Her Story
About Destinee
Destinee Kaya is the Creative Content Director at Oregon Accelerator, where she has contributed since 2024 in the fields of sports business and PR. She began as a public relations member handling Instagram posts, graphics, and athlete outreach to explain NIL opportunities before her promotion to oversee all social channels including Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and upcoming YouTube and Twitter accounts. A public relations major with a sports business minor at the University of Oregon, Destinee will graduate in June 2027 and plans to pursue full membership in PRSA Oregon after completing her studies. She takes pride in campaigns such as Built by the Journey for Women's History Month, which highlighted female athletes through interviews and social content. Destinee volunteers with the Green Hill Humane Society in Eugene, Oregon, and attributes her success to the enduring support of family and friends that has given her confidence to pursue her goals. She values positive collaborative work environments and balances her professional and academic life with outdoor activities and time with loved ones. Among the advice she shares is to never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game, a lesson from her mother that encourages persistence through obstacles.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Destinee
01What do you attribute your success to?
My whole life, I've had a really great support system from family and friends. The environment and the people around me have always supported me, and that's something that I'll never have any doubt about. People are always rooting for me, my friends are always rooting for me, and the support system that I've had over my whole life has just been the backbone for me and definitely contributes to the success. They've all given me the confidence to go after what I want to do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. Growing up, my mom had always said that, and it's been a quote that stuck with me for a really long time because I played softball. It contributes to my everyday life: don't let something negative impact you, there's gonna be obstacles, but you always have to get up and keep trying.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Go for it. There's nothing that's gonna stop you, there's gonna be obstacles but you're gonna get over them. There's so many opportunities out there and so many people who want to root for you and want to see you succeed. Do it for yourself, don't do it for anyone else, and just go for it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is breaking into the industry and getting your foot in the door, especially with the lack of women in the field and imposter syndrome. The biggest opportunity is using social media as leverage because the sports industry is very fast-paced, and growing up with social media helps navigate that quick pace to break in.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value a very positive work environment culture, surrounding myself with people who have the same ambitions and same goals. I value a space where people are collaborating and putting in all the same effort to make sure that the outcome is successful. I also value balancing work, academics, and personal time with walks, hikes, movies with friends, and family time.
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