Emily Shields

Partner Services Coordinator – Spokane Indians Baseball Team

“Thank you, Emily Shields, for sharing your insights and experiences in the sports industry. Your dedication to your role, focus on community engagement, and thoughtful advice serve as inspiration for those pursuing a career in this field. Best of luck as you continue to make an impact and work toward your aspirations in the major leagues!

Emily’s career began as an intern with the Spokane Indians, where her strong work ethic and eagerness to contribute led to a full-time role. She values the opportunities mentorship provides, drawing inspiration from female role models in the industry. While she acknowledges the challenges of imposter syndrome, Emily has built confidence by embracing collaboration and persistence. A proponent of work-life balance, she emphasizes the importance of stepping away from work to recharge. Emily’s long-term goal is to work in a major league front office, focusing on partnership activation or community development, blending her love for strategic planning and community impact.” – Zara Halabu

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

I provide sales support to our sponsorship team by brainstorming ideas, creating proposals and updating element opportunities. I ensure that all partnership elements are activated and participate in the activation of all promotional elements. In addition, I am in charge of the brainstorming, planning and execution of seven community campaigns aimed at increasing the Spokane Indians footprint in the Spokane Community.

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

I studied Sports Management and minored in public relations. If I were to go back and do it again, I would major in Business Administration and minor in Sports Management. I am very grateful for my Sports Management degree, however I feel that I would have been a more well rounded applicant had I had a background in business practices outside of the sports world. That being said, the sports management degree that required I have a sports related internship and that internship led me to a full time position – so as I mentioned earlier, I’m very grateful for my degree.

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

When I was an intern with the Spokane Indians Baseball Team, I worked extremely hard and made myself available for any additional opportunities. I always said yes and asked questions along the way. I wanted to be sure that when it came time to hire full time employees I was considered for a position based off the work ethic they saw in me.

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

I have struggled, at times, with imposter syndrome – thinking that I don’t know what I am doing or don’t belong. I think that is a product of being young but also being a woman in a male dominated field. Fortunately, I feel like that is shifting and I have so many great female role models in the industry that have helped me to overcome my fears.

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

I think it is important to stay away from work when you are away from work. I purposefully do not bring a work computer home and make it a point to stay off my work email on the weekends. We spend so much time at the office, putting in long hours and being at the field on weekends and holidays, that it is important to take intentional time away so that you are refreshed and ready to go when it is time to work.

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 mentioned this earlier but think that it is very important for all people in the sport industry. This industry feels unique in that people are so willing to extend a hand and help others in the same field. We are all working together to improve our business and learning from others, sharing ideas and consulting on issues is one of the best business practices out there.

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 felt that I have been given the same opportunity as the men in my office to succeed. I think it’s important to work hard everyday and to lean in to those strong female role models. Nothing is given and everyone should have to work equally hard to earn opportunities..

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

I really enjoy the seasonality of my position. I enjoy that I don’t sit at a desk 5 days a week for 50 weeks out of the year. It’s very rewarding to see the fruits of my labor. To work really hard in the off season and then get to see the result in-season. One of the most challenging parts of this job is the extensive hours. Obviously these two things go hand in hand and I think it is one of the reasons that taking time away is so important.

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

I would suggest reaching out to others in the sports industry and learning more about what they do. It is always helpful to have a network of people to bounce ideas off of and to help when you are looking for new opportunities.

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

My learn term personal goals include working in a major league front office in the partnership activation or community departments.