Blog

Marcus Fong

Why is it important to you to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community? Are there any specific moments that you can point to that either spurred you to speak up or get involved, or that encouraged you to learn more about how you can be supportive?

It’s important to me because I want to be a supportive and understanding sister, friend and family member. I want to continue to educate myself and others and be a good example to future generations. The LGBTQ+ community faces many challenges, injustices, and inequalities. Even today there are still a lot of states and countries that don’t support the basic rights of the LGBTQ community. I will never be able to fully personally understand what each LGBTQ+ individual goes through or has gone through as a result, and that alone makes me want to learn how I can be a better ally. Knowledge and education are so important to helping me understand, better relate to and support my LGBTQ+ friends and family members.

Do you have friends, family or others in your life who identify as gay, trans or queer that have made an impact on you and how you understand their experience in the world?

I’m very close with my brother, who is gay, and I have aunts, cousins, friends and others in my life who are members of the LGBTQ+ community as well. They’ve each had very different experiences.

What does being an ally mean to you? How do you demonstrate your allyship?

Being an ally to me means being supportive, accepting, and caring about the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people. I demonstrate this by showing up, staying informed, supporting equality, and speaking up when necessary.

Outside of your personal relationships, are there any moments in your life, in pop culture (like a concert or TV show) or cultural event for example, that have inspired you to support and encourage LGBTQ+ pride?

Recently, I watched several films that taught me about the struggles that many LGBTQ+ people experience today or have experienced in the past. Those films made me want to become even more informed, to help me be a better sister, friend, and ally. I have learned a lot from my gay, lesbian, bi, queer, and transgender friends and family members, but those films made me realize there is so much more to know and so many more ways to be supportive.

Have there been moments during your work at the Clippers where you’ve been proud to work for an organization that values diversity and supports all communities, including the LGBTQ+ community? Can you explain?

I am most proud of the Clippers for bringing awareness to the LGBTQ+ community, hiring a diverse group, and bringing in resources and speakers for employees in recent years. I’m grateful because I believe the more informed we all are the better this world will be. One recent example: Last year our team got together in the middle of the pandemic to protest and wear our PRIDE shirts.

Are there resources that have helped you on your allyship journey that you would like to share with others?

There are so many resources available these days to educate us, including films, articles, websites, social media, groups and so much more. Personally, I think the Trevor Project is a great resource because mental health is incredibly important, especially to the LGBTQ+ community.

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Pride and Allyship with Marissa Mendoza

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For me, the idea of being an ally has always fallen in line with the golden rule. How would you want to be treated if you were in a minority group? How would you want your family to be treated?

It became more personal to me when I was entering high school and my brother, who was seven years older, came out as gay when he transferred to NYU. I wasn’t shocked by his announcement and didn’t feel like my relationship with him changed – he was still just my brother. What did change, though, was my exposure to the challenges that those in the LGBTQ+ community can face and my understanding of how his relationship with the rest of the world was affected.

After I graduated from high school, I took a trip to New York City each year to spend a week with my brother, which gave me the opportunity to experience his life and his community firsthand. I was able to see my brother be his authentic self and totally comfortable in his own skin while not worrying about what other people thought about him.

I grew up in California and always felt that I, and the people around me, were generally accepting and open-minded, but several members of my brother’s community did not have that experience. It changed my perspective in a powerful way to come face-to-face with the very real and very painful experiences that so many in the gay community face. I learned how important acceptance and community really are.

To me, being an ally means two things. One, I treat my friends, colleagues, and really everyone in the LGBTQ+ community the way I would treat anyone else. Most of my LGBTQ+ friends don’t want special treatment or attention; they just want to live peacefully in pursuit of happiness the way we all do. I think showing compassion, and even just listening, are important.

Two, it’s important to me to call out bigotry and injustices when I see them, even when it’s comfortable. Often it is small acts of discrimination or microaggressions, whether intentional or not, that are the biggest challenges in our everyday lives. Good allies say something and call it out, which I hope will both spur change, and let my LGBTQ+ colleagues and friends know that I am on their side.

As an organization, we talk a lot about the importance of not just diversity, but inclusion, and being intentional about them. It takes a lot of work and consistency, and we will make mistakes along the way, but I am proud to work for an organization that understands and prioritizes the very real positive impacts diversity and inclusion have on our business.

As a leader, it is my responsibility to find ways to make everyone on the team feel like an “insider” within the organization. Leading with empathy and putting myself in the shoes of the people on my team can help open dialogue that makes my colleagues feel seen and heard. I lead with an open mind, and value every single perspective I encounter.

My best resources have been the experiences I’ve had with my brother and other members of the LGBTQ+ community that helped grow my perspective and understanding. I have learned a lot by listening, and by experiencing the world with an open mind.

