Amanda Young Curtis

SVP, Marketing and Communications – Philadelphia Union

“Thank you, Amanda, for sharing your journey and insights. Your experiences and advice are truly inspiring, especially for young women aspiring to build a career in the sports industry. It was a pleasure to learn more about your impactful role with the Philadelphia Union and your dedication to driving growth in the sports world.

Amanda Young Curtis, SVP of Marketing & Communications at Philadelphia Union, oversees all marketing aspects for the club, including branding, digital content, public relations, and game presentations. A public relations major with a strong background in consumer technology, Amanda has built a career by stepping outside her comfort zone and embracing challenges. She emphasizes preparation and self-confidence as keys to overcoming challenges in a male-dominated industry. Amanda values mentorship, has had strong allies in her career, and believes in the importance of empowering women to trust their capabilities. Her advice to young women: believe in yourself and pursue opportunities confidently.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at your current position ?

Oversee all marketing functions for the club including brand, creative, digital, public relations, community relations, game presentation, video production, and broadcast.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I was a public relations major in college and spent the majority of my career in the PR field in consumer technology. My professional experience mixed with my personal interest in sports helped me to be able to put myself in the mindset of a fan or ticket buyer, and what would connect them to a team.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Most of the pivotal moments of my career came at a time when I was presented with a challenge and decided to step outside of my comfort zone and accept the challenge.

“Very honored to be included in Philadelphia Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and celebrate alongside my family and colleagues who have helped me along the way” – Amanda Young Curtis

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

There will always be times where someone may think that given your gender, you may not know as much about the subject matter as a male counterpart. I will make sure I am more prepared and study to make sure that no one is ever able to doubt me or my capabilities. Balancing a career is demanding.

How do you manage a work -life balance , and what strategies have worked well for you?

I am still figuring that out but setting boundaries, communication, and building a network of support around you are the biggest pieces of that. Balance is about what works best for you, your family, and your situation; what looks like balance to one person may not look balanced to another.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

I think I have had strong allies in my career who championed me and provided valuable advice. I never had a formalized mentor but people that I felt I could go to ask questions and receive guidance.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

I have never felt that I was treated unfairly or different because I was a woman. If anything, most of the time I have been the biggest voice of doubt in my own career. I think it’s important to educate woman on mindset and how that can shape the path they make and take for themselves.

What advice do you have for young women like me aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Believe in yourself. If you see a role or opportunity that interests you, go for it rather than letting doubt creep in. So many more doors will open.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you find most fulfilling, and how do you hope to contribute to the industry’s growth and positive impact?

It’s the same answer for both questions. I enjoy seeing the growth of the Philadelphia Union and how my work and efforts directly impact that. At the same time, we have a lot of room to grow and that would be the biggest challenge.

What are your long term personal goals that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I am going to be taking on the challenge of motherhood soon and that is really my focus. My professional goal is to continue to challenge myself and to put my all into everything I do, wherever that may be.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

I worked in the videogame industry for 10 years before I went into sports. It’s never too late to get into the industry you are passionate about.