Event Recap
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The 2024 Take the Lead Career Summit at Fenway Park On September 23rd, 2024, the annual Take the Lead Career Summit took place at the iconic Fenway Park in the 521 Overlook Room, bringing together industry leaders and aspiring professionals for an evening of career insight, networking, and diversity-focused dialogue. This year’s summit continued the tradition of fostering meaningful conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the sports industry, with a particular emphasis on empowering students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue careers in sports and entertainment.

‍The Summit Experience
‍The evening kicked off with a welcome from Sam Kennedy, President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox, who underscored the importance of collaborative efforts to build more inclusive workplaces. Following his remarks, Marvel Melon, Take the Lead Fellow and event organizer, introduced the impressive panel of front office professionals from New England’s sports teams.

‍Front Office Panel Discussion
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‍The first major session featured a Front Office Panel Discussion, moderated by Marvel Melon, which included a dynamic group of leaders: Michael Zamora – Corporate Partnerships Coordinator, Kraft Sports + Entertainment
‍Shane Faherty – Manager of Premium Client Services, Boston Bruins
‍Tiffany Brahwaite – Office Manager, Boston Celtics
‍Leo Ziviani – Business Intelligence Coordinator, New England Revolution
‍Beatriz Lopez – Senior Multicultural and Digital Marketing Manager, Boston Red Sox

Panelists shared their unique career journeys and provided valuable advice on entering and excelling in the sports industry. Key topics included the role of mentorship, creating inclusive workspaces, and the evolving landscape of DEI initiatives within sports organizations. The discussion offered practical insights on how to leverage networking and build relationships across departments, as well as tips on navigating the challenges of diversity in traditionally homogenous spaces.

‍Fireside Chat
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The highlight of the evening was an inspiring fireside chat with Bekah Salwasser, Executive Vice President of Social Impact for the Boston Red Sox and Executive Director of the Red Sox Foundation. The session was moderated by Michaela Lara, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Manager of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Management.The discussion delved into Bekah's impressive journey from professional soccer player to executive leader, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she experienced along the way. Bekah spoke candidly about her role as a woman of color in leadership, emphasizing the importance of fostering inclusive spaces and how sports can serve as a platform for social change. Her personal anecdotes and professional insights resonated with the audience, particularly her advice for young professionals on how to seek out mentorship, build authentic relationships, and actively champion DEI efforts in their own careers.

‍Conclusion

‍Following the fireside chat, attendees had the chance to participate in a networking session, where they connected with industry professionals from various sports organizations, including representatives from the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, New England Revolution, and Kraft Sports + Entertainment. The evening was filled with opportunities for headshots, trophy photos, and raffle prizes, providing a relaxed atmosphere for students and professionals to mingle, share experiences, and make meaningful connections.

The 2024 Take the Lead Career Summit was a resounding success, providing attendees with actionable insights, opportunities to network, and an inspiring look at the future of DEI in sports. As the event came to a close, participants left with renewed motivation to pursue their passions and play an active role in fostering diversity and inclusion within the sports industry.