Thursday, April 6, 2017

The third “Women in Sports” career seminar, presented by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference, will be held Saturday, April 8 in Portland, Ore.

Designed for college and high school females interested in pursuing sports-related careers, the seminar will take place at the Moda Center.

The event will feature panelists from a broad cross-section of occupational paths, including coaching, administration, business, marketing, media, media relations, NCAA compliance, sports medicine, ticket sales, and officiating. Attendees will have an opportunity to interact with -- and seek career advice from -- a slate of experienced sports professionals in a round-table format. 

Below is a profile on a panelist who will be featured at this year's event.

DIANA CUTAIA, COACHING PEACE
Position: Founder of Coaching Peace Consulting
Colleges Attended: Sacred Heart University (Conn.); Charter Oak State College (Conn.); Lesley University (Mass.)
College Major: Athletic Administration
Years In Current Position: 4.5 years

Primary Job Responsibilities: Design and deliver trainings. Write curriculum. Consult with organizations on culture building. Manage day to day operations. Career coaching. Executive coaching. 

Things You Enjoy Most About Your Job: Everything! I love my job.

Why You Pursued A Professional Career In The Athletics Industry: Because sport changed my life in such positive ways that I wanted to be part of making that happen for others.

First Job In The Sports Industry: I was asked to start a women's basketball team at a junior college when I was 23 years old.

A Key Mentor Who Helped You On Your Career Path: I have had so many mentors in my life, but the one that stands out the most was a teacher in high school. She was like a mother to me and passed away from cancer on my 21st birthday. I ended up taking over her high school lacrosse team and that set the tone for how I believed sport should be.

Most Influential Person In Your Early Professional Development: My athletic director at the community college. We didn't have much money and when I would go into his office complaining about how we were behind in things because of our lack of funding, he would always tell me, "you will find a way." It forced me to think outside the box and always find a way.

Biggest Hurdle You Overcame Breaking Into The Sports Industry: Being a woman. I always needed to prove myself just a little more than the men.

Key Attributes That Have Helped Shape Your Career Path: PERSISTENCE. I never give up. Even when others are telling me to do so!

Looking Back, What Is One Thing That You Would Do In College Or Early On To Help You Along Yout Career Path? Pick a college that has the major you want. Don't just go for the sports.

Best Advice You Would Give To A Young Female Wanting To Work In Sports: Don't let anyone ever tell you that you don't belong there. You belong.

Favorite Sports Team: Tennessee Lady Volunteers Women's Basketball Team

Favorite Athlete: Colin Kaepernick and Julie Foudy