Executive Director
Nevada Youth Soccer Association
Type of Business: Non-profit governing body of youth soccer in the state of Nevada
Based In: Las Vegas, NV
Hails From: Reno, NV
Years Org. has been in Nevada: 43
Years with Organization in Nevada: 02
Employees in Nevada: 03
How did you get into your profession?
I was an athlete growing up and wanted to end up in sports. I received a Master’s in sport management from Long Beach State and through internships and working in sports medicine, ended up with Nevada Youth Soccer.
What was the most difficult experience you encountered as a leader?
COVID shutting down youth sports. It was a thankless effort to work with all of the leadership to bring soccer back safely and inform members of what was going on and why.
What career advice would you give to someone just starting in your industry?
Never stop learning. There is always someone in the room who has more experience or at the very least, a different perspective than you.
What is the best moment of your career?
Coming full circle – from playing soccer at four years old to running the organization that I was a part of that melded my youth and gave me some of the friendships I still have today.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“Receive. Reflect. React.”
What is your favorite business book and what lessons have you gleaned from it?
“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown. You can’t keep the emotions of being human out of the workplace, but you can redirect them to benefit you. You have to know why you are doing something in order to have purpose behind it. Stay on your path and you will be fine.
If you were going to teach a college course, what would you teach?
Some kind of professional development course that touches on all areas that can help develop your career – from editing photos in Photoshop, to political resources and grant money.
What leaders do you look up to?
I’m drawn towards the type of leader that is respected, strong and impactful without necessarily being the loudest voice in the room. Those who know that they always have more to learn and are interested in doing so.
What do you hope future generations can learn from your professional journey?
Every job isn’t going to be your dream job, but you should maximize the growth and learning potential you receive while you’re there because that is what will make a successful career.
