Janelle Bongiovanni and Jessica Lee
Kristen Muha
Manager, Partnership Solutions, Oak View Group
Age: 29
Born: Torrance, Calif.
Education: University of Southern California, Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, B.A., communication studies
Fiancé: Andy Hartwell
Kristen Muha developed a team-first mindset from playing basketball, and it drives her work at developing sponsorship solutions for OVG clients. Naming-rights deals she’s helped close include Climate Pledge Arena and Subaru Park.
more About you
Most important lesson learned in 2020: Agility and perseverance. 2020 has been all about surprises, both good and bad. Being able to roll with the punches is more important now than ever. We should always strive to find new solutions, recognizing that an old or traditional way of doing things isn’t necessarily what’s best.
Go-to person when I need help: My fiancé, Andy. He’s a great sounding board and doesn’t hold back, often times telling me what I don’t want to hear (he’s brave).
My inspiration: My mom. She was a kindergarten teacher for 40 years (now retired), handling over 1,200 children and their parents with patience, kindness and generosity.
In the industry
How my generation is changing sports: Building on past generations’ efforts, our generation has an increased emphasis on equal opportunity, environmental impact, and driving social progress. We continually demand more of the sports industry in an effort to ensure it is not only involved but is a leading force for positive change across the globe.
Sports should address social issues: Head on, making it a part of every decision that’s made in sports. This industry’s unique place within society provides an immense opportunity and a clear responsibility to support the communities that are the lifeblood of the industry.
Sports industry needs to do a better job of … : Recognizing, promoting, and providing equal opportunity for women in sports, both on and off the field.
In 10 years I hope to be … : A wife, mother, colleague, and boss that others can look up to and be inspired by, and in a position where I can pay it forward to young potential industry go-getters. I wouldn’t be where I am without those who gave me a chance.
