Samantha Sardinas
Samantha Sardiñas is a seasoned marketing professional with extensive experience in partnership activation and corporate account management. Currently serving as Senior Account Manager for Partnership Marketing with the Miami HEAT, she leverages her expertise to develop and manage high-impact partnerships, drive brand initiatives, and create engaging experiences for fans and stakeholders. With a strong foundation in business administration from the University of Central Florida, Samantha combines analytical insight with creative strategy to deliver measurable results and foster meaningful collaborations.
Before rising to her current role, Samantha held multiple positions within the Miami HEAT organization, including Account Manager for Partnership Marketing and Manager of Administration for the EVP/CCO of the Sales Division. Her professional journey also includes experience in billing and collections, event coordination, and marketing internships, where she cultivated a versatile skill set in client relations, project management, and team leadership. Her early leadership experiences, including mentoring study abroad students and serving as a Panhellenic Delegate, laid the groundwork for her collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
Outside of her professional life, Samantha is deeply committed to community engagement and philanthropy. She has actively volunteered with organizations such as the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, where she led fundraising initiatives and mobilized teams to support children’s healthcare. Fluent in English and Spanish, she brings a global perspective to her work, emphasizing inclusivity, connection, and impact in every project she undertakes. Samantha’s passion for marketing, partnership development, and community service reflects her dedication to creating positive experiences and driving meaningful change both on and off the court.
• University of Central Florida
• Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
• Presidential Honor Roll
• National Society of High School Scholars
• National Spanish Society
• Women in Sports
• Co-Captain at Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
• Fundraising Volunteer at Children's Miracle Network at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, service, and staying true to the lessons I learned growing up. My journey with the Miami HEAT—from ticket sales after my MBA to Senior Account Manager—has taught me the value of adaptability, relationship-building, and problem-solving. I’m driven by the impact we create for fans and partners, and I see success as the growth, learning, and positive influence we bring along the way.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received came from my parents, who taught me to be solution-oriented and work hard while maintaining balance between work and personal life. They also instilled the value of education, showing me that it opens doors to opportunities and paths beyond manual labor, setting the foundation for long-term growth and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering the industry to embrace every opportunity to learn, build relationships—not just networks—take risks, lead with service, and always stay true to themselves.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is being a woman in sports, especially in corporate partnerships. While there are incredible opportunities, it can still be challenging to navigate a space where women are underrepresented. I’ve been fortunate to learn from trailblazing mentors and supportive environments, and I’m proud to help create more opportunities and pathways for women to grow into leadership roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values I hold most important are trust, connection, and community. Growing up in my family’s business, I learned that strong relationships require patience and authenticity. I’m also passionate about giving back—through organizations like Women in Sports and Events and volunteering with the Miami HEAT, I strive to make a positive impact in every community I’m part of.