Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna Rivers
Hi Tianna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up playing sports, specifically basketball, which sparked my deep love for the game. This passion stayed with me as I pursued a business degree in entrepreneurship at Georgia State University. While in college, I decided to test my luck and apply for a marketing internship at PGA TOUR Superstore, which I was fortunate to receive. That opportunity gave me valuable experience, knowledge, and a network of professionals who believed in me and poured into my growth.
From there, I was able to work for some incredible organizations, including the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, and Atlanta United, all while finishing my degree. Each role allowed me to explore different facets of sports marketing, event planning, and community relations.
After college, I took a seasonal assistant job with The Home Depot Backyard and later an internship with the Atlanta Dream. These roles gave me hands-on experience in community programs and partnership activations, further fueling my passion for creating impactful connections between sports organizations and their communities. Although it was a little discouraging not landing a full-time role right out of college, those experiences prepared me for my first full-time opportunity with the Celtics organization.
I’m now proud to serve as part of the Maine Celtics, the NBA G League affiliate of the Boston Celtics, where I focus on building partnerships, driving activations, and delivering value for the team and its stakeholders. This journey has taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of staying committed to my goals.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest struggles has been finding opportunities and navigating the job search process. I’m fortunate to have worked with so many amazing organizations, but what people don’t see is the in-between—the endless applications, hearing “no” more times than I can count, and even having great interviews with positive feedback only to be ghosted in the end. Breaking into the sports industry is one of the toughest challenges because it’s so competitive and often about who you know.
It’s also not easy being a woman in a male-dominated field—let alone a Black woman. Some people assume you’re not capable, and I’ve even been asked during interviews to name five players on a team, as if my knowledge or passion needed to be tested. Those moments can be disheartening, but they’ve also fueled my determination. Sometimes, I feel the need to work twice as hard to be respected and truly valued in this space.
Despite the struggles, I’ve learned resilience, developed thick skin, and leaned on the support of mentors and allies who’ve helped me keep going. Every obstacle has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I work in corporate partnerships, also known as partner development or sponsorships. Essentially, I focus on managing relationships with team sponsors to ensure their objectives align seamlessly with our team’s goals. I specialize in fostering strong partnerships, which involve ensuring partner satisfaction, planning and executing activations and events, and maximizing assets to create impactful brand integrations. In simpler terms, I help brands connect with our team in meaningful ways that resonate with fans and deliver measurable value for everyone involved.
I’m most proud of my ability to take on and execute large-scale projects, even in high-pressure situations. During my very first internship, I was tasked with leading an event in Arlington, Texas, as part of a PGA TOUR Superstore grand opening. I coordinated a volunteer event, managing everything from scheduling and gathering volunteers to collaborating with external partners on activation logistics, securing t-shirts for volunteers, and arranging video and photography. All of this was done while I worked out of the office in Atlanta, without prior experience. Successfully pulling off such a major project in a different city and state, all while being an intern, was a defining moment for me. It showed me what I was capable of when I embraced the challenge.
What sets me apart is my ability to approach challenges with both creativity and precision. I’m proactive in finding solutions and thrive under pressure, which has helped me earn the trust of my colleagues and partners. I also take the time to understand the unique needs of each partner, building strong relationships that go beyond transactional interactions. My passion for making an impact—both for the organizations I work with and the communities they serve—drives everything I do.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is to say yes and remain open to change. During my very first internship, someone told me, “Always say yes.” Whether it’s attending a happy hour, helping with a quick project, or exploring an opportunity you may not initially be drawn to, you never know where it might lead. When I started in sports, I was certain I wanted to work in marketing or community relations. But saying yes to learning more about partnerships—and even applying for a corporate partnerships internship that wasn’t my first choice—completely shifted my trajectory. I discovered a passion I didn’t realize I had, and it shaped the path I’m on today. Taking risks, being open-minded, and embracing the unconventional route have been instrumental in my growth.
Another pivotal lesson I’ve learned is that what might seem like a disadvantage can actually be your greatest advantage. In my senior year of college, someone told me to start seeing myself differently. Being a woman in a male-dominated field—and a Black woman at that—might be perceived by some as a challenge, but it’s also a unique strength. My perspective, experiences, and determination allow me to bring fresh ideas and resilience to the table. Once I embraced that mindset, I stopped seeing barriers and started focusing on how to use those qualities to thrive.
These lessons have shaped not only how I approach my work but also how I view opportunities and challenges. By staying open, taking risks, and embracing who I am, I’ve been able to carve out a path that’s uniquely mine.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiannariverz/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianna-rivers/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/hersportsguru/
