Lindsay (Henkel) Lara

Director, Business Development at Baltimore Orioles

“Lindsay Lara leads the Business Development team in ticketing, focusing on generating new revenue through memberships, group sales, and suites. With a background in Communications and Sports Journalism, she built early experience covering sporting events and interning with her university’s baseball team.

A major turning point in her career came when she stepped outside her comfort zone and moved from San Diego to Texas to pursue opportunities in sports, helping her grow both personally and professionally.

Lindsay credits mentorship and strong networking for helping her overcome early self-doubt and build confidence in a competitive industry. She is passionate about developing her team and creating unforgettable experiences for fans.

Thank you, Lindsay, for sharing your journey and inspiring the next generation of women in sports. ⚾”

– Zara

Please describe your role & responsibilities at that position?

I oversee our business development team in the ticketing department. We are responsible for generating new business revenue for the organization across memberships, groups, and suites.

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

I studied Communications with an emphasis in Sports Journalism. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work in the sports industry, and my college experience helped turn that passion into practical skills. I gained hands-on experience by interning with my university’s baseball team and covering a variety of sporting events, where I wrote stories and interviewed coaches and players for the school newspaper.

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

One of the biggest milestones in my career came when I realized just how much opportunity exists within the sports industry—and that the right opportunity sometimes requires stepping outside your comfort zone. The first time I moved away from my hometown of San Diego to pursue my dream, it was intimidating. I relocated to Texas not knowing anyone, but that experience helped me grow tremendously both personally and professionally.

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

Early in my career, I experienced a lot of self-doubt as a woman trying to break into the sports industry. I worried about whether I would be good enough or viewed equally in such a male-dominated field. With the support of mentors during those early years, I was able to build confidence in my abilities and realize that I could succeed. Over the last several years, the industry has made meaningful progress, and it’s incredibly empowering to see so many women growing into leadership roles across sports.

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

Work-life balance can be challenging, especially in Major League Baseball, which has one of the longest seasons in professional sports. It’s important to find an organization that recognizes the value of balance and actively creates ways to support it. Some strategies that have worked well for me include making time for the personal priorities that matter most and having the support of leaders who encourage that balance. At the same time, working hard each day and staying on top of your responsibilities is essential.

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 extremely important in the sports industry– and in life overall. I have had great mentors professionally, both male and female, who have played a significant role in my career. Even the mentors that I met early on in my career, I still keep in contact with because I know that they will always be there to support me– and that is crucial.

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 am fortunate enough to work for an organization that has several females in Senior Leadership roles, and I continue to see that across the industry. I think as long as we can be great role models for future women leaders in the sports industry, and promote confidence, I have no doubt women will continue to succeed in this industry.

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

What I love most about working in the sports industry, is how sporting events bring people together. I love that my team creates lifelong memories for our fans. Although challenging, the most rewarding part of my job is helping grow and develop the individuals on my team.

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

Challenge yourself and find new ways to get out of your comfort zone. Continue to build a strong network of both females and males, as the sports industry as a whole, is much smaller than you realize. Finding the support of mentors will be crucial!

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

I want to make a positive impact both in the industry and in the lives of those that I work alongside each day. I hope to continue to work hard towards becoming a Vice President of Ticket Sales within the sports industry.