Jennifer Sylvester

Asst. Director of Corporate Partnerships at Fort Wayne TinCaps

“Thank you, Jennifer, for the insightful interview. Your career progression and candid advice on sales, mentorship, and balancing work-life demands were truly valuable. Learning about your journey and your dedication to breaking down barriers for women in the sports industry was inspiring. Your long-term goal of becoming a general manager is also admirable.

Sharing your experience is appreciated, and the opportunity to learn from your career path is valued.”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

Sales role for both corporate partnerships and ticket sales. My main responsibilities are prospecting, servicing clients, creating proposals and new inventory.

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

Sport Management and MBA. College helps create a base foundation and most of the rest is hands on learning. Highly recommend that anyone that wants to work in sales to have some type of customer service experience.

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

Started as an intern in the box office, then a group sales rep for 5 years and now I’m in a hybrid role selling everything.

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

The sports world is much more diverse now but still dominated by men. I’ve made sure to always make my voice heard. As a woman who is confident and outspoken that can come off as “bossy” but if a man would do that he’d seem confident and it would be spun in a positive way.

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

It’s difficult. I try to set boundaries by creating blocks of time when I put my phone down and be present. Working out is my savior and always prioritize getting in a workout or walk.

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?

It’s super important. Glass has been broken thanks to the hard work of past females in the industry and having someone to talk to that understands what you’re going through is important. We all need someone to trust and learn from.

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 strides have been made and it’s much more equal now than before.

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

We sell fun and are an escape from the world from most fans. The most challenging is definitely the hours and people are becoming much more impatient and demanding which becomes exhausting to work with.

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

Go into sales!

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

I’d like to be a general manager of a minor league baseball team.

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

Valedictorian in high school. I’m a human calendar and can remember birthdays and schedules super well. I’m trying to hit all MLB ballparks and have visited 19/30!