MLK Assignment Sales in Sports 1/31/25

Introduction

  • Welcoming students, faculty, and interested parties to a discussion on experiences as people of color in sports management.

  • Special acknowledgment to Gabriel Williams Wallace and Mikaela Johnson for their contributions to the event.

  • Mention of travel disruptions due to recent ice storms affecting some panelists.

Panelists Introduction

  • Brissa Balladez: A junior at Simpson, recognized as a top student and women's soccer player.

  • Ashlyn Burton: Growth coach for the men’s and women’s track program at Simpson, focusing on throwers, and serves as the diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate.

  • Dimitry Young: Director of the 18th Ward, a former student from Lawrence, involved in the community and sports development.

Panel Discussions

Personal Experiences and Career Paths

  • Dimitry Young

    • Started career in New Orleans with the NBA team Pelicans' inside sales position.

    • Transitioned from post-sports aspirations to a development manager, emphasizing community impact.

  • Ashlyn Burton

    • Experience includes coaching at the high school level and ministry before joining Simpson.

    • Focus on maintaining track and field involvement and actively engaging in promoting diversity in sports.

Impact of Racial Identity on Professionalism

  • Dimitry's Perspective:

    • Advocates for role modeling and representation for predominantly black and brown families.

    • Finds purpose in being a relatable leader, advocating for educational opportunities across races.

  • Ashlyn's Perspective:

    • Feels slighted by being viewed as an anomaly instead of a norm in her career as a young, mixed-race female coach.

    • Sees significant importance in representation for others who look like her and aims to challenge stereotypes.

Challenges for Minorities in Sports Management

Navigating Professional Environments

  • Ashlyn:

    • Highlights the importance of awareness, discernment, and self-control when facing disrespect or stereotyping in the workplace.

    • Encourages personal development through learning and understanding others’ perspectives.

  • Dimitry:

    • Emphasizes understanding biases and motives behind interactions in predominantly white spaces.

    • Discusses the importance of maintaining composure while representing people of color in these environments.

Childhood and Educational Background

  • Dimitry:

    • Reflects on growing up in a predominantly white community and the challenges it presented.

    • Emphasizes the need for resilience and authenticity in personal professional journeys.

  • Ashlyn:

    • Shares experiences from a diverse upbringing in Urbandale and the different cultural perspectives during college.

    • Discusses the complexity of navigating identity and expectations while growing professionally in athletics.

Final Thoughts

  • Dimitry's Takeaway:

    • Continuous self-representation and awareness of one's impact can lead to significant community influence.

  • Ashlyn's Advice:

    • Recognize that success in coaching will come with challenges unique to people of color; persistence is key.

    • Emphasizes the importance of personal growth and resilience in navigating challenges.

Conclusion

  • Gratitude expressed to panelists for sharing their valuable experiences.

  • Hope for future conversations and learning opportunities to continue addressing diversity and equity in sports.