Her Story: Manifesting Your Dreams

Words by: Samantha Rutowski
Photography by: Yuliana Gonzalez
Footwear by: Air Jordan 1 High "Newstalgia"

My journey is fueled by the drive to inspire people to be uniquely themselves. The love for sneakers, streetwear and basketball just came naturally. I always knew I wanted to do something that I love. After I stopped playing soccer, the transition into this industry felt natural.

I first began as an unpaid intern for the University of Houston Marketing department working specifically with the Men's Basketball Program. Much like any other sports internship it was a lot of rolling t-shirts and grass roots marketing. I worked very closely with assisting in all sorts of roles from donor events, fundraising, camps, social media, and game day. Being a part of the program was one of the best experiences of my life. It garnered me to have an opportunity to pursue the next step in my career... 

I recently joined the Jordan Brand Team as their Marketing Specialist. I was that little girl dreaming of one day working for Nike or Jordan. I didn't how I would get there, but I firmly believe in "when preparation meets opportunity". I received the call on my 23rd birthday when I received my offer to join. Talk about manifesting your dreams into reality!

I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my coaches pushing me and inspiring me. Putting in the hours. My new dream is to inspire and encourage other women to incorporate sports and movement into their journeys. It will change your life. For anyone wanting to be in this industry or even attain their dream job, the advice I would give is put your head down and work. I take pride in my work ethic, and I owe a lot of it to growing up an athlete. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it. It’s your life, what do you want to do with it?