Account Executive, Brand Partnerships
Passion to Legacy
If you haven't yet, be sure to tune in to episode 4 for part 1 of my interview with Gina Franz.
Gina Franz is a graduate from the Pennsylvania State University with a B.A. in public relations and dual minors in Italian and recreation parks and tourism management. Her career goals involve working in client service and creative campaigns executing events, promotions, digital marketing and grassroots programs. She spent the year after graduation interning in the corporate sales and service department of the Philadelphia Eagles learning about the importance of client relationships, sports sponsorship value and the general operations of a professional sports team.
in this episode,
we transition the conversation to discuss Gina’s charitable efforts. She shares which organizations she has been a part of and the impact that they each have had on their communities. She also gives wonderful advice on how to get involved with a charity that aligns with your interests, as well as other ways to help besides monetary donations.
thon
THON is the largest student-run philanthropy in the world. It is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.
While at Penn state, Gina participated in THON by spending 46 straight hours awake and on her feet. “It was probably one of the most challenging, but rewarding things that I've ever done.”
pHILADELPHIA uNION FOUNDATION
Philadelphia Union Foundation is building safe spaces to play soccer in Philadelphia, strengthening youth programming, growing the beautiful game in Chester, and using soccer as a magnet to unite diverse communities.
Gina explains that even though most sports teams have their own charity, she has really loved watching the Philadelphia Unions evolve. The foundation is constantly thinking of new ideas to better serve the community and raise money for the youth. She explains that the number one thing a non-profit needs is finding people that truly care about the mission.
“I can tell you right now, that's exactly the people at the Philadelphia Unions. They genuinely care about the mission that they're doing, and it just comes right.”
aNDREW l. hICKS jR. FOUNDATION
Andrew L. Hicks Jr. Foundation shares the love of Christ by connecting two culturally diverse communities, empowering their youth through mentorship and leadership, and building dynamic futures.
While in high school, one of Gina’s classmates tragically passed away. His family started the Andrew L. Hicks Jr. Foundation, which is completely dedicated to helping the youth of Chester.
When Gina was offered a job at the Philadelphia Union, she took it as a sign to bridge the two together. Together, they take on youth in Chester to plan activities and raise money for the youth to have good experiences with their mentors.
Gina’s advice
for those eager to get involved with a charity is to find one that aligns with something that you truly care about. Then once you do, figure out the skills that you have that would be most beneficial to them. “Maybe you're not good at picking up the phone and asking for donations, but maybe you're good at hosting events or you have an event space.”
Listen here for Part 1 of my interview with Gina Franz!
RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Connect with Gina on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginafranz1
CONNECT WITH ME ON:
LinkedIn - Emma Vertolli
Twitter - emm_vert
Instagram - @itsemmavert
TikTok - @itsemmavert_
Clubhouse - @itsemmavert
MORE ABOUT THE PASSION TO LEGACY PODCAST:
Passion To Legacy allows listeners to get a true behind-the-scenes look at the various careers inside the sports industry; even as detailed as the day-to-day duties and operations. Learn what it takes to land your dream role. Gain clarity on what your future career could be. Take action and kick start your humanitarian spirit.
Emma Vertolli is a marketing strategist whose career has centered around growing and nurturing communities. Early on in her professional career she felt stagnant, unfulfilled, and in search for more. She dove into sports business courses, books, & networking. To her surprise, she learned that if you want to break into the sports industry AND accelerate your career, it all comes down to who you know. There was a trend that kept coming up: people need to learn how to network & people need a space to be able to do so.
In Passion To Legacy, Emma shares impactful conversations with professionals working behind the scenes in the sports industry. The bases are loaded in this podcast, we’re chatting all about career goals, hurdles & charity. So grab a pen and pull up a seat - you’re going to want to take notes!
As a listener, you can expect to:
- Gain motivation and inspiration for pursuing your dreams
- Get an insider's perspective into what it’s like working in the sports industry
- Gain insight for getting involved in charitable work
- Learn networking tips for landing a role in the sports industry
- Plus much more!
Pro tip: new episodes drop every Tuesday & Thursday. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a session!