Wednesday, February 5th is the 34th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, dedicated to honoring the achievements of women in sports, and the Blue Wahoos are celebrating being led by a front office in which women are well-represented.
Both the Vice President of Operations and the Chief Financial Officer, two of the most influential voices in the organization, are women. In total, five departments are headed by women. Two – both Finance and Human Resources – are staffed entirely by women.
“My priority is promoting good people. My intention isn’t to promote or hire men or women specifically,” Wahoos’ CFO Amber McClure shared on her all-female department.
In recent years, Minor League Baseball has focused efforts on encouraging teams to increase gender diversity in hiring. The Women in Baseball Leadership Committee was founded in 2008 and numerous programs emphasizing professional development and mentorship have grown out of their efforts. Among these programs is the Women in Baseball LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Talent) Mentorship Program, which pairs women new to the industry with mentors with years of experience in Minor League Baseball. Two women with the Wahoos are honored to be LIFT mentors: Merchandise manager Anna Striano and Vice President of Operations Donna Kirby.
“This is my fifth year in Minor League Baseball, and I would say it’s just an inspiring time to be a woman in sports,” Striano said. “I noticed a major increase in the number of women at the Winter Meetings in 2019 just compared to the year before.”
On her experience with the Wahoos, she added, “Just about every woman in the front office has been recognized for their contributions to the organization. We feel like our work is actually being valued, and that’s empowering.”
One of the younger front office leaders is group sales manager Bailie Tate.
“There are so many women in management positions here that it feels like we’ve at least achieved equality within the organization,” said Tate, who began her career with the Wahoos as an intern in 2017 and has earned multiple promotions to now lead the department. “Every year I’ve worked here I’ve been promoted, and I’ve never felt like the standard was different for me.”
Throughout the day on Wednesday, the Wahoos will be honoring these women and others whose strengths and diverse perspectives make the organization successful. You can follow along and get to know these valued team members on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp prepare to open their schedule of 70 home games on April 15, the club is inviting the talent of Northeast Florida to audition to perform the National Anthem before a Jumbo Shrimp home game this season. Individuals and groups can now register for the February 20 National Anthem auditions, to be held at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Clearwater Threshers at Spectrum Field are hiring Food & Beverage game day staff for 2020! Interviews will be conducted on site at the Spectrum Field Job Fair on Wednesday, January 29, from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Applications for departments other than Food & beverage will be accepted.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Daytona Tortugas have announced a 12-week campaign of charitable donations to give back to the community that has stood steadfastly with the team in its quest to keep affiliated professional baseball at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark in Daytona Beach.
To start off the campaign, the Tortugas will make a donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler. Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler operate in eight communities in the areas of greatest need within Volusia and Flagler counties and provide young people with adults who respect and listen to them, a safe environment, and constructive activities that channel youthful energy into challenging pursuits. The Tortugas are proud to support their efforts.
Bradenton, Fl. – The Pittsburgh Pirates will hold two (2) job fairs at LECOM Park to hire seasonal staff for Pirates Spring Training and the Bradenton Marauders’ season. Game day staff and concessions positions are available. Interviews will be conducted on the spot at both hiring events.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The St. Lucie Mets will host a Job Fair for New York Mets spring training and the St. Lucie Mets season on Saturday, December 14 at the team’s Minor League Complex & Rehabilitation Center located on Peacock Blvd.
