SFIA Excelerator Program
An emerging leaders program for young professionals from diverse communities engaged in the sports and fitness industry.
We are delighted to announce that SFIA is now accepting applications for the 2024 class of Excelerator Associates!
The SFIA Excelerator program is designed for high-performing young professionals with eight or fewer years of aggregate work experience and currently employed with an SFIA member organization. Candidates from diverse communities engaged in the sports and fitness industry and working at an SFIA member organization are encouraged to apply.
This six-month program will run from May through November and will include the following components:
- Professional workshop sessions focusing on personal leadership and career management
- Monthly Lunch ‘N Learn sessions featuring industry leaders and senior executives from SFIA member organizations
- Career development and counseling sessions
- Mentorship program pairing associates with an industry leader
- Complimentary access to SFIA events such as the State of the Industry Premier, Super Regionals, and Webinars
- Exclusive meetings with senior SFIA management and opportunities to interact with SFIA Board Members
All applications must be submitted by Friday, April 5, 2024.
The program will officially commence on Tuesday, May 28 in New York City.
2023 Excelerator Associate Testimonials
Kassi Farmer
National Account Demand Planner
Rawlings Sporting Goods
“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 forthe 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.”
Michelle Kalupski
Associate Sales Manager, Consumer Products
Riddell
“The SFIA Excelerator program was a great experience for me to enhance my professional skillset, grow my network within the sports industry and improve my leadership skills. I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing the next group of talented Excelerators.”
Erin Kelly
Area Sales Manager
BSN Sports
“The Excelerator program helped me develop both personally and professionally. I learned to change my mindset about networking; it helped develop me as a leader and made me realize the importance of personal development. I look forward to using these skills as I progress through my career and hope that other young leaders can have the same opportunity.”
Tyler Klostermann
Regional Sports Video Consultant
NEVCO
“Leaders aren’t born, they are made. The Excelerator program has given me a fresh perspective when it comes to tapping into resources that are already available to me. It has also given me an opportunity to expound upon my leadership skills while growing my professional network in the process.”
Jordan Johnson
Associate Product Manager/Designer(Collaboration & Energy)
New Balance Athletic Company
“Participating in the SFIA Excelerator program not only provided me with the chance toexpand my understanding of the sports industry but also allowed me to establish connections with experienced leaders in the field. This valuable experience has significantly enriched my skill set as a creative leader in the sports.”
Brian Morrison
Recruiter
Brooks Running
“I would recommend the SFIA Excelerator Program to any young professional looking to grow within the Sports & Fitness Industry. The skills I was able to develop during my time in the program, in addition to the connections I was able to make with industry leaders, are things that I will take with me the rest of my career.”
Kweku Quansah
Global Social Media Specialist
Clarks
“The Excelerator Program gave me the opportunity to learn directly from executive sacross a wide range of companies and roles. I was able to create connections and step into rooms I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to, and it has helped inform where I will take my career from here.”
excelerator Sponsors
For more information or to get involved, contact Glenn Horine at [email protected].