Within the sports industry, roles in community engagement and social impact are regarded as rewarding positions to attain. The people in these departments are spending each day not only influencing people in their local community, but also finding ways to set up their cities for long-term success.

I spoke with Calvin Parson, director of community engagement for the Chicago Bulls, and Naomi Evans, community relations coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, to talk about why they pursued a career in community relations, what advice they’d give young professionals hoping to land in the space, and their favorite community event to plan and execute.

What motivated you to begin a career in the community relations realm within sports?

Evans: My first real exposure to the power of community relations in sports came during the Black Lives Matter movement, when I saw athletes and teams using their platforms to speak on critical issues affecting our communities. In that moment, my perspective shifted — I realized sports isn’t just a game; it’s a powerful vehicle to raise awareness, amplify voices and bring real resources to communities in need. Witnessing that potential lit a fire in me to learn how I could be a part of this work.

Parson: The two most common themes in my life have been “service” and “sport.” I attribute my........

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