How Identity Has Influenced a Member and Donor Relations Corporate Partnerships Specialist at Pro Football Retired Players' Career
Breanna's career navigation as a woman of color in the sports industry has been aided by leveraging organizations that support women of color in professional spaces, allowing her to network and find companies with aligning "values and morals." This approach, combined with self-awareness and authenticity, has helped her identify suitable opportunities and build meaningful relationships.
Networking, Overcoming Challenges, Career Development, Motivational Stories, Women in Sports
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Breanna Barksdale
Specialist, Member and Donor Relations - Corporate Partnerships
Pro Football Retired Players
Auburn University (2017)
UCLA FEMBA
Marketing
Sports & Fitness
Sales and Client Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The sports industry is recognizing the value of diverse perspectives, particularly from women.
2. Networking and utilizing organizations that support women of color are crucial for career advancement.
3. Finding companies with aligned values and morals is as important as pursuing a 'dream' company.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman of color, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career as a woman of color in the sports industry?
A lot of companies and leaders are seeing the impact of women in diverse aspects. They now see women in the workplace a little differently.
There are many companies and organizations that support women of color in the professional space, whether that's tech, media, or sports. Leveraging these organizations can help you get in front of HR departments and other key people.
This can help put your resume at the top or connect you with people who can introduce you to others. Building and nurturing those relationships is important to showcase your skills.
The most important thing is leveraging different organizations that value you. You have a place there; it's just a matter of timing and if you truly fit the company.
You might think a certain company is your dream company, but you might find out you don't share the same values or morals. You'll learn this through other people and the organizations you're interviewing with.
Being true to yourself is also very important. Having different organizations and people who look like you to support you and lean into you makes a difference.