Her Story
About Nina
Nina Gartenhaus serves as Director of Communications at the Maryland Lacrosse League, a role she has held since 2022. She is currently a third-year medical student who began her studies in 2024. Nina earned her Bachelor's of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Maryland in 2021. During the COVID period, she worked in a local hospital in Baltimore while pursuing her interest in medicine. She also holds a personal training certification and a certified medical assistance license, along with licenses in advanced life saving, basic life saving, pediatric life saving, and advanced burn life support. In her communications role, she has contributed to expanding the league by growing the girls' club teams from one boys' team to six girls' club teams. Nina attributes her strong work ethic to growing up with brothers who pushed her in sports, and she values communication and teamwork both on and off the field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I grew up with only brothers, and always stronger and bigger, so I always wanted to work hard, I wanted to be as strong as they were, and as good at sports as they were. Having them push me and allowing me to push myself really gave me that work ethic that stuck with me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't let what other people say define you. If you have a dream, you should go and you should chase it, and it doesn't matter what people say or think.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you have a dream, you know what you're capable of, go after it, let anyone try to convince you otherwise. Don't be discouraged by what other people think, and just do what you want, what's best for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In the sports world, the opportunity is that women's sports are growing these days, like the first inaugural championship for the women's lacrosse League and more attention to the WNBA. From medicine, the challenge is that getting into medical school is so difficult because there are so many applicants, but once you're in, that opens the door to all these opportunities because medicine is always changing.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Communication and teamwork. Having open communication just makes it better all around. You're stronger when you're working with other people.
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