but she ultimately took a path beyond the field and that would allow her to live out her passion of fighting for women’s equality. Through the power of sports and the platform of the WNBA, Carley has been leading her life as a change agent for a better tomorrow for all marginalized groups and with a focus to create a better future for the next generation.

In this episode we welcome Allie Dicken. Allie serves as the Director of Brand Marketing for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. Allie started out knowing she wanted to work in professional sports while in High School and that vision helped drive her forward to make that dream a reality. Focused on contributing to the brand purpose, she left no stone unturned as she continues to make an impact in the industry through her love and passion for the game.

In this episode we welcome Lisa Walker, SVP of Business Development College Athletics for Eventellect. Lisa shares her career journey, starting out on a path to become a lawyer with the pursuit of a role in politics, but ultimately followed her passion to work in Collegiate Athletics - energized by the game and strengthened by the people who supported her along her path. A path where she followed her instincts and didn’t let fear get between her and any opportunity.

In this episode we welcome Emily Jaenson as our featured guest. Emily serves as the General Manager for the Reno Aces of Minor League Baseball and was the first women to hold this position in Triple-A ball. Emily shares her career journey, starting out in the Chicago Bulls sales internship program which led to a path where she discovered a passion for partnership development and leadership. Emily has built her incredible career off the foundation of hard work, making sacrifices, building strong relationships, and trusting the process.

In this episode we welcome Molly Wurdack-Folt as our featured guest. Molly serves as the VP of Corporate Partnership Activation for Olympia Entertainment which includes the Detroit Tigers of the MLB and Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. Molly shares her incredible experiences and learnings leading and growing in the sports industry. Powered by passion and by the incredible people she is surrounded by she leads an amazing career and life that just keeps on giving.

In this episode we welcome Elizabeth DiLullo Brown as our featured guest. Elizabeth serves as the SVP/Chief Marketing Officer for Little League Baseball. You’ll hear Liz share her amazing journey as she has knocked her career out of the park growing from agency life to becoming Little League’s first female senior executive. Her impressive path is the product of a strong work ethic, expanded experiences, a positive attitude, and her love for making an impact.

In this episode we welcome Vanessa Scott as our featured guest. Vanessa serves as the Director of Accounting for Houston Dynamo FC, Houston Dash, and BBVA Stadium. You’ll hear Vanessa share her incredible journey, starting out as a track athlete at Tulane University where she had to evacuate after her third day on campus due to Hurricane Katrina. That experience followed by many others taught her to embrace challenges and change, to create and lean in to her network, and invest in continuous learning that drives her growth and career.

In this episode we welcome Abbey Mathis as our featured guest. Abbey serves as the Sr. Director of Premium Hospitality Development for the Cleveland Cavaliers. As a natural competitor most of her life, Abbey had aspirations of going pro as a soccer player and found herself going pro as a key contributor in the front office of a professional sports team. Abbey leads with compassion, works to deliver greatness, and she is honest not just with others but truly with herself, which I find is a rare and quality characteristic in leaders and incredible people such as Abbey.

In this episode we welcome Amanda Verhoff as our featured guest. Amanda is the President of The Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD), which is where she dedicated her entire career to date starting out as an intern. She is an authentic and passionate industry leader, who plays a significant role in inspiring the innovation of the premium fan experience and has had an incredible ride with a front row seat to the evolution of arenas and stadiums across the country.

In this 21st episode we welcome Allison Howard as our featured guest. Allison serves as the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the 17x NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Allison has an amazing story starting out as a civil engineer before making a complete career change into partnership sales, where her authentic charisma, hard work, and dedication to developing as a leader has led to her amazing career with one of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA.

In this episode we welcome Catie Griggs as our featured guest. Catie is the Vice President and Chief Business Officer for Atlanta United of Major League Soccer. You’ll hear Catie share her unique journey, not knowing she would end up in the sports industry- she followed her curiosity and interest in human connection as she blazed a career path that was driven by the power of relationships and her courage to consistently not let fear hold her back from stepping up to each opportunity presented to her.

In this episode we welcome Samantha Hicks as our featured guest. Samantha is the Chief Revenue Officer for the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC of MiLB and USL. You’ll hear her share her incredible journey, knowing sales was her pursued career and combining it with her passion for sports, she has blazed a path to the C-Suite. Crushing sales, being on and leading great teams, and loving the work ever my step of the way.