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Pride and Allyship with Jason Green

Karen Song

The NFL wouldn’t be the first place I’d look to find an out gay athlete on an active roster, but Carl Nassib proved me wrong by sharing an important part of himself with the world this week. I’m so happy that he has the space and support to come out, and as a gay woman, I share Carl’s view that representation and visibility are important. Cultivating a culture that’s accepting and compassionate – his words, not mine – is what matters most.

I’ve had hard moments, but I’ve also had many wonderful ones, even if only in hindsight. For example, a previous manager at a company I no longer work for dismissed my wedding and upcoming marriage because it wasn’t legal at the time. But, in a bit of poetic justice, my wedding invitations ended up being delivered on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges, expanding marriage rights and responsibilities to all Americans.

A few years ago, I travelled with some Clippers colleagues to New York for the NBA’s Women’s Leadership Conference. On our first day in town we drove past the Stonewall Inn, the gay bar that was raided in 1969, leading to riots and eventually the birth of the Pride movement. I made a comment in the car about Stonewall but didn’t think much of it after that. The very next day, a coworker mentioned that she had looked it up, inspired to learn more, and suggested we visit it that evening. So we went. Yes, going to Stonewall was incredible, but I couldn’t have imagined how I would feel:  surrounded by people I greatly respect – all straight women - who were present with me, acknowledging the history of Stonewall and how far we have come in the fight for equal rights. That was allyship, and it was powerful.

It’s experiences like those that have taught me the value of having Allies – people that create spaces where everyone can show up entirely and be wholly included. Even as an out, confident woman, I’m aware I may be judged, excluded, or more, because I’m gay. But I show up, because, like Carl Nassib, I know that by just being visible I may inspire someone else to do the same.

In celebration of Pride, I challenge you to evaluate how you show up as an Ally. How would someone know you’re an Ally if you don’t tell them? Do your words and your actions align? Do you amplify voices and advocate for others, even when it’s uncomfortable? What steps have you taken to educate yourself about people and experiences that differ from yours? Last week, the NBA hosted an Ally training led by Athlete Ally. While this session was specifically focused on Allyship for the LGBTQ+ community, its lessons can be applied to all underrepresented and marginalized groups. I encourage you to watch the hour-long session here. (Password: NBAPRIDE21!)

I feel fortunate to be a part of the Clippers organization for many reasons, and during this Pride month I am especially thankful for the Allyship I have experienced. Special rainbows to my amazing HR team of Ray, Natalie and Cristina, to my LACED UP Co-Chairs Marcus Banks, Michael Boisvert and Krystle Hogan, and to Tricia Teschke and Amy Millstone. On the following pages, I am excited for you to hear from two other colleagues about their connection to the LGBTQ+ community and how and why they practice Allyship.

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Pride with Michelle Zylstra

Robyn Dixon

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the achievements and stories of our Women employees across the LA Clippers, Agua Caliente Clippers, and the Forum.

Learn more about Vaoesea Leota, Entertainment Associate for the LA Clippers! Vaoesea assists with managing all our in-house entertainment teams that perform at LA Clippers and Agua Caliente Clippers home games.

Before I joined the Clippers, I was a Game Operations and Entertainment Intern for the LA Sparks which was my very first gig working in professional sports. As an intern there, I learned all the ins and outs of planning and executing all in-game promotions and entertainment.

When did you realize you wanted to work in sports?

I grew up in a big Samoan family where sports are a big aspect of our culture, so I was always in that environment. As a kid, I enjoyed being a fan going to my brother's football games and watching primetime NBA and NFL games as a family at home. I was always intrigued about how the behind the scenes of these big live sporting games were conducted, so I knew that it was the perfect industry for me to pursue a career in.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is I'm having fun while doing so, and I think that's important in any position you take on. Being able to plan an amazing show for our Clippers fans and executing it every game night is a thrill to me. From hard-hitting performances done by our Clippers Spirit to high energy t-shirt tosses, the experience is truly one of a kind.

What advice do you have for women trying to break into the sports industry?

My biggest advice is to stay true to yourself and never give up! There are going to be challenges and closed doors, but if you're passionate about working in sports and know your value, an opportunity will present itself. Just keep knocking! Take different opportunities to learn as much as you can about the industry. Just get your foot in the door, gain exposure and build relationships. We are women, there is nothing we can't achieve!

If you could have dinner with any woman in the world, who would it be and why?

Michelle Obama, most definitely. Her gracious spirit, strong-character and fight for women's rights are only a few of the admirable qualities that I love about her.

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Women's History Month with Vaoesea Leota

Learn more about Rita Pepaj, Marketing Director for the Forum! Rita manages everything from digital marketing to onsite experiences!

Before my time at the Forum, you could find me at Capitol Records/EMI. I was part of the digital marketing team that worked on the music catalogs of The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Beach Boys, and countless others.

