BSE Global / Brendan Awerbuch
Jessie Kavana
Senior Graphic Designer, BSE Global
Age: 29
Born: Mahopac, N.Y.
Education: Skidmore College, B.S., management and business
From the design of the Brooklyn Nets court to branding and apparel in support of social justice initiatives, Jessie Kavana is the creative mind and go-to designer for Nets players and executives and for events at Barclays Center.
more About you
Most important lesson Learned in 2020: This year has taught me not to take anything for granted — health, work, relationships with family/friends, sports and entertainment … the list goes on.
Go-to person when I need help: I can always count on my mom to give me the most honest advice and thoughts, and not tell me just what I want to hear but what I need to! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the support system of current and former co-workers and mentors who I can lean on for anything career-specific, and the friends who have my back in every aspect of my life.
My inspiration: I draw a lot of inspiration from my contemporaries across the sports design community. There’s so much incredible talent paired with genuine enthusiasm for connecting and learning from each other. … I’m proud to not only be able to develop my craft and career through those connections but to call many of them friends as well.
In the industry
Biggest surprise when I started my career: What really captured me about the sports industry is how often my job didn’t, and still doesn’t, feel like work. We’re very lucky in this industry to be able to make a career out of our passions.
Most exciting aspect of sports business: Opening day for the team you work for; it’s so fulfilling to see your hard work culminate in a collective celebration and shared sense of accomplishment with your co-workers. Nothing beats a packed venue of pumped-up fans and the excitement of a new look on and off the court.
Sports should address social issues by: Following the lead and fully embracing the goals and objectives of our most important asset: the athletes.
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Advocating for women’s sports and women across the industry, while continuing to make strides towards an inclusive and safe environment on all levels.
