Mariah Ladd Tabron

Director of Marketing at EL1 Sports

“Thank you, Mariah, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your perspective on leadership, resilience, and the importance of mentorship is both powerful and inspiring.

Your story is a reminder that success in sports—and in life—isn’t always a straight path, but one built through passion, perseverance, and authenticity. The way you’ve merged strategy with heart, while paving the way for other women in the industry, shows the kind of impact true leadership can have. You’re proof that women belong at every level of the game, and your words encourage others to chase their goals with confidence and purpose.”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

I lead and create the marketing strategy for EL1 Sports and all of it’s entities.

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

I studied Business Marketing in college and later earned my Executive MBA. My education gave me a strong foundation in how organizations work behind the scenes—things like operations, strategy, and finance—which has been super helpful in my career. But it was the marketing side that really sparked my interest in connecting with people, understanding what motivates them, and learning how to tell powerful stories.

In the sports industry, those two pieces—business and marketing—work hand-in-hand. Sports isn’t just about the game; it’s about building a brand, engaging fans, supporting athletes, and creating experiences that matter. As a woman in this space, I’ve learned how important it is to bring both heart and strategy to the table, and my education helped me do that with confidence.

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

My path hasn’t been a straight line, but every experience along the way helped shape where I am today.

One of the first key milestones was earning my degree in Business Marketing. That gave me a strong foundation and opened the door to working with some amazing companies early in my career. I spent over a decade in tech marketing, partnering with major brands and learning how to build campaigns, manage teams, and drive growth.

But basketball has always been a passion of mine—I played growing up and in college, coached later, and always felt drawn to it. The big turning point was when I found a way to merge my love for the game with my professional skills. I took a leap into the sports industry, and from there, things started to align.

Getting my Executive MBA while juggling work and family was another milestone. It pushed me to grow as a leader and think more strategically. From there, I stepped into a marketing leadership role at a company that helps develop young athletes—and now I get to help shape how we market sports experiences that truly make a difference in people’s lives.

Every chapter—whether in tech, sports, school, or life—has taught me something valuable and led me to this point.

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

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a woman in the sports business is simply being heard and taken seriously—especially in rooms where I was the only woman, or where decisions were historically made without much female representation. There were moments when I had to work twice as hard to prove I belonged or to get buy-in on ideas that might’ve been accepted more easily from someone else.

Another challenge has been navigating assumptions—like being mistaken for someone’s assistant instead of the decision-maker, or being expected to handle only the “softer” side of the work. Those experiences can be frustrating, but they’ve also made me more determined to lead with clarity, confidence, and results.

I’ve learned to overcome these challenges by finding my voice, staying prepared, and building strong relationships with people who value equity and collaboration. I also seek out (and now try to be) mentors who uplift other women in the industry—because it makes a difference when we support one another.

There’s still work to be done, but more and more women are showing up in leadership roles in sports, and that’s encouraging. If you’re passionate, sharp, and authentic—you belong in this space, too.

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

Work-life balance is definitely one of the hardest things to navigate—especially as a woman, a mom, and a professional who truly cares about the work I do. The truth is, I don’t believe balance always means everything is perfectly even all the time. Instead, I think of it more like a rhythm—some days work takes the lead, and other days, my family or personal life comes first.

What’s worked well for me is being clear on my priorities and boundaries. I try to stay super organized and intentional with my time. That means planning ahead, protecting my personal time when I can, and giving myself grace when things don’t go perfectly. I’ve also learned the power of saying no to things that aren’t aligned with my goals—or that might come at the expense of my peace or my family.

Another big strategy is surrounding myself with people who understand and support my goals—at home and at work. I’m lucky to have a partner who’s all in, and teams that value collaboration and flexibility. That makes a huge difference.

At the end of the day, I remind myself that I’m a whole person, not just a job title. Taking care of myself helps me show up stronger for everyone and everything I care about.

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?

Mentorship is incredibly important—especially for women in the sports industry. This space can be challenging to navigate, and having someone who’s been down a similar path makes a huge difference. Whether it’s guidance, encouragement, or just knowing someone believes in you, mentorship can help you stay grounded and focused.

One of the most meaningful mentors in my life is actually a family friend I’ve known forever. She’s walked a very similar path, both personally and professionally, and has been a consistent voice of encouragement through every stage of my journey. Having someone who understands both the big picture and the small moments, because she’s lived it, has been truly invaluable.

I’ve also found mentorship by reaching out to women I admire—even if I didn’t know them well at first. Some of my most impactful mentors are people I connected with on a whim, just to learn more about how they’ve navigated their careers, challenges, and successes. It’s a reminder that mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal—it can start with a single conversation.

I also believe in the power of diverse mentorship. My circle includes mentors of different ages, genders, ethnicities, and belief systems. That kind of diversity gives me a more well-rounded perspective and has taught me how to better understand, relate to, and collaborate with all kinds of people. And in this industry—like in life—that’s a major strength.

