If you had told college-me that I’d end up working in sports, I probably would’ve laughed. I didn’t major in sports management, and I’ve never played a down of football — but here I am, working behind the scenes of a pro sports team and loving every second. My career hasn’t been linear, but every step (and pivot) taught me something that got me here.
Here’s how it all happened— from undergrad, to an MBA, to brand campaigns, and now, to blending creativity and strategy in a space I genuinely love.
🎓 Undergrad & My MBA Decision
I studied Business Administration and Marketing in undergrad, and at the time, I had my heart set on becoming a consultant. I was drawn to the strategy side of business and loved the idea of helping companies solve big, real-world problems.
After undergrad, I landed an internship with Cartoon Network in partnership marketing and was quickly promoted to a full-time role, working on campaigns for brands like LEGO CITY and McDonald’s. It was fast-paced and exciting, but I found myself craving more — more structure, more strategy, and more long-term growth. I’ve always loved learning, and I knew that if I didn’t go back to school right then, I probably never would. So I decided to get my MBA. One of the most impactful parts of my program was a strategic management course where we acted as real consultants for a company. That hands-on experience gave me clarity — and confirmed I was on the right track.
💼 First Roles & Brand Experience
My first full-time roles were with Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, where I joined the marketing team and quickly learned what it meant to build a brand at scale. I started as a Marketing Specialist and worked my way up to Associate Brand Manager, then Brand Manager — launching products, leading campaigns, and collaborating with teams like Creative, Finance, Product, and Supply Chain.
One of the most defining projects of that time? Launching a national campaign with Jurassic World Dominion that earned over 300 million impressions and outperformed sales goals. It taught me how to think big, execute fast, and tell stories that resonate.
I worked with brands like Coca-Cola, Kraft, and Mondelez — and learned how to negotiate, pitch, present, and lead with confidence. It was in these roles I realized I loved being at the intersection of creative and strategy.
I started to bring more of me into my work — outside of the 9 to 5. I began modeling and eventually took on a marketing consultant role for a local apparel store, which opened the door to more creative freedom and self-expression. That path led me to Paris Fashion Week — not once, but three years in a row — and I remember thinking, “Wait… this is my life?!”
It was during that season that I started creating content around my day-to-day — the balance between brand strategy and creative consulting, PowerPoints and lifting, team calls and travel. And people connected with it. It felt good to create just for me. That content became a bridge between my full-time career and my personal brand — and it’s what sparked everything I’m building now.
🏙️ Pivoting Industries: From Food to Lifestyle
Eventually, I joined CAVA as a Brand Manager, leading product portfolios and shaping how new items are brought to life across nearly 300 restaurants. I worked on everything from new category strategies to pilot market tests to media campaigns.
It was fast-paced, start-up energy, and incredibly collaborative — to the point that I hit burnout for the first time in my career.
I was working under a micro-manager, and it started to dim my passion for marketing strategy. The pressure, the constant second-guessing, the lack of trust — it all made me question if I even wanted to be in this field anymore. I left that job completely drained and convinced I never wanted to hear the word “strategy” again.
🏈 Entering the Sports World
Then came an unexpected — but very welcome — pivot into sports. And while I don’t work on the field, I get to help shape the fan experience and the brand that surrounds it. From merch campaigns to creative strategy to collaborating with players and partners, I get to bring my skill set into a space that’s high-energy, exciting, and always evolving.
Working in the sports industry has been a learning experience — but showing up authentically, consistently, and creatively has been my greatest strength.
🧠 Lessons I’ve Learned (So Far)
- Careers aren’t linear — and they shouldn’t be. Every step taught me something, even the ones that didn’t go as planned.
- Your story matters. The more I’ve shared about my path, the more people have connected with it. You don’t have to follow one playbook.
- Your skills can travel. From food to lifestyle to sports — strategy, storytelling, and execution have remained my constants.
✨ Where I’m Headed
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow in my role, building my blog, and sharing more of the behind-the-scenes moments that don’t always make it to LinkedIn.
I’m passionate about helping women feel confident navigating corporate spaces, advocating for themselves, and building lives that feel true to them — both in and out of the office.
So whether you’re trying to break into a new industry, wondering if an MBA is worth it, or just looking for a career path that feels more you — I hope this story encourages you to explore new fields– because career pivots don’t have to be scary. Here’s the honest guide to how I made mine happen.
💬 I’d love to hear about your journey — DM me, leave a comment, or connect with me on LinkedIn.
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