Ep. 77 - How To Empower Yourself - Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer, the WNBA's New York Liberty Shares Her Story - and She's Sticking To It!

Host JinJa Birkenbeuel welcomes Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand
Officer at the WNBA's New York Liberty, to discuss her journey in
sports branding, the importance of storytelling, and the
challenges of navigating a career in a male-dominated industry.
Shana shares her experiences from her early days in fashion to
her current role in sports, emphasizing the significance of
representation and the entrepreneurial spirit. The conversation
highlights the power of family support and the drive to create
opportunities in the sports world. In this conversation, Shana
discusses her journey from being a chemistry student to ESPN to
becoming a prominent voice in sports activism, focusing on
cultural intersections, representation, and the importance of
authenticity in leadership. She highlights her work with the New
York Liberty and the significance of their activism in women's
sports, particularly in relation to social justice issues. Shana
emphasizes the need for inclusive spaces and the impact of
representation in sports, showcasing her commitment to amplifying
the voices of black women and marginalized communities.


Takeaways


JinJa Birkenbeuel expresses gratitude for listeners choosing
her podcast.

Shana Stephenson emphasizes the importance of storytelling in
sports.

Shana's journey reflects a non-linear career path,
transitioning from chemistry to sports marketing.

Family support played a crucial role in Shana's career
decisions.

Representation in sports media is vital for amplifying
women's stories.

Shana's passion for sports developed from her upbringing in
New York.

The challenges of breaking into the competitive sports
industry are discussed.

Shana's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her career
choices.

The importance of creating a platform for underrepresented
voices in sports is highlighted.

Shana's experiences illustrate the value of perseverance and
self-belief.

Shana transitioned from ESPN to start her own blog for honest
expression.

Her writing evolved from personal venting to addressing
cultural intersections in sports.

She became a voice for sports activism, focusing on gender
and racial inequities.

Shana's work led to opportunities in media and consulting,
enhancing her influence.

The New York Liberty's activism aligns with Shana's values
and mission.

Authenticity is key to Shana's leadership style and
creativity.

Shana emphasizes the importance of representation in sports
organizations.

Ellie the Elephant symbolizes inclusivity and community
engagement.

Shana believes in creating positive experiences for fans and
community members.

Courage in leadership comes from being true to oneself and
one's beliefs.






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Follow Shana https://www.instagram.com/itsshanarenee