Rising Star Spotlight: Elisha Orama and Natalie Martinez

Will 2017 bring you change and the opportunity for a new adventure? Are you ready to mix up your scenery, expand your professional circle, grow your skill set, and conquer new challenges? A study by Forbes shows that nearly 50 percent of the population relocates to another state or out of the country for a new job! Check out some of the top cities for twentysomethings on Forbes and Buzzfeed.

Many members in your Women Leaders in Colleges Sports network have already made this transition!

Check out Elisha Orama & Natalie Martinez's story on their move to Kansas City.

1. What do you wish you would have known before you made the move?

It is up to you how you integrate yourself into your new city/community. It won’t just magically happen. You have to make the effort to put yourself out there and discover what this new place has to offer.

2. Professionally what has been most satisfying about your new position?

I’ve worked in different areas of college athletics, and all though I enjoyed those experiences it never felt 100 percent satisfied. I now get to combine my passion for college athletics with my passion for women’s equality. Every day I get to contribute toward the empowerment of women leaders and that’s pretty cool.

3. How would you describe your professional growth since moving to your new city?

There’s really nothing like constantly being around women fiercely pursuing their careers. Our members and my coworkers keep me inspired and that’s what motivates me to continue being intentional about achieving my goals.

by Elisha Orama

1. What do you wish you would have known before you made the move?

Bring a friend or family member with you to your new city! I’m very thankful for my friend who helped me make the move to Kansas City. Who better than your BFF to help you get acquainted and comfortable in your new city?!

2. Professionally what has been most satisfying about your new position?

Working in a "YES" environment! Every day I am excited to be surrounded by women who inspire me to grow and passionately pursue my potential!!

3. How would you describe your professional growth since moving to your new city?

Constant! Having the opportunity to be a surge of positive momentum behind every woman’s career set’s my soul on fire! Seeing this same inspiration in my Women leaders team makes me want to keep pushing the limits until every woman in college sports feels the support of the Women Leaders network!

by Natalie Martinez