Ellie Amaguaña

Vice President – Human Resources & Staff Experience

“Thank you, Ellie Amaguaña, Vice President of Human Resources & Staff Experience at the Atlantic Coast Conference, for sharing your story!

Ellie leads the full HR function for the conference office, supporting 18 schools and more than 12,000 student-athletes. After starting college in aerospace engineering, she pivoted to Sports Management and built a career spanning D.C. United, Atlanta United, the Atlanta Falcons, Charlotte FC, and now the ACC — where she became the first full-time HR leader at the conference.

A bilingual leader and passionate builder of culture, Ellie believes in mentorship, work-life “harmony,” and trusting yourself enough to forge your own path. She’s committed to championing women in sports and creating environments where teams — on and off the field — can thrive..”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

Oversee the full HR function for the conference office, including performance management, benefits administration, change management, recruitment, retention, professional development, community engagement, etc.

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

I studied Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management with a concentration in Sports Management at NC State (but I started out in aerospace engineering!). When I first went to college ready to become an engineer and work for NASA, I quickly realized that the idea of doing this for the rest of my life didn’t resonate with me. I wasn’t happy. After a lot of lists, weighing my options, and thinking through what could possibly come next, I finally listened to myself and no one else. You learn so much about yourself when you sit with your own thoughts. My head told me, “You love sports, you always have.” Why can’t I work doing something that I already love? Listening to myself and forging my own path led me to where I am today. Being a woman in sports may not have been the easiest path, but it was my choice and it has led me to work with so many other women who are also paving the way for girls to do what they love. This unabashed soccer fan turned her favorite sport into a career! The opportunity to study sports management opened so many doors for me. I’m thankful every day that my academic career jump started what became my journey in sports!

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

Every stop you make in your career can be a milestone because you learn at every stop.
1. Landed an unpaid internship in operations with D.C. United of Major League Soccer
2. Turned my internship into a full-time job after graduation and ultimately stayed 17 years with DCU. Milestones, include becoming an HR Manager and figuring out that the idea of a team mom/manager could apply to the staff. I learned I could talk to people and more importantly, listen.
3. HR Business Partner with Atlanta United FC, an expansion team in MLS. Hired the staff for their inaugural season and beyond. Major milestone: sat on the interview and translated for the first Head Coach and the team owner. *a reminder that being bilingual is a superpower!
4. Worked with the Atlanta Falcons for 3 years and learned so much about the NFL and how they partner with teams in an HR capacity. So much learning in a short period of time.
5. Became the first HR Business Partner for expansion team Charlotte FC back in MLS. Hired our staff ahead of the inaugural season and realized I like being a builder. Creating something for others is very rewarding!
6. Finally, the Atlantic Coast Conference. Major milestone moment in my career was becoming the first full-time HR person at the conference office and for the first time, overseeing the entire HR function as the senior most leader in this space. Very much a pinch me moment and a career best moment!

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

Great question and here’s my honest response. Inevitably a bias exists about women in sports and how much we know and understand of the game. I have been very fortunate to work with people that have understood the value I bring to my job and the organization. That being said, one of the toughest challenges I have faced is accepting that I cannot change everything and that oftentimes things are out of my control. What we don’t like to say out loud but that proves true is that oftentimes women can be our biggest hurdle. We are all competitive and striving to succeed in this male dominated industry and so at times it feels like we undermine each other. Instead of embracing the challenges together we are often pitted against each other. When women come together and support each other, the skies the limit! It takes time and trust in the process but there will always be someone trying to knock you down. It’s up to you to create your boundaries and your path. The ability to walk away from a scenario or environment and bet on myself has served me well.

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

I had a colleague tell me once that work-life balance doesn’t exist. You have to find work-life “harmony.” This one is tough because early in your career you’re trying to prove yourself and make the best impression. You convince yourself that you have to be “on” all the time. I’ve learned the hard way, that the work will always be there and the to-do list is never blank. Take time for yourself. Schedule it like you would a mandatory meeting. Time to recharge and just breathe is essential. In my 20’s my roommate and I would go for ice cream because money was tight. Now that I’m a mom and wife, I read during kids practices and make dinner dates with my husband. You just have to figure out what brings you moments of calm so that when you are at work and busy you’re focused on that task and nothing else. It doesn’t work for everyone, but I tend to compartmentalize my life. Create your method and don’t apologize for it. Everyone’s process is different.

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 in the sports industry. To have someone that sees you and believes in your abilities means a lot. From an HR standpoint, my boss and mentor in Atlanta, Lisa Chang, opened my eyes to what this role could really be, the impact we could make on a staff, office, culture. She led quietly but with incredible direction. She was candid, kind, and uplifted her team. I hope I am half the HR leader she is. My success is measured by colleagues past and present that I am still very much in contact with. In sports, you win and lose together. That means something. Surround yourself with people that will be there for you on your best day and your worst.

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?

The short answer is not entirely, but it has certainly improved over the years. It’s important to recognize that not all companies are the same. Do your research and find those that champion women, have women in leadership roles, and support your goals. I have been a woman primarily in men’s sports for over 25 years. Now it’s my turn to help young women achieve their dreams, to help guide them where appropriate and to be a champion for change in the offices where I work. Good leaders want teams with varying experiences and voices and to have that we have to be intentional in how we hire and develop talent. While we can’t guarantee 50/50 split in gender, we can commit to supporting and advocating for our staff equally.

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

I enjoy the wins we experience as a team. And not just on the field or court. Successfully hosting events, conferences, media days, etc. matter to our schools, the student-athletes that comprise and represent the ACC, the fan bases and my colleagues at the conference office. Beating a rival is always fun but hosting a 5-day tournament and crowning a champion is exhilarating! Bringing fans together to support a group of student-athletes from a school you didn’t even attend…that’s amazing. The very definition of being part of a team. Here at the ACC, we have 18 schools and over 12,000 athletes that we get to support. It’s inspiring!

Most challenging part is easy to answer. I’m very competitive and have a favorite team. Setting that aside can be tricky when you have 18 teams to root for!

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

Try different avenues then the obvious ones. Learn what you don’t want and what you do want. It’s important to learn what won’t fulfill you long term. Apply for jobs that genuinely interest you and take internships. If soccer is your passion, start looking for a job locally with your Parks and Rec office, or minor league team. Your first job will most likely not be with an MLS or NWSL team, and that’s okay. Soak up everything you can when given opportunities and keep in touch with your connections. Everyone needs help along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask. What’s the worst that can happen? They say no. That wasn’t your opportunity on that day in that moment. Move on to the next and revisit your wants often. Trust yourself!

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

From a business perspective, the work I’m doing now reflects the achievement of a goal that I set for myself many years ago. To head the HR function at an organization. I’d like to sit in this goal and work towards mastery, continue to develop into a better leader and support the conference to the best of my ability.
Personally, and completely removed from business/work, my long-term goal is to live abroad. I love the idea of a walkable lifestyle in a beautiful setting.

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

So many to list!
Favorite dessert: classic flan and chocolate souffle
Favorite drink: Coca-Cola
Family: husband, 2 sons and 1 Bernedoodle

Pet Peeve: wearing a jersey to a match that doesn’t correspond to either team!! Ex: a Cowboys jersey to a Giants v. Eagles game.

Hobbies: finding and tasting pastries at local bakeries, reading junk books, dancing salsa & merengue, and building puzzles