Fanatical DreamHer

Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of Fanatical DreamHer, host April Kemp interviews Mia Napolitano, marketing manager of the San Jose Earthquakes. Mia shares her lifelong passion for soccer and how growing up as a fan of the Earthquakes eventually led her to a dream role with the team. Through her story, Mia highlights the importance of family support, hard work, and having the courage to pursue what you love, even when the path isn't obvious. She also discusses overcoming obstacles as a young woman in the sports industry and emphasizes the value of mentorship and self-confidence in achieving success.

Key Discussion Points:

• [00:02:20] Mia's first exposure to the San Jose Earthquakes and her love for soccer
• [00:06:10] How Mia transitioned from being a fan to pursuing a career in sports
• [00:10:25] The significance of interning and volunteering to open doors for career opportunities
• [00:15:30] Mia's college journey and how writing a paper on minor league baseball salaries became a milestone
• [00:20:45] Overcoming challenges as a young woman in a male-dominated industry
• [00:28:10] The importance of self-confidence, positive self-talk, and surrounding yourself with supportive people
• [00:35:00] Mia's advice to young girls wanting to break into the sports industry

Notable Quotes:

• "You can have a dream all you want, but to achieve it, you have to work hard. Doors don't open magically."
• "The more confidence you have internally, the more you'll exude externally. People feed off your energy."
• "It's all about surrounding yourself with people who want to see you succeed."

Takeaways:

• Embrace hard work and never be afraid to ask for opportunities.
• Don't underestimate the power of mentorship and networking.
• Confidence and resilience are key to overcoming industry obstacles, especially for women in male-dominated fields.

Connect with Mia Napolitano: You can reach Mia on LinkedIn here.

Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week as we continue to feature women who are living their dreams and making waves in their industries. Remember, the world always makes way for the dreamer!

Follow & Subscribe: Be sure to follow Fanatical DreamHer on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows to never miss an inspiring episode!

Episode Description: In this debut episode of Fanatical Dreamher, host April Kemp interviews her daughter, Hope Kemp-Hanson, a sportswear designer and innovation expert. Hope shares her inspiring journey from designing prom dresses in high school to working for renowned brands like Adidas and The North Face. She reflects on her early passion for fashion, her transformative experience at SCAD, and the pivotal decision to switch from high-end couture to sportswear design. Hope also talks about the challenges of breaking into the competitive fashion industry, her commitment to innovation, and the power of mentorship and community. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring designers and anyone who believes in following their dreams with relentless passion.

Key Discussion Points:

• [00:02:15] Hope's early love for fashion and how it all started with designing dresses as a child
• [00:06:30] Hope's first internship at age 14 with Nina Glaser, a famous dress designer
• [00:12:45] Transitioning from high-end couture to sportswear while at SCAD
• [00:18:20] Applying to Pencil and the life-changing moment when Hope was accepted into the program
• [00:25:30] Moving to Portland for Pencil and how the program transformed her career
• [00:30:50] Hope's work with Adidas and her experience designing for World Cup 2026
• [00:40:10] Her current role at The North Face and the focus on innovation and women's design
• [00:50:45] The importance of self-talk, visualization, and believing in your dreams

Notable Quotes:

• "The greatest act of self-love is following your heart and taking risks."
• "You need to be the fiercest protector of your dreams."
• "Work until your heroes become your collaborators."

Takeaways:

• Believe in your dreams and protect them fiercely.
• Don't be afraid to take risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.
• Mentorship and community are crucial to success in any industry.
• Visualizing your future helps guide your decisions and fuels your motivation.

Connect with Hope Kemp-Hanson:

• LinkedIn: Hope Kemp-Hanson
• Website: HopeKempHanson.com

Next Episode Teaser: Join us next week as we feature another remarkable woman, sharing her journey of turning dreams into reality. Until then, remember—the world always makes way for the dreamer.

Follow & Subscribe: Don't miss an episode! Follow Fanatical Dreamher on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.

Fanatical DreamHer Introduction Episode