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

1. 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.
2. Find your place and take it. Never discount yourself. Walk into a room with strength and confidence. Sit at the table. You deserve it.
3. 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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