In Spring 2024, I joined FIFA World Cup 26 Kansas City (KC2026) and the Kansas City Sports Commission (KCSC) as the KC2026 Intern. I was privileged to be involved in a multitude of projects between KC2026, KCSC, and WIN for KC, the advocacy arm of KCSC that promotes access to sports for women and girls.
I strengthened my skills in event management, marketing, communications, volunteer program development and partnerships as KC2026 prepared for One-Year-To-Go (OYTG) celebrations. We held strategy sessions for the celebrations’ look and feel, sponsor activations, and target audiences, and ultimately planned six distinctive events. Outside of OYTG preparations, KC2026 hosted a VIP event for prospective sponsors and community stakeholders, featuring panels with FIFA World Cup 26 executives. Here, I learned about vendor coordination as well as stage management.
On the KCSC and WIN for KC side, I supported the Big 12 as they executed the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships in downtown Kansas City. I managed the national anthem performers and their ASL counterparts. Additionally, I was privileged to be on site for the Women’s Sports Awards, which honors women and girls in Kansas City for their impact and triumph in sports. This year’s edition headlined former college basketball star and current WNBA player Caitlin Clark as the keynote speaker.
Upon completion of my Capstone, I was incredibly grateful to accept an offer to remain with KC2026 as an Events Assistant.