When did you realize you wanted to work in the entertainment industry?

When I bawled my eyes out at my very first concert, the Spice Girls. I was 12 years old, and it was the most incredible experience. At that moment, I knew I wanted to do that on repeat for the rest of my life. Maybe minus the crying, though.

I love creating special projects for all of our shows which include both guest and artist facing experiences. Our team is always trying to outdo ourselves, so it has been incredibly rewarding to see our ideas to come to life.

Show nights at the Forum are beyond special – from eating dinner to watching the performance, every part of it reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of such a special group. To top it off, we get to sing along with fans from all walks of life while experiencing the thrills of live music.

Also, Italian food night in the Forum Club.

What advice do you have for women trying to break into the entertainment industry?

Treat others with kindness and respect, build relationships and take your internship seriously. Those connections can stay with you for years to come.

Michelle Obama because Michelle Obama. Is there even another acceptable answer?

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Women's History Month with Rita Pepaj

Learn more about Sydney Stocks, our Entertainment Coordinator at the LA Clippers! She started with the team as a Mascot Assistant, then an Entertainment Assistant before being promoted to her current role where she now manages all our in-house entertainment. Sydney describes her job as a cool mix of talent management and game day production of the Clippers Spirit, Hoop Troop, Kid Clippers and Clip City Crew which help get Clipper Nation hyped at games!

I interned at Discovery Communications where I supported TLC's production team with both administrative and creative work. I wrote loglines for Say Yes To The Dress and other popular series you may have seen on your TV guide!

In college, I crossed the pond and interned at a London-based talent agency that represented professional rugby and football players. I had a blast learning from such a talented group of people who were so passionate about sports of all kinds. As a big traveler, I love how universal sports are.

I love my job because it's so fun! I know a lot of people say that, but if you've ever been to a Clippers game you know you're going to experience a great show and be thoroughly entertained from the second you sit in your seat. From the top-tier dancing on-court to the hilarious Hoop Troop pumping up our fans in the crowd, working with those hardworking and special people is so fulfilling.

Being a woman in sports is still a rarity, so instead of conforming, embrace it! I tried to blend in when I first started, and it halted both my professional and personal growth. Use your unique perspective to elevate any space you're in and inspire those around you to do the same. I am who I am today because of the incredibly powerful women who lead by example and lift me up with them.

100% Dr. Jane Goodall. I am huge animal lover and I've done countless school projects on Dr. Goodall's primate research. I would be so honored to talk about her decades of experience over a plant-based dinner. My favorite quote of hers is, “Each one of us matters, has a role to play, and makes a difference. Each one of us must take responsibility for our own lives, and above all, show respect and love for living things around us, especially each other.”

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Women's History Month with Sydney Stocks

Learn more about Jolene Herz, Director, Bookings for the Forum! Jolene’s primary role is booking content at the Forum. Her main focus is on lower bowl and theater content, including Latin and K-Pop shows as well as working with third party promoters.

I’ve been very fortunate to have been able to work at live entertainment companies such as Live Nation, Madison Square Garden Company and Nederlander Concerts. Fun Fact: I’ve worked at the Forum twice! My first time was 2007 – 2010.

Building lasting relationships – The relationships I’ve made will last a lifetime and its fulfilling to work with people you respect in the business. I also have to mention show days! There is nothing more exciting than show days, when all of the hard work comes together.

Be persistent and set intention. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you may not know or use your contacts to get your foot in the door.

Michelle Obama. The Forum was a stop on her book tour in 2018. There was a joyful excitement on show day that everyone could feel, and I was so moved by the story of her life.

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Employee Spotlight | Celebrating Women's History Month with Jolene Herz

Learn more about Rachel Mascetti, Manager, Partnership Marketing for the Agua Caliente Clippers! Rachel helps activate and manage partner accounts with the LA Clippers, and oversees all partnerships for the Agua Caliente Clippers.

Media Operations Coordinator at Fox/Fox Sports.

I have always been passionate about sports but didn’t really consider making it a career until I got a job at CAA. I was working in the TV department, but started meeting with sports agents and executives to learn more about their jobs and quickly fell in love with the idea of working in sports.

I love working with our partners and helping them find new and exciting ways to showcase their brands. Partnership Marketing is very relationship-driven, and I love connecting with people on a deeper level. I also love our Partnership Marketing team – truly the best people in the business!

Always have a positive attitude and never give up! For me personally, it felt like it took forever to get here. In the moment the journey felt really long and hard, but if you keep grinding and keep smiling, one day you will wake up and realize you made it!

I would love to have dinner with Valorie Kondos Field. Not only was she a legendary coach for UCLA women’s gymnastics, but she also seems like an incredible human being. She is extremely inspirational, full of wisdom, positivity, and grace, and truly seems to leave her mark on everyone she comes in contact with.