Melyna Blanco

I attribute my success to continuing to look for opportunities within my passion. Because I like coaching and I like sports in general, just finding something that aligns with that, I think has led to my success. You know how people say doing something that you love, that kind of thing - that's really been the key for me. When you're working in an area you're passionate about, it doesn't feel like work, and that passion drives you to keep growing and finding new ways to make an impact.

The best career advice I've ever received is to say yes to every opportunity that's presented to you, because you just never know where that's going to take you or what path it might open up. Being open to new opportunities, even when you're not sure where they'll lead, has been incredibly valuable in my career journey. It's about staying open-minded and willing to explore different directions, because sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you didn't expect.

I would recommend reaching out to people that do what you like doing or who are doing something that you aspire to do. A lot of people are open to sharing and just discussing how they got to where they are, and that can be really beneficial to a lot of people. Don't be afraid to make those connections and ask questions - mentorship and networking are so valuable, and you'd be surprised how willing people are to help when you reach out. Building those relationships early can really help guide your path and open doors you didn't even know existed.

I would say the biggest challenge is just really getting your foot in the door coming out of university right now. So I think starting to create those connections prior and kind of knowing a few different options for your path is really important. The sports industry can be competitive, especially for new graduates, so being proactive about networking and exploring different career paths within the field before you graduate makes a huge difference. It's not just about having the degree - it's about building relationships and understanding the various opportunities available to you.

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are consistency, excellence, and tidiness or being organized. I think just being organized is really helpful when it comes to either calling out tasks or just in person - keeping a clean space and staying on top of things makes such a difference. These values help me stay focused and effective in everything I do, whether I'm managing programs, working with youth, or coaching. Maintaining high standards and staying organized allows me to give my best to the people and causes I care about.