How did you get to where you are now in the sports industry?
My background working within the sports industry started in college at Portland State University working with the athletic department to broadcast their men's and women's sporting events. I worked as a camera operator primarily and used that experience when I moved to Las Vegas back in 2018 to gain employment as a gameday operator with the Vegas Golden Knights heading into season two. I worked my way from there as a gameday operator to eventually fulltime employment by season five.
What is your role within the Foley Entertainment Group organization?
My role with FEG is mostly focused on staffing and maintaining the in-house production teams/production execution for all FEG affiliates -Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, Vegas Knight Hawks, NBA G-League Ignite- as well as assisting with any other events that come through the Dollar Loan Center. Working in the entertainment, experience, and production department involves a lot of moving parts so my job is to help coordinate with both gameday and full-time staff to help ensure a smooth production and fulfillments required met for each and every FEG event.
What is one of the greatest challenges of being a woman in sports?
I would say a challenge that comes with being a female in this industry is having a higher threshold to prove your knowledge and/or skill level. The sports industry in general is primarily male dominated especially on the technical side/in the production and broadcasting world. I feel like if a woman does come in to work in this field they have to work five times harder to prove themselves as a durable presence.
What are the most rewarding things about working in sports?
The most rewarding aspect of working in sports for me would be seeing genuine smiles and happiness from fans enjoying the entire game experience. I am fortunate enough to work with the group that works to capture all that is fun and enjoyable about coming to a sporting event so we really are up close and personal with seeing reactions firsthand which is always something I'm thankful to be a part of.
Any advice for other women trying to break into the sports world?
My advice for any other women trying to enter this industry, and specifically the technical or production side, is to try anything and everything you get the opportunity to do. I wouldn't shy away from any opportunities within this industry because they could lead to other possibilities you never imagined or you could find something that you never knew you were passionate about.
