In honor of International Women’s Day, Inter Miami CF celebrates the women of Inter Miami. We compiled some of the best advice, moments, mentor shoutouts, and inspiration for how this group got into sports, from a sampling of our female leaders.
Advice to Women Who Want to Work in Sports from Women Who Do…
“Go for it! Be confident and be bold. Work with courage and kindness and pour love into what you do.” - Maria Duplat, Sr. Manager, Partnership Activation
“Like in most professions, networking is very important, especially in the sports industry, where people all know each other!” - Verena Menker, Director, Financial Planning & Analysis *
“To seek internships, to build relationships, and to love the sport you would be working in.” - Alexis Castellano, Business Development
“Fear kills more dreams than failure. Work hard, use your voice, and don’t stop until you get where you want to go.” - Camila Jocelyn-Holt, Director, Partnerships Activations
“Pursue your passion! Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong in the room. Be confident in your ability and your opinions and lean on your peers/mentors. The sports industry is a small world, and your connections are an important part of your success.” - Sarah Graham, Senior Manager, Sales & Service Operations
“Be a part of an organization whose values align with yours and that fosters a positive working culture. Surround yourself with people who truly support you and want to see you succeed.” - Karen De Leon, Director of Business Operations & Executive Assistant to the CBO
Best Moment Working in Sports…
”Making the playoffs this past season, it was an incredible feeling and the joy that it brought everyone was unforgettable. It reminded me why we do what we do and how worth it working in sports is.” - Taylor Morgan, Sr. Coordinator, Digital
“It’s hard to pick just one moment that has been my favorite while working at Inter Miami because there have been so many cool moments! I think one of the moments that stands out to me is interacting with the fans and being able to highlight our fans on social media. Seeing our fan's love and passion for the game is truly unmatched and creates such an electric atmosphere. There is nothing like hearing the cheers and support for Inter Miami during our games.” - Arianna Allen, Intern, Digital
“The day we won the vote for Miami Freedom Park! It’s been a long time coming, but I can’t wait to build this beautiful new stadium with the team.” - Kaitlyn Stolzenberg, Director, Human Resources
“Receiving so much love and support and the warmest welcome from my IMCF Family for my son, Jack, when he was born. I can't wait to see Jack jumping up and down with La Familia soon (he's already working on his fist-pump)!” - Genna Selesnic, Counsel
"I’ve been here for a few years now. I started with the academy back in 2019 and I am currently the Head ATC for MLS II. The best moment/moments are when my academy players reach MLS or MLS II and make their debut. This is what it’s all about. Developing this young boys into respectful and talented men." - Jen Asuaje, Head MLS NEXT Pro Athletic Trainer, Lead Development Athletic TrainerÂ
Who Inspires Us…
“My parents- always! They sacrificed their careers and life in South America to bring my brother and I to the States for a better opportunity, and have molded me into the woman I am today. Without them, I would not be where I am today.” - Carolina Blanco, Human Resources Business PartnerÂ
“Earn a mentor and be a mentor. I have been inspired by an incredible group of leaders and I have learned a lot from every one of them. Shoutout to my former coaches, Christine Ho, Brian Pensky, Jon Morgan to name a few and my first bosses Rob Thomson and Kurt Austin. All of you changed my life. One woman changed my way of life. Angela Alfano is the role model I never knew I needed. She saw my light and helped me shine and she does the same for many rising stars in our industry. Encouragement, and more importantly, empowerment are the gifts Angela bestows on everyone that enters her orbit and the gifts I aspire to give the next generation.” - Molly Dreska, Sr Director, Communications
“I don’t think I had a role model as I was working my way into the industry, but my “WHY” now are my children, Ivy and Kai. It’s been very important to me that they see that I can put 100% into both being their mom, as well as my work. Finding that balance is tough, but equally rewarding.” - Meghan Cameron, Director, Player Personnel and Compliance
“Miya Sullivan has been the best mentor for me in my career as an athletic trainer. She has been practicing as a certified athletic trainer since 2000 and has many years of experience in multiple clinical settings. Being an African American athletic trainer in a male dominated field has its challenges and Miya helped me navigate the obstacles I’ve encounted with poise and grace.” - Kiara Giles, Assistant Academy Athletic Trainer
“​​My parents. They have taught me the importance of hard work, taking pride in what you do, perseverance, loyalty and above all, kindness. I have seen them make sacrifices and forge their own paths, work hard for everything they have and treat others with respect and with dignity, no matter who they are. They have taught me the importance of being a good person.” - Adriana Sandoval, Director Community Engagement & Foundation
What Inspires Us…
“I always knew growing up that I wanted to be in or around sports. I played soccer since I was 8 years old, played for a travel team, high school and for Greenville University. I had a summer internship with the Philadelphia Union and that experience solidified my decision in working in sports.” - Kency Lopez, Account Executive, Group Sales
“My dad inspired me to work in sports — I am what one could call, a “hincha desde la cuna.” Growing up in an Argentinian home, fútbol was always playing and my dad’s passion for the game quickly rubbed off on me. Some of my most special childhood memories include fútbol — from watching Boca and Argentina games with my dad, to being a part of my school’s soccer team. My parents have always been my biggest cheerleaders; they never missed any of my soccer games and have always supported me in wanting to pursue a career in sports. I feel so lucky to work in a sport that I love, and I thank my parents for helping me get to where I am today.” - Bianca Rodriguez Lamas, Director, Digital
“Getting the opportunity to take part in historic events and cheer not only for my home team, but the sport I have always loved and watched is amazing!” - Camila Wirshing, Coordinator, Partnership Marketing
“I was fortunate enough to have grown up immersed within a variety of sport realms, from baseball to hockey to basketball to soccer. I live for competition and team comradery. After playing collegiately and knowing that was the extent of my soccer career, I could not imagine my life without sport. Being able to go to work every day and stand on a pitch surrounded by great people and even better humans, what more could you ask for? I am so incredibly lucky to do and love what I do.” - Sofia Chambers, First Team Sports Scientist
“My passion and love for the game of soccer from a young age. Being able to experience how impactful and life-changing sport can be on an individual is my personal inspiration.” - Brittany Waterbury, Academy Administrator
