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I am passionate about using my platform to support and uplift women in sports, and my work through the Civic and Community Engagement (CIVCM) minor has equipped me with the tools to make a greater impact. By exploring how ethical decision-making, global perspectives, and gender dynamics shape communities, I can better address the challenges women in sports face regarding equity and representation on both a local and global scale.

I hope to apply what I learn through the CIVCM minor to create initiatives that elevate women’s voices and provide opportunities for women in sports to succeed. Whether it’s through organizing community events, promoting advocacy, or leading outreach efforts, I am eager to make a difference. The practical experience gained from fieldwork and the capstone project will not only deepen my understanding of how civic engagement can create lasting change but also prepare me to continue advocating for women in sports beyond college.

Supervised Field Experience:

Founding Girls Club Behrend

Girls Club Behrend is a chapter of the Girls Club National Nonprofit that focuses on professional development for women in sports. Historically, the sports industry and sports-related jobs have been a "Boys Club," and it's the Girls Club's mission to make it a "Girls Club," too.

We want to ensure that everybody who wants a seat at the metaphorical table has equal access to tools, opportunities, and resources to get there.

I am the founder and current president of Girls Club Behrend.

Key Milestones

Planning & Approval Process

Applied for official recognition through Girls Club National in April 2024
Approved by the national organization in June 2024
Submitted application to Penn State Behrend’s Student Government Association in August 2025
Approved by SGA and recognized as an official student organization in September 2025
Held our first official club meeting on September 30, 2025

Event Highlights & Outreach Campaigns

Oct 21, 2025 – Hosted a Resume Workshop to help women prepare for career opportunities in sports and media
Oct 25, 2025 – Attended the RMU Sports Management Summit to network and learn from professionals in the field
Jan 28, 2026 – Attended the Pittsburgh Area Sports & Entertainment Career Fair
Jan 30, 2026 – Led a Teamwork Online Workshop teaching students how to build and use their accounts for sports job searches
Feb 9, 2026 – Organized a Super Bowl Watch Party and Donation Drive supporting the Mercy Center for Women in Erie, PA
Feb 11, 2026 – Held a Career Fair Prep Meeting to guide members through interview etiquette and elevator pitches
Mar 5–7, 2026 – Partnered with Alpha Sigma Tau for a Women’s History Month Tabling Series promoting visibility and equity for women in sports
April 8–10, 2026 – Traveled to Durham, NC for the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit, representing Behrend on a national stage

Partnerships

Partnered with Alpha Sigma Tau for Women’s History Month initiatives

Reflection

Founding Girls Club Behrend taught me more than I could have ever anticipated, not just about leading a student organization, but about listening, adapting, and showing up for the people around me. Leadership, I learned, is not about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for others to thrive, being willing to take initiative even when the path isn’t clear, and staying grounded in the purpose behind the work. There were times I felt unsure or overwhelmed, especially in the early planning stages, but I realized that true leadership means pushing through that uncertainty in service of something bigger than yourself.

Through our events, workshops, and conversations, I became more aware of what the Behrend community, especially women on campus interested in sports and communication, really needed: connection, mentorship, visibility, and belonging. There wasn’t a space specifically designed to empower women in male-dominated industries like sports and media, and Girls Club helped fill that gap.

Organizing everything from our SGA recognition to off-campus travel taught me the value of patience, preparation, and communication. I had to navigate university bureaucracy, national nonprofit requirements, and coordinate with other clubs—all while balancing school, work, and my personal life. It was challenging, but it gave me confidence in my ability to manage details and lead with purpose. Most importantly, I saw the power of community when people come together to support one another, and that’s something I’ll carry with me in everything I do going forward.

Media & Visuals

Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit

April 8-10, 2025

Members of Girls Club Behrend traveled to Durham, North Carolina to attend the Emerging Women in Sports Leadership Summit. This national event brought together women from across the country who are pursuing careers in the sports industry. Through panels, workshops, and networking sessions, we had the opportunity to learn directly from executives, athletes, and trailblazers in the field. The summit not only inspired us with stories of resilience and leadership but also helped us build connections with peers and professionals who share our passion for uplifting women in sports.

Superbowl Watch Party & Donation Drive

February 9, 2025

Girls Club Behrend hosted a Super Bowl Watch Party open to all students, combining community-building with social impact. Attendees were encouraged to bring donations for the Mercy Center for Women in Erie, PA. The event created a fun and inclusive environment while supporting a local organization that uplifts women and families in need. Dozens of students participated, and we collected a wide variety of essential items, including paper, hygene, and cleaning products.

Pittsburgh Area Sports and Entertainment Career Fair

January 28, 2025

Julie De Dues, Ireland Crean, and I had an incredible time at the Pittsburgh Area Sports and Entertainment Career Fair in January. It was great connecting with recruiters, fellow attendees, and industry professionals with the same passion for sports and entertainment. I am excited for us to take what we learned and continue to grow in this industry.

RMU Sport Management Career Summit

October 25, 2024

Attending the RMU Sport Management Career Summit in October 2024 was an inspiring and transformative experience. Alexis Moran and I had the chance to connect with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of sports management. Personally, this event reaffirmed my commitment to uplifting others in the industry and embracing opportunities for growth and collaboration

Select Artifacts

Girls Club Behrend Constitution.docx

GCB Constitution

This document outlines the mission, structure, and goals of Girls Club Behrend.

As the founding president, I authored the constitution to align with both the national Girls Club charter and Penn State Behrend’s student organization guidelines. It reflects my commitment to creating sustainable change and empowering women in sports and media.

CAS 222N- Final Project

This promotional flyer was part of my final project for Foundations of Civic Engagement.

The project focused on raising visibility for women in sports through a themed campus event. The flyer helped generate awareness and turnout, and demonstrated how communication tools can spark civic dialogue and participation.

PR Campaign draft.docx

Girls Club and Public Relations

This public relations campaign project applied real-world PR strategy to a cause-driven initiative.

I developed a full communications plan—from messaging to deliverables—designed to support a nonprofit initiative. It strengthened my understanding of persuasive communication, community alignment, and ethical media planning.

Krenzer Module 7 Essay.docx

Women's Studies Supporting Coursework

This essay examines how Black female athletes are subjected to adultification bias and stripped of traditional notions of femininity through systemic racism and media narratives.

Through this paper, I analyzed intersectionality, controlling images, and the cultural policing of Black women’s bodies in sports. It deepened my understanding of power structures and reinforced the need for inclusive representation and advocacy in both athletics and media.

Final Reflection

Pursuing the Civic and Community Engagement minor has changed how I view leadership, responsibility, and the impact one person can have on a community. Through this experience, I’ve learned that civic engagement isn’t just about volunteering or attending events. It is about recognizing the needs of those around you, using your voice to advocate for change, and creating spaces where others feel seen and empowered.

Founding Girls Club Behrend was more than a student project. It was my response to a gap I recognized in the campus community. I saw how many young women, especially those interested in sports and media, were searching for connection, support, and representation. Through club events, workshops, and partnerships, I experienced the power of building something with a clear purpose. At the same time, my coursework encouraged me to think deeply about ethics, equity, and intersectionality. These ideas now influence how I lead and how I engage with the world around me.

This portfolio reflects not only what I’ve accomplished but also who I have become. I strive to lead with intention, listen actively, and prioritize collaboration. Looking ahead, I am committed to carrying these lessons into every part of my life. Whether I am pursuing a career, mentoring others, or advocating for what I believe in, I will continue to stay grounded in the values of civic engagement. It is not something that ends with a class or a club. It is a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

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