Women Blazers

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 successfully opened the front door to NFL operations positions for over 225 Women and counting.

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 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 forefront of ensuring St. Louis is respected as a world class city by bringing the world’s game to her community.

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 securing jewel assets, Nicole enjoys taking on new challenges and making an impact.

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, she has been able to create lasting memories for many and make an meaningful impact in a community she loves.

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 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 Republican National Conventions and the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis. She has transferred her incredible skills to the sports industry and is establishing a double legacy transforming one of the most iconic arena’s in basketball to be the Fieldhouse of the Future.

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 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 impact at two incredible organizations - Yahoo Sports and the Los Angeles Rams.