In this episode we welcome Shelly Cayette as our featured guest. Shelly is the Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. You’ll hear Shelly share her incredible and unique journey, never allowing herself to be put in a box - she navigated up in her career through hard work, pursuing opportunities that excite her, and being powered by the responsibility of representation and blazing trails for women in the industry.

In this episode we welcome Laura Dixon as our featured guest. Laura is the Head of External Affairs for the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA and the President and Founder of the Pro Sports Assembly.

You’ll hear Laura share her incredible journey, after breaking into sports with the Dallas Sports Commission, she blazed forward with her entrepreneurial mindset and action oriented style to career growth. Which earned her an opportunity to join the Spurs organization where she has been able to unleash her passion for advocacy and be an intentional difference maker for the past 11 years.

In this episode we welcome Qiava Martinez, Vice President of Premium Service and Guest Experience for the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL. You’ll hear Qiava share her incredible journey, growing up in a large family and being raised by inspirational parents and alongside supportive siblings. It was in this environment that inspired Qiava to be a creator of experiences and to give back to others, which she has been able to do along her career path and for past 12 years with the now Las Vegas Raiders and with her own amazing family by her side.

In this episode we welcome Jill Snodgrass, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the Philadelphia 76ers of the NBA. You’ll hear Jill share her incredible journey, breaking into sports with a life changing internship with the Atlanta Hawks and building a career on the foundation and love for service and building off that foundation over the past 7 seasons with the historic Philadelphia 76ers. Along the way, learning to trust the process and that the power of passion is energized by the incredible people you surround yourself with.

In this episode we welcome Erica Bernadas, Sr. Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans of the NFL and NBA as our featured guest. You’ll hear Erica share her journey starting out by taking an unexpected position in Inside Sales and finding early sales success that set the foundation for her career. Erica has followed her passion for the art of the sale, creating personalized partnerships, and ceasing opportunities that connect with her personal and professional goals which has provided her with an incredible career that includes working in the NHL, MLS, NBA, and NFL.

In this episode we welcome Danita Johnson, President and Chief Operating Officer for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. You’ll hear Danita share her journey dedicated to leading a meaningful career in the Sports Industry, which without a doubt has been accomplished. Danita has had an incredible career path working in the WNBA, NBA and G-League, leaving a legacy at each destination and solidifying that hard work, passion, and belief in ones self leads to a fulfilling and successful career.

In this episode we welcome Raven Jemison, Vice President/Team Marketing Business Operations at the NBA as our featured guest. You’ll hear Raven share her journey starting out on a path dedicated to becoming an Optometrist and discovering it was not the life she wanted to lead. She tapped into her passion and blazed a new path in the sports industry, which now has been a 15+ year career journey that has provided her with the experience to work in all four of the major leagues, impact the lives of many as a sales leader, and build trusted and lasting relationships with colleagues at each stop and now as a strategic partner with teams in the NBA, WNBA, and G-League.

In this episode we welcome Angela Spence, Director of Sales for the Atlanta Hawks and College Park Skyhawks as our featured guest.

In this episode you’ll hear Angela share her journey starting out as a collegiate basketball player with plans to become a coach and making the decision to shift that dream which led to discovering the world of Ticket Sales. Along Angela’s path she has had to face adversity, but she pushed through the challenges by honoring her commitments and seeing the successful outcome of her hard work and perseverance. Angela is truly a rising star in the industry.

In this episode we welcome Gretchen Sheirr, Chief Revenue Officer for the Houston Rockets. You’ll hear Gretchen share her journey starting out in ticket sales and deciding to double down and stick with it at a time when people didn’t see it has career path with lots of future upside. She now celebrates an incredible 19 season career and counting with the Houston Rockets where she blazed a path to the C-suite and has been a key contributor to growing the Houston Rockets as a top franchise in the NBA.

In this fourth episode we welcome Alison Roscoe, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for Austin FC as our featured guest. In this episode you’ll hear how Alison navigated up through a non-traditional path, starting out managing pop up fan fest, and has had to face unscripted experiences that not only challenged her but motivated her growth in the industry.