Rising Stars Spotlight: Rae Campbell
Campbell currently serves on the premium seating staff at LSU's Tiger Athletic Foundation. In her role she assists in the execution of service and operations for designated sports in hospitality and premium seating areas. Since 2018, she has been a part of the Fore! Kids Foundation that produces the PGA's Zurich Golf Classic as a Tournament & Ticket Operations Assistant, she also serves as a Junior Board Member. The foundation generates funds to support children services.
Additionally, she has also had the opportunity to work for Grambling State University, the New Orleans Pelicans & Saints, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New Orleans Baby Cakes. Campbell also served on the New Orleans Convention Company INC. staff, which produces the number one Historical Black College Football Game, The Bayou Classic.
Campbell received her bachelor's degree from Grambling State in kinesiology with a concentration in sports management and her MBA with a concentration in sales leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Campbell is a member of Women Leaders in College Sports and MOAA.
Why did you join Women Leaders, and how has the organization helped you in your career?
Being able to learn from trailblazers, innovators, and other administrators has been huge in my career development. Being in Women Leaders have given me such a strong support system of sponsors, mentors, motivators, and counselors that will secure my hope in retaining the necessary resources and experiences that are coveted especially by professionals as myself, that without them, it is very hard to evolve in any industry and not just sports.
What are some tips and tricks you have learned through the job search?
Get clear on what you want, who you are, and what you bring to the opportunity, show your best work to the committee they love examples they can see and stories of your accomplishments and personal style. Practice like you plan to perform- immediately write down interview questions and answers, review and edit as needed. Constantly study yourself for areas of improvement. Build, cultivate, and utilize your network. Ask for feedback or areas of weakness- if the interview went well, and you are extended an offer ask the hiring manager can they provide references or ask their staff about their leadership or any questions you may have.
What is one thing you want your future employer to know?
I am going to be a learner, a do-er and I am going to be all in for my institution. I like to work hard, go fast and not watch the clock while having fun, showing passion and being a gladiator not only for the students and fans but my counterparts as well. I am looking for a family to be a part of and not just the next gig. I am striving to be the very best version of myself constantly because change is the rule, not the exception in life as well as the DNA of this industry. I hope those around me want great experiences, too.
What is your favorite Women Leaders’ membership offering?
The mentorship program, my mentor in 2020 is an amazing sounding board, friend, administrator and supporter. She made room and time for me personally and as a professional she made “the table” longer and not put up a higher fence, she involved me in anything she felt I could gain from or learn more about, and she has guided me through all Women Leaders has for me to be an up-and-coming professional every step of the way and beyond.
What is one thing you’re looking forward to both personally and professionally this fall?
Being among the fans, and the staff. I was fortunate enough to be involved with donor relations at a Power 5 and although it was with the strictest COVID protocols they were happy to see us, in the stands, and having a medium for release and some sort of normalcy through entertainment, I was so happy to be a part of a team /staff that worked diligently to provide a safe and fun atmosphere to do so. Personally, I look forward to being better- a better guardian, a better daughter, a better big sister, a better listener, extending grace, and overall, just becoming better starting internally and hopefully it’ll show externally so that my energy can be transferable to others.
What is one piece of advice you would give to fellow Rising Stars?
Be intentional, moreover, dig deep- be a person of value and committed to washing others ‘feet, not a person soley focused on being elite or of success. I’ve found that operating like this, will build character & hope for your journey.
What part of WOMEN LEADERS X are you looking forward to the most?
It is so hard to narrow down all the great session and keynotes, but I am big on mental health, so, I am most certainly ready to hear from Amy Morin about 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.
For fun, what is your favorite…
• Podcast: A Chat in the Garden by Monique AJ Smith
• Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• Form of Self Care: I’ve started exercising while listening to Broadway soundtracks and classical instrumentals. Since COVID, shows have halted… that was one of my favorite go-to forms of self-care/fun outside of athletic events. I had season passes for shows in New Orleans at the Sanger Theater so that’s my way of acclimating to my new routine.
• Quote: Difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week. – Jay- Z
• Food: Seafood
