Charlotte PinC Fall/Winter 2023

WOMEN BEHIND THE CAMERA

From the sidelines to the spotlight, the women behind the camera in Charlotte are making major plays for sports organizations. Get ready to cheer them on as we shine a well-deserved spotlight on these gamechanging ladies

ALICIA HARRIS

It's 2023, yet women who work in sports broadcasting still face hurdles. However, dedicated professionals like Alicia Harris, Zhou Klee, and Jonae Benson are changing the narrative. These women are the unsung heroes behind cherished moments in sports, from Sunday Night Football, National Hockey League games, and collegiate sports, making the magic happen for viewers nationwide.

West

Coast Meets East

Coast

Hailing from Sacramento, California, Alicia Harris is a powerhouse in sports media. She's left her mark on major media platforms as a contracted camera operator and content creator. Harris's journey through the world of sports is diverse, covering basketball, football, track, and even hockey. Her talent has shone up on networks such as ESPN and TNT, capturing dynamic moments and stories.

One of Harris's standout experiences was working on an NHL game for TNT through Programming Productions. "Being a creative, I find joy in expressing myself through my work, especially when it's broadcasted or

streamed. It feels amazing to be a part of history in my own unique way," Harris reflects.

An Internship Opens Doors

Harris's career began with an international twist – an internship in Buenos Aires with Estudios Caracol, facilitated by her university and Go Abroad. This global experience laid the foundation for her future successes. Upon returning to Alabama, she started as a camera operator for the Montgomery Baseball team, a role that kick-started her professional journey in media.

An Unexpected Career Pivot

A significant turning point came when Harris moved to Charlotte with her fiancé, seeking better opportunities. A call from an acquaintance led to her first contracted gig, a moment that reshaped her career path. "That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond a traditional media job. It was then I realized I could make a career out of this," Harris says. Following in the Footsteps of Heroes

In the entertainment world, Harris

draws inspiration from industry giants like Ava Duvernay, Ryan Coogler, and Issa Rae. Her ambition doesn't stop at sports; Harris aspires to transition into television and film, using her skills either in front or behind the camera. "I've already dipped my toes into this field, working on an Apple segment and a Chevy commercial as a production assistant during the pandemic," she adds. With a network of connections and a reservoir of talent, Alicia Harris is on a trajectory to redefine her role in the media landscape, proving that women in sports broadcasting are not just participants but game-changers.

“Being a creative, I find joy in expressing myself through my work, especially when it's broadcasted or streamed. It feels amazing to be a part of history in my own unique way. ”

From Charlotte to Duke

Charlotte's very own Jonae Benson is a key figure behind the scenes in college football, particularly at Duke University. At 25, she serves as the Associate Director of Football Recruitment, a role that combines her passion for the sport with her talent for strategic planning and communication. Benson's responsibilities are integral to Duke's football program. "I organize events for prospective studentathletes, focusing on the defensive side. This involves arranging both official and unofficial visits and engaging recruits through creative graphics, tailored writing campaigns, and coordinated messages," she explains.

A Personal Passion Leads to Designing the Play

Her love for football, ignited by watching games with her father, has evolved into a rewarding career path. Benson finds joy in connecting with Black families of potential athletes, understanding the unique dynamics and concerns they may have. "In a predominantly white institution, it's

crucial to have representation in the athletic department, especially in a sport with mostly Black athletes," she remarks.

Her journey began at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where Benson pursued sports nutrition as an intern. "I loved contributing to the athletes' holistic health and gaining insight into the unique experiences of student-athletes," she recalls.

Perseverance and Sacrifice Pays Off

Benson, who graduated in 2020 with a degree in psychology, exercise, and sports science, continued to explore sports nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. "I started working at their fueling station, initially unpaid, but my dedication led to the creation of a paid position for me," she shares.

In 2022, Benson sought further academic advancement, leading her to Clemson’s Athletic Leadership Program and the University of South Carolina’s master's program in sports and entertainment marketing. This educational pursuit coincided with her

JONAE BENSON

her role as a recruiting and operations coordinator for football at the University of South Carolina, a position she secured in September 2022.

A Trailblazer Provides Inspiration Benson’s inspiration in the field includes Jaelyn Shipman, her former boss at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. "She's a trailblazer, a certified sports dietician, and head dietician for Charlotte football. Her passion and authenticity, as a Black woman in sports, greatly inspire me," Benson says.

Now at Duke University, Benson focuses on onboarding the 2023 class of commits, ensuring they are settled for school and practice. Her ambition is clear: to continue in athlete development, potentially expanding to larger platforms like the NFL, while maintaining her commitment to the holistic well-being of athletes.

“In a predominantly white institution, it's crucial to have representation in the athletic department, especially in a sport with mostly Black athletes "

A Leap of Faith from Missouri to the Queen City

At just 25, sports producer Zhou Klee boldly moved from Cape Girardeau, MO, to Charlotte in 2022. Driven by her fervor for sports, she landed an internship with one of the nation’s top sports networks – a pivot that set her on an exciting East Coast adventure. “Charlotte was an unexpected turn in my journey, but the opportunity with the SEC Network was too good to pass up,” Zhou shares.

Crafting the Art of Sports at ESPN

Now a part of the ESPN family, Zhou is at the forefront of creating engaging sports content. She’s passionate about presenting the art of sports in a way that resonates with viewers. “Working in sports media allows me to unleash my creativity, especially with a wellknown brand like ESPN,” she explains. Behind the scenes and on and off the field

Zhou’s role has opened doors to some remarkable experiences. “One highlight was shadowing experienced producers on the set of College GameDay last

It was not just an incredible learning experience but also a chance to elevate my own skills as a producer,” she reflects.

Empowering Advice for Aspiring Women

With a career blossoming in a competitive field, Zhou has some wisdom to share, especially with women aiming for the stars. “Coming from a small public university, I initially feared that it might limit my opportunities. However, I learned that dedication, sacrifices, and authentic self-presentation go a long way. A positive attitude? That's the icing on the cake – it draws people to you.” Energy, Enthusiasm, and a Crisp Resume:

For those eyeing a similar career path, Zhou emphasizes the power of positive energy. “Bringing fun and enthusiasm to your work can open many doors. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a clear, concise resume. In our field, it's easy to overdo creativity, but sometimes simplicity is key.”

Zhou Klee: A Rising Star in Sports Production

In Charlotte, Zhou Klee is not just making waves; she's riding them with skill and passion. Her journey from Missouri to ESPN showcases the magic that happens when determination meets opportunity.

“I learned that dedication, sacrifices, and authentic selfpresentation go a long way. A positive attitude? That's the icing on the cake – it draws people to you.