Sports Biz Careers: "The Starting Five"
5th Anniversary Campaign
What is the Starting 5 Campaign?
SBC is proud to celebrate its 5th year of programming. Through the organization’s “starting 5 years” of service, we’ve impacted more than 2,500+ high school and college students with the support of more than 1,000 donors, 50 sponsors, and 800 individuals who have volunteered their time.
While it’s a time to celebrate, it’s also a call to action. SBC has built trust and made an impact over our ‘starting 5’ but we need support to sustain our organization, and advance our mission even further.
Our Impact
Placing students into the sports business:
60+ alumni have been placed in part-time or full-time roles in the sports business.
Investing in experience:
$200,000+ has been provided to more than 70 students who have been interns, part-time staff, or landed Fellowship positions with SBC or our partners.
Coaching up the next generation:
Delivered more than 120 days (1,000+ hours) of programming to students thanks to more than 800 different volunteers who have lent their time + expertise.
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John Bonney
Partnerships Business Development, 23XI Racing
Since the beginning, SBC has provided me with social capital and an overwhelming supportive network. Every connection and conversation has truly played a significant role in my journey, from the Board of Directors to SBC's employees, coaching tree, and sponsors. These long-lasting connections are valuable to me because they not only invested in me, but I also invested in them.
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Angelique Chatman
Account Coordinator, Bespoke Sports & Entertainment
After my time completing my own Fellowship in 2022, I had the incredibly humbling opportunity to serve as a mentor to the 2023 fellow that worked at the same organization as me. Being placed in this mentor role was a learning experience for both of us and something I took a lot for. Serving as a resource and friend to Myles was a task that I don’t take for granted, and I love that we created a real bond over that experience. Had it not been for SBC, I’m not sure I would’ve met one of the kindest people I know!
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Michela McKeever
Marketing Production Coordinator, FOX Sports
SBC played a pivotal role in keeping my dream alive of one day working in the sports industry. After graduating college, it was incredibly difficult to land a job in sports, so I turned to SBC to stay engaged and connected with the industry. The community of SBC provided me with a diverse network of individuals all striving towards a similar goal. Most importantly, SBC gave me hands on experience that became a cornerstone in my interview discussions and gave me a competitive edge in the fiercely competitive sports industry.
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Kenya Jones
Consultant, Group Experiences, Atlanta Hawks
when I first got to SBC, the mentorship that I received was very critical to my professional development. I was challenged in my writing and presentations to think about perspective and relevancy. It helped me to become more concise and impactful with my words. I still think about that to this day in my current sales role and leadership opportunities.
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Reese Levin
Sports Producer, WBAL Radio
I'd say the most impactful experience SBC has had on me was being able to be a camp counselor at the DC camp in 2022. Being able to see so many like minded students who have similar interests as me was so fulfilling. Also being able to network with so many people from different departments at Monumental was super beneficial to the students and myself.
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Kayah Shamapande-Scarboro
Commercial Communications Coordinator, NASCAR
SBC had a profound impact on me during my fellowship. Despite my limited experience in the sports industry, SBC was able to elevate me, providing experiences and access to executive-level individuals I never imagined meeting. This has shaped my daily life and motivated me to mentor and be a resource to other students seeking similar opportunities.
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Mico Quijano
Compensation Governance Analyst, Truist
I would not be the person nor in the place I am today if it was not for SBC. SBC has given me the platform for me to use my knowledge and skills to embrace my potential. The experience, exposure, and education that was through the fellowship was invaluable and it led me to where I am now which was a company that let's me actualize my purpose while also fund my other many passions.
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Tyran Jones
Associate Project Manager, CAA ICON
After wrapping up my fellowship experience in 2023, I had so much to take away from a summer full of exposure. I had a blast learning all about what CAA ICON does and assisting with the project management services provided. I gained meaningful experiences in different areas related to project management at CAA ICON. That summer was one to remember, and I’m grateful to now be full-time! Thank you to Sports Biz Careers for having such a fantastic program, as it was an honor to be a part of this summer 2023 cohort, learning about all the different career paths in the world of sports.
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Samsen Marquez
Financial Analyst, Madison Square Garden Sports
I had no idea what to expect going into sports. SBC’s programs were an opportunity for me to learn about working in the sports industry and to meet industry professionals. From the first expo I attended in 2021, I actually saw how obtainable it was to work in a competitive market. From that point I worked hard and found paths that worked for me to get my job. Now I hope to inspire students with my story and journey to show how alternate paths and hard work can make their dreams a reality.
Where are our donation dollars allocated?
The #1 rule at SBC is that no student ever pays. When you donate to SBC, your dollars are fueling personal and professional growth opportunities for the high school and college students whom we serve. While a fully inclusive organization, SBC emphasizes support of students who identify as underrepresented.
90% of dollars raised are invested in programming. Programming costs include, but are not limited to F&B, transportation, venue rentals, full-time and part-time programming staff, scholarships, and other misc. expenses.
10% of dollars raised help us cover operations expenses including taxes, insurance, staff, and other administrative expenses
Who am I impacting in supporting SBC programming?
An inclusive group of high school and college students who have an interest in pursuing a career in the sports business. By removing cost, we can provide access to the places and people that comprise the sports industry, and grow their awareness of career paths, which is the 1st step towards an eventual career. To date, SBC has supported more than 2,500 high school students, 75% of whom identify as underrepresented.
