Name, title, and organization: Ellen Schmidt-Devlin, Cofounder and Executive Director, University of Oregon Sports Product Management program
Responsibilities: Building and directing the UO Sports Product Management program. We are a new program offering an 18-month master of science degree in sport product management, as well as industry workshops. My job is to lead a team that includes admissions, industry engagement, faculty, and staff. We are now at a point where we hope to create additional opportunities through an online master of science in sports product management program, a 2018 summer executive program, and sports product research.
Three Tips for Women to Succeed in Business
- Find your voice and use it. You are smart and have incredible value. You can make an impact in the world if you speak up.
- Find your place and take it. Never discount yourself. Walk into a room with strength and confidence. Sit at the table. You deserve it.
- Find your passion and follow it. Pursue a career where you are driven by your passion and your purpose.
Personal mission statement: Inspire greatness.
Favorite quote: My dad always said, “Anything worth doing is worth over-doing."
First job: I have always wanted to prove that girls and boys could do the same thing. One rainy afternoon when I was 12 years old, I asked my mom if I could have a paper route. I was curious because only boys had paper routes, and I thought that would be a great job for me. My mom nonchalantly responded, “Well, at least, you will be smart enough to wear a rain jacket." Proudly, I shared a paper route with my brother.
Guilty pleasure: Hamburger, french fries, and Coke!
Best live concert experience: Earth, Wind & Fire in Eugene
Favorite tradition: Our family goes together to the Summer Olympics every four years.
Favorite Portland Restaurant: Thai E-San is a small family-run business that reminds our family of the wonderful food we had when we lived in Thailand.
Best weekend activity: Palm Desert, California
- Get more details about Schmidt-Devlin's career in an in-depth feature.
- Hear Schmidt-Devlin's story in her own words at this spring's Alumni Speakership event on Tuesday, May 22, 2018.
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