SFIA Excelerator Program

“The SFIA Excelerator Program was a unique opportunity that helped me grow in several professional and leadership capacities while also providing me with specialized industry experience and exposure to leading executives and mentors. I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this pilot program and look forward to implementing the skills and advice I have received as I further my career in the sports industry.”

– Kassi Farmer, National Account Demand Planner Rawlings Sporting Goods (2023 Excelerator Associate)

Briana is an enthusiastic young professional with experience in sales, operations, and product management in the sporting goods industry. She currently works as a Product Manager for Team & Licensed Apparel at New Balance Athletics, responsible for product line planning, development, and achieving sales targets. Previously, Fitzgerald was a Sales Specialist at New Balance and a Team Sales Representative at Warrior Sports. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations with a Marketing minor from Quinnipiac University. Fitzgerald has coaching experience and was an accomplished student-athlete, serving as Assistant Captain of Quinnipiac’s Women’s Lacrosse team.

Ashley is an award-winning Brand Communications Manager at adidas, specializing in marketing strategy and consumer insights for sports categories like Baseball, Softball, and Football. With nearly a decade of experience across brands like Clorox, P&G, and adidas, Ashley is skilled at driving measurable results through integrated marketing campaigns. Her recent achievements include leading cross-functional teams to announce high-profile brand partnerships and product launches that exceeded engagement goals. A passionate advocate for women’s sports, Ashley is excited to further develop her leadership capabilities and create positive change through SFIA’s Excelerator program.

Maya is a passionate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist with over 8 years of experience in community outreach, workplace safety, pay equity, and fostering an inclusive work environment. Currently the Recruiting Coordinator for Brooks Running Inc., Maya co-chairs their “Brooks Soul” Black Employee Resource Group and mentors with the DEI team. Maya holds a master’s in Health & Wellness Management and a BA in Kinesiology from Tulane University. She is dedicated to accelerating her career and driving positive change through SFIA’s Excelerator program.

Kara has been an integral part of Franklin Sports since 2021 and serves as the Associate Manager of Pickleball Partnerships. Holding a B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University, Kara is a self-motivated and organized professional, with expertise in project management, branding, and event coordination. Currently, she is enhancing her leadership skills as a participant in the SFIA’s Excelerator Program, demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth in the sports industry. With a background in collegiate lacrosse, Kara brings a competitive spirit and team-focused mindset to her role, driving success in partnership development and strategic initiatives.

Yliana is a passionate, data-driven professional who has been at Clarks for the last year. She leverages her analytical mindset and critical thinking skills to produce reports for the global wholesale business that accounts for $100M seasonally. She sits on the Race and Ethnicity ERG where she works with HR to highlight diversity and celebrate cultural differences. She developed her skillset at companies like Plymouth Rock, TJX corporation, and Wayfair before bringing her talent to Clarks. Through this program, she hopes to gain valuable soft skills that will propel her to the next level of her career.

Patrick has been an invaluable member of the Good Sports team for seven years. Initially part of the program team providing equipment to increase youth participation in underserved communities, he transitioned to an Equipment Specialist role. Patrick now manages industry relationships and leads inventory control processes, reporting directly to leadership. Patrick consistently delivers top performance through his self-motivation, thoughtfulness, and eagerness to learn and grow as a problem-solver. With his commitment to excellence and potential for industry leadership, Patrick will be an invaluable addition to the SFIA Excelerator program.

Morgan is a Marketing Coordinator at Rawlings, where she handles merchandising, logistics, and marketing activations for over 130 D-BAT locations and works with key accounts to build the brand. A passionate sports enthusiast, Morgan co-chairs the St. Louis Sports Commission Associates group. Morgan is skilled at collaborating cross-functionally and managing timelines and details for product launches. As an SFIA Excelerator Associate, she looks forward to expanding her industry knowledge, making connections, and gaining diverse perspectives from peers nationwide.

Kara has been an integral part of Franklin Sports since 2021 and serves as the Associate Manager of Pickleball Partnerships. Holding a B.S. in Psychology from St. Lawrence University, Kara is a self-motivated and organized professional, with expertise in project management, branding, and event coordination. Currently, she is enhancing her leadership skills as a participant in SFIA’s Excelerator Program, demonstrating a commitment to continuous growth in the sports industry. With a background in collegiate lacrosse, Kara brings a competitive spirit and team-focused mindset to her role, driving success in partnership development and strategic initiatives.

Originally from Milan, Italy, Tommaso pursued his American Dream at 18, earning a soccer scholarship to St. John’s University. He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Sports Administration and Business before obtaining a master’s from NYU. As a trilingual Strategy Manager at Capelli Sport, one of North America’s fastest-growing sports brands, Tommaso brings passion and empathy to his work. An avid sports enthusiast, he ran the NYC Marathon supporting Soccer Without Borders, demonstrating his commitment to using sports as a vehicle for change.