Gina Cuneo

I attribute so much of my success to my dad, whose strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in me have shaped every step of my journey. He taught me the value of hard work, humility, and showing up for others — lessons that have guided me through every challenge and opportunity in my career. His support has always been steady, whether he was cheering me on, offering perspective, or reminding me of what I’m capable of. The examples he sets, both in how he lives and how he loves, continues to inspire the way I lead, work, and carry myself every day.

The best career advice I ever received was from my cousin, who's holds a leadership position in college athletics. She told me the best thing to do was to jump in, hit the ground running, and start doing internships. That advice really shaped my early career because I took it to heart and did many internships at West Virginia University and with various sports teams. Those experiences gave me the foundation I needed to eventually land my role with the Magic and build my career in sports partnerships.

This industry moves fast, and confidence goes a long way. Seek out mentors who champion you, ask questions without hesitation, and take on opportunities that stretch your skills. Internships and hands‑on experience are incredibly important, but so is building relationships; people remember how you show up, how you communicate, and how you treat others.

The sports industry is full of opportunity right now, especially as teams and brands rethink how they connect with fans and communities. One of the biggest areas of growth is technology and fan engagement. This could be from data‑driven personalization to immersive in‑venue experiences, fans expect more connection than ever, and organizations that innovate here can really stand out. There’s also tremendous opportunity in community impact and youth engagement, as teams increasingly recognize the importance of using their platforms to support wellness, education, and access. Another major area is partnership strategy, where brands are looking for deeper, more meaningful integrations rather than traditional sponsorships. And finally, the industry is expanding its focus on creating space for more voices, perspectives, and talent to shape the future. All of these areas offer exciting possibilities for people entering the field and for organizations ready to evolve.

The values that matter most to me, both professionally and personally, center around integrity, connection, and growth. I believe in showing up with honesty and consistency, doing what I say I will do, and treating people with respect in every interaction. Building meaningful relationships is also incredibly important to me whether with colleagues, partners, friends, or family, I value trust, communication, and genuine collaboration. And finally, I care deeply about continuous growth. I’m always looking for ways to learn, stretch myself, and evolve, both as a professional and as a person. These values guide how I lead, how I work, and how I navigate life outside the office.