The Next Level Sports Conference, hosted by USC, attracted students and industry leaders to the Inuit Dome to explore the future of all things sports: the industry, media, technology and culture. A vital focus for many attendees was the future for women breaking into the sports industry, and the importance of representation there.
Constance Schwartz-Morini, the co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, described her pathway towards becoming a prominent figure within the industry. From a secretary at the NFL to CEO of a leading entertainment company, Schwartz-Morini’s entrepreneurial spirit, work ethic and strong network connections paved the way towards her success.
While challenges for women breaking into sports still exist, Schwartz-Morini encourages women to break barriers and inspire positive changes.
“I would love to say that there aren’t any [challenges], but it’s much better,” Schwartz-Morini said. “And there’s a reason that I came from behind the camera to in front to speak out more, because if you can’t be a part of the change, then you have no right to complain about anything.”
Ayonnah Tinsley, a senior majoring in Arts, Technology, and the Innovation of Business, described how she found a community in the L.A. sports scene, which led her to be a student host at the conference.
“It means so much. I want to push even further and say how much it means as a Black woman to the fact that I’ll be introducing Chiney Ogwumike, who just, I believe, signed a media extension to her contract with ESPN,” said Tinsley. “So the fact that I get to even share the stage with her, and, you know, be in her presence, say her name out to the crowd, just means so much.”
Schwartz-Morini advised young women aspiring to break into the industry to surround themselves with mentors, and to rely on colleagues, both male and female, to help one another grow.
“We’re all here to help each other,” Schwartz-Morini said. “Any of the men I’ve worked with, they’ve never once, I think, looked at me and just said, ‘Oh, this is a woman, and she can’t do this.’ It’s always like, ‘Wow, she is a woman, and watch out.’”
For Tinsley, Schwartz-Morini is an inspiration to not only succeed within sports, but to enjoy the journey as well.
“I think she just really focused on what it even took to get to that point. It’s like, the hard work only comes after you find your team, after you get the funding, and after you have all the partnerships, then the hard work even starts there,” said Tinsley. “Truly enjoy the journey, because no part of it will be easier. Like, every hard part, it seems like just builds on top of each other and gets more layers.”
Schwartz-Morini said she looks forward to a bright future for women breaking into the sports industry.
“I just look forward to the day that people aren’t the ‘most powerful woman in sports’ or the ‘most powerful woman in entertainment.’ I just want to be the most powerful at what I do,” she said.