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 the answer really varies. There are definitely people and organizations out there doing a fantastic job of uplifting women and leveling the playing field—creating real opportunities, investing in women’s leadership, and being intentional about inclusion. But at the same time, there’s still a lot of work to be done.

In the last few years, we’ve seen a visible shift. More women are stepping into leadership roles, more companies are highlighting women’s voices, and the public is paying closer attention to gender equity in sports. That’s progress—and it’s exciting to see. But the work isn’t finished.

To promote real gender equality, we need to go beyond surface-level representation. That means actively creating pathways for women to grow, lead, and be heard in all areas of the sports industry—not just the ones traditionally associated with women. It also means closing pay gaps, offering mentorship opportunities, and cultivating cultures where women don’t have to shrink themselves to succeed.

Representation matters, but so does access, advocacy, and accountability. And I believe we all have a role to play in pushing that forward.

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

One of the things I enjoy most about working in the sports industry is the energy — there’s just something special about being part of a team that’s passionate, competitive, and focused on growth, both on and off the court. I love getting to merge creativity with strategy, and knowing that the work I do helps players — from kids to adults — build confidence, push themselves, and fall in love with the game. Helping shape those experiences through marketing, storytelling, and connection is incredibly fulfilling.

I also really value the relationships. Whether it’s working with coaches, athletes, or other professionals in the industry, sports bring people together in such a powerful way — and that sense of community and shared purpose is something I truly appreciate.

As for challenges? One of the hardest parts is managing the pace and pressure. The sports world moves fast, and there’s always something new to launch, fix, promote, or improve. It can be tough to find that balance and make space to step back and think big picture.

Another challenge, especially as a woman in a still male-dominated field, is making sure your voice is heard and your ideas are respected. But those challenges also push me to grow and advocate — not just for myself, but for others coming up behind me. And that’s something I take a lot of pride in.

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

My biggest advice is: go for it — and don’t let the fact that it’s a male-dominated industry make you doubt your place in it. There is so much room for smart, creative, passionate women to make a difference in sports, and your perspective is needed.

Be curious. Ask questions. Learn every part of the game — not just what’s happening on the court or field, but what’s happening behind the scenes too. Whether you’re interested in marketing, operations, broadcasting, coaching, or management, understanding how it all works makes you more powerful and more valuable.

Find mentors — and not just one. Build a community of people you can learn from, lean on, and grow with. That includes women who’ve paved the way, peers you can relate to, and people who challenge you to see things from different angles.

Be confident in your voice, but also open to feedback. And remember that it’s okay to not have it all figured out right away. Careers aren’t linear. The important thing is to stay in the game, be adaptable, and lead with authenticity and grit.

Lastly — and maybe most importantly — don’t wait for permission. Opportunities in sports are growing, and sometimes the door won’t be opened for you — but you can build your own.

You belong here. And the more women who believe that, the stronger this industry becomes.

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

Oh man, you’re asking the real though-provoking questions 🙂

Long-term, I have a few big goals — both professionally and personally.

Business-wise, I want to continue growing as a strategic leader in the sports industry, helping to shape how organizations connect with athletes, fans, and communities in meaningful, modern ways. I’m passionate about building strong, values-driven brands and leading teams that are collaborative, diverse, and forward-thinking. One day, I’d love to serve in an executive role that allows me to mentor the next generation of marketers and leaders — especially women and people of color — and be part of initiatives that truly innovate how we experience and grow the game.

Personally, my biggest goal is to live a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with my values. I want to keep showing up for my family, raising kind and confident kids, and creating a home life that’s joyful and grounded — even when things are busy. I also want to keep learning, traveling, and pursuing passions outside of work — whether that’s gardening, giving back to my community, or just making space for rest and fun.

Ultimately, I want to look back and feel like I made a positive impact — that I opened doors for others, stayed true to who I am, and built a career and life that I’m proud of.

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

I’m a proud mom of two tiny (but fierce) humans who keep me on my toes and remind me daily that snacks solve most problems.

I’m married to an incredible man who’s working on his doctorate, plays multiple instruments, and somehow still finds time to be an amazing dad.

I played both basketball and rugby in college, so I’ve always had a competitive streak and a deep appreciation for teamwork (and a good ice pack).

I have a growing love for gardening — there’s something grounding about watching things grow (and trying to keep them alive).

Sushi and seafood are my love language. If it comes from the ocean, chances are I’m a fan.

One of my biggest pet peeves is lack of social awareness — kindness and self-awareness go a long way in life and the workplace.

I strongly believe in the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Simple, timeless, and always relevant.

Halloween is my favorite holiday.

Die hard is my favorite Christmas Movie. (and I will debate anyone on the fact that it is a classic Christmas movie lol)