Stephanie Parrillo

Vice President of Special Events & Community Initiatives for the Providence Bruins

“Thank you, Stephanie Parrillo, for sharing your experiences and insights as a leader in the sports industry. Your dedication to community engagement, event excellence, and mentorship is truly inspiring. Best of luck as you continue to make meaningful connections and drive positive change in the Providence Bruins organization and beyond! Stephanie Parrillo serves as the Vice President of Special Events & Community Initiatives for the Providence Bruins. In her role, she oversees community events, manages donations, organizes special events, and leads the youth hockey department. Stephanie also hires and supervises Game Day Staff, contributing to the seamless execution of the team’s operations. Her career exemplifies passion for event management and commitment to fostering community connections.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

Oversee all community events and funds to be donated, help run special events happening, oversee the whole youth hockey department, hire Game Day Staff

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

I went to college and studied Music Business and Industry. It showed me I just wanted to work in events somehow.

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

I ended up going back to school and got my MBA and after that, I chose to take on more at my job and worked my way up to where I am today.

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

I am fortunate to be in an office where I am valued. I have had a few people over the phone doing season ticket sales, I have had a few people say I do not know the sport and will only work with another male. In this situation, my boss explained that I am someone who knows the sport better and has my back in the whole situation. Also, on event days, some coaches have chosen not to take me seriously when I am the one organizing their event. We overcome that by continuing to do the job. Another challenge I had was being the only woman in my office in a full-time role. It was challenging because I was outnumbered but I kept trying to help out as needed.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Maintaining a work-life balance is hard, especially in sports where you may not have your weekends. I try to be accessible if there is an event or something I planned. My big thing is when it’s the off season or it may be a bit lighter in work take the time off to recharge. During the season I work out almost every morning and that helps me create time for myself.

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 having a network of women that can help lift you up if you need it is important. I know that I can reach out to different people who have their own life situations can help.I try to pass on my knowledge to others. It is important to me.

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 think that women should be given equal opportunities, sometimes it does not feel that way as we still have breakthroughs with roles like coaching team front. I think that we need to keep building on breakthroughs and as more women have success it will only continue to open doors.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

The best part of working in the industry and meeting people and creating real connections with group leaders and season ticket holders. It’s also super rewarding to see a game day that is doing well for everyone in our office and we have a massive game day about it. Wearing multiple hats and doing so many things on a game day can be challenging so just being mindful with your time is important.

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

Do not be afraid to reach out to others who work in the industry. Understand that there are so many different roles that the industry can have so go into it with an open mind.

What is your long-term personal goal that you still want to achieve both business wise and personal?

I want to continue to help make our community partnerships excel and continue to get out players to help make a difference.