SFIA Welcomes Army Major Natasha Fultz-Castro as Inaugural Participant
(May 12, 2025) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is proud to announce its involvement with the Department of Defense’s (DoD) SkillBridge program, an important component of SFIA’s commitment to further expanding our industry’s support of the military community by assisting veterans in their career transitions. SFIA is honored to welcome Army Major Natasha Fultz-Castro as its DoD SkillBridge intern, becoming the organization’s inaugural participant through the program.
The DoD SkillBridge program provides active-duty service members with the opportunity to gain valuable civilian work experience during the last 180 days of their military service. By connecting service members with private-sector organizations like SFIA, SkillBridge helps close the gap between military service and civilian careers through focused industry training, apprenticeships, or internships.
“SFIA is honored to partner with the Department of Defense to support our service members as they transition into the next chapter of their professional journeys,” said Todd Smith, President & CEO of SFIA. “Natasha brings more than 20 years of strategic communications and public affairs experience, and we are thrilled to welcome her as she explores new opportunities within the sports and fitness industry.”
As part of her internship, Natasha will assist with SFIA’s communications and marketing efforts, including content strategy, media outreach, and partnership development. Her military background in public affairs provides a unique perspective that strengthens SFIA’s commitment to leadership, service, and innovation in the sports community.
Throughout her distinguished career in military public affairs, Natasha has collaborated with major sports organizations and leagues – including the WNBA, NFL, NASCAR, and NCAA – coordinating joint military support for premier events such as the WNBA All-Star Game, NFL Super Bowl, NASCAR Coca-Cola 600, and NCAA Bowl Games. Her ability to elevate athletes and organizations aligns perfectly with SFIA’s mission to champion innovation, leadership, and social impact within the sports community.
Much like sports, the military brings together individuals from all walks of life, forging bonds through shared experiences, teamwork, and perseverance. Natasha’s leadership in military public affairs has strengthened her ability to unify diverse voices and build connections – skills that translate seamlessly into the sports and fitness industry.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to join SFIA through the SkillBridge program,” said Major Natasha Fultz-Castro. “This internship represents not just a career milestone for me, but a pathway for service members to bring their talents and leadership to new industries. I look forward to fully immersing myself in the sports and fitness industry – an arena I am deeply passionate about – and leveraging my experience to drive meaningful engagement and impact.”
For service members, the SkillBridge program offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train with industry-leading organizations while continuing to receive full military pay and benefits. For industry partners like SFIA, it presents access to one of the most skilled, disciplined, and motivated talent pools in the nation.
SFIA is excited to participate in this initiative and looks forward to continuing its involvement with the SkillBridge program.
To learn more about the program, click here.
Media Contact:
Lisa Futterman | [email protected]
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.
About DoD SkillBridge: The Department of Defense SkillBridge program connects service members nearing the end of their military service with civilian work experience opportunities in a variety of industries. Service members can spend up to 180 days training full-time with approved industry partners while continuing to receive their military compensation and benefits.