Meghan Bednarz

Chicago White Sox – Kids Zone Supervisor

We’re proud to recognize Meghan Bednarz, who dedicated 15 years to the Chicago White Sox Kids Zone. Starting as an attendant in 2010 and later becoming Supervisor in 2017, Meghan managed scheduling, payroll, onboarding, and game-day operations—all while creating a welcoming, fun space for young fans. From age 16 to 31, she poured her heart into making the Kids Zone a place where families built memories and future baseball fans were born.

A huge thank you to Meghan Bednarz for her years of dedication, leadership, and passion with the White Sox Kids Zone. Your impact on fans, staff, and the Sox community will be remembered for years to come. Thank you for all the joy and heart you brought to the game!

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

Unfortunately, I resigned from my position at the start of the 2025 season due to a shift in management. I had dedicated 15 years to the Chicago White Sox’s Kids Zone, formally known as Fundamentals. From 2010-2016 I was a Kids Zone attendant. In this role I helped work the attractions offered to young fans. I managed areas such as batting cages, speed pitch, and race against the “player”. I also interacted with fans on a regular basis. My responsibilities included maintaining the safety and cleanliness of my station, as well as creating a welcoming environment for all participants. In 2017 I was promoted to be one of the Kids Zone supervisors. As my time with Kids Zone increased, so did my responsibilities. By the end of my time there, I was creating the schedule for Kids Zone staff, being the main point of contact for all Kids Zone staff, managing payroll and communicating with all ballpark staff (i.e. maintenance, guest relations, mascot, etc.). I also handled preseason roles and responsibilities including inventory, offseason communications, HR questions, and onboarding of new staff. During the season, I offered ideas on how to improve Kids Zone and at the end of each season, I participated in postseason meetings to continue improving Kids Zone.

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

I actually graduated with my B.A in Psychology and later got my Master’s in School Counseling. Working for the White Sox was my first “real” job. I started there at the young age of 16 and finished just before I turned 31. I come from a big sports family, primarily a father that lives and breathes baseball. He got the job in Kids Zone first in 2005 and later got my brothers and I jobs there as well. My brothers worked there for a few years, while my dad dedicated 20 years, and I dedicated 15.

While my degree isn’t sports related, it was very helpful in interacting with people; especially kids. With my experience of working with kids, and my personality, this was a very fitting job for me. Getting to watch some baseball from time to time was an added perk.

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

Like I said, unfortunately, I am no longer working with the White Sox. It was decision that broke my heart and still hurts me to think about.

Working for the Sox was always more than a job to me. It was greater than baseball. It was seeing the joy in a child’s face at their first game. It was seeing how excited a kid would get when they beat the “player” in our racing attraction. It was bringing joy to someone when they didn’t have the right shoes to participate. Ultimately, I wanted to make lifelong baseball fans and if they became Sox fans along the way, I had done my job. I am also so grateful to the added bond it gave my father and I. Having that in common was such a wonderful experience.

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

I’d have to say the biggest obstacle I faced as a woman in a sports related field was just not feeling respected. I had the added hurdle of being young. I was 23 when I was promoted to supervisor. Several of our employees were older than me. While most everyone respected me, I had a few older males not want to give me the time of day because I was younger than them and a woman. It was always pretty frustrating, but I knew I earned my spot and I knew I deserved the role I played so I tried to not let it get to me. Ultimately, as my time with the White Sox continued, I did feel more respected.

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

As a school counselor, balance is something I stress. I work at a high school full-time and have done Sox part-time. With all the extra responsibilities I had from the Sox, sometimes it felt like I was working two full-time jobs. I’ll be honest though, my job with the Sox brought me peace. I used it as my escape from “real-life”. My full-time job can be incredibly demanding so I would look forward to doing my Sox work. With that said, I realized I needed to give myself breaks. When I did scheduling, I made it a point to divide game days to all the supervisors and made sure I had at least one game off a homestand.

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 mentoring in any job is important, especially those more male dominant fields. I wouldn’t say I had a mentor, but more so people I looked up to. I worked with many females and knew if they could be respected in the role, why couldn’t I? I definitely used them as motivation to continue doing my thing and knowing that my contributions were just as meaningful as a man’s.

When I had a conflict with one of our staff members not respecting me as their boss, I thought of how those prior to me would’ve handled it. I was calm in my approach and stood firm on what needed to be done; just like they would have. They gave me confidence to know I could do that.

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 as time has gone on, it’s “easier” for females to get into male-dominated industries, but there is still some stereotype there. In fact, one of our incredible in game hosts had the opportunity to announce during a game (Gene Honda was out) and she did amazing! However, some of the nasty comments from men on her social media was horrible. She did everything right and they still found something to have a problem with.

I think the normalization of females in the sports industry needs to continue growing. We’ve made great strides, but we need to keep going. Encouraging girls to follow their passion, and not what society tells them is “acceptable” is a great first step. I mean, if Alyssa hadn’t followed her heart, she never would’ve made history as the White Sox’s first female broadcaster – and I think that speaks volumes.

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

I always loved the fans. With that said that was the best and most challenging part. Getting to experience a child’s first game or interact with a family that came from out of town was so cool. I loved getting to know people and getting to talk to everyone. Sometimes I’d have conflicts I had to resolve and I do feel there was some added disrespect due to me being a female, but as I had in the past, I always found a way to re-center myself and move forward from it.

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

My advice is simple. Do what makes YOU happy. If you love sports and all that comes with them, don’t let anyone try to talk you out of that. Sports are not reserved for males only. Keep breaking down walls and showing the boys what it means to “play like a girl”!

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

I’m saddened that my time with the White Sox was cut short. If it were up to me, I would’ve worked there another 15 years! I wanted to continue growing Kids Zone. My dad and I, and those before us, put so much love into making it what it is today. We always wanted it to be a fun, welcoming space where we could help create lifelong baseball fans. I had ideas for this season that will never be heard or put in place and that breaks my heart for the fans and Kids Zone. My time shouldn’t have ended the way it did, but I’m forever grateful for the 15 years I had.

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

How fun! I currently work in a high school and I love it! My students are incredible and I’m lucky to get to do what I do. I have 2 dogs. Bentley is my 4lb yorkie and Charley is my tri-color cocker spaniel. They are my absolute world. I also have an incredible boyfriend. I’d say fun facts about me are that I have 26 tattoos, a huuuuuge shoe collection, and I love chicken nuggets! I’m always looking to spread positivity and joy so I pride myself on being an approachable person.