Meet the Rising 25 Class of 2018: Tish Carmona

1. Tell Us About Yourself and Your Current Role

I’m currently the Corporate Communications Manager of the Washington Redskins. When I was a junior in college, I interned with the Redskins during my spring semester, came back to work game days the fall of my senior year, and assumed my current role in January of 2017 before graduating in May. I love staying involved in the PR industry, both within and outside of sports, through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Women in Sports and Events (WISE) and individual networking meetings. Outside of work, I maintain an active lifestyle, whether I’m going for a run, going to a concert or traveling to new cities. I’m known for not knowing how to sit back and relax for any length of time – there’s too much to do and see in the world for that!

2. Where do you see yourself in 15 years/dream job?

In 15 years, I see myself either being the VP of PR for a professional team or for a major sports and events venue. I could also see myself running my own sport communication firm, but the next five years will be very telling for my projected path.

3. Who is your mentor at this point?

My mentor at this point is the one and only Tony Wyllie, Senior VP of PR at the Redskins. He has taught me almost everything I know about the industry and has provided me with invaluable experiences, all of which have led me to where I am today. He believed in me back when I was an intern and gave me this career opportunity. I owe everything to him. He celebrates my successes, corrects my mistakes, gives guidance whenever I need it, and reminds me to keep going above and beyond what is expected.

4. What’s one thing you’ve learned early in your career that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

I had no idea just how kind and generous people are in this industry. We all know that it is a tough industry to break into, and I think because of that, we are always willing to help others or just network as fellow professionals. I have never been completely ignored or pushed aside when I’ve asked for informational interviews or discussions on what led others to where they are today. I’ve been able to learn an incredible amount about the industry, potential career paths and best practices, and I’m grateful for everyone I can call a part of my professional life!

5. What does winning the Rising 25 Award mean to you?

Winning this award means that my work has not gone unnoticed. It’s easy to feel like I just blend into the background of everyone working behind the scenes in the industry, but to have this recognition from Front Office Sports, it shows that I am on the right path and doing what I need to be doing to set myself apart. This award also means that I need to keep setting loftier goals for myself so that I continue succeeding throughout my career.