We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brianna Chinkhwangwa . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brianna below.
Alright, Brianna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
In 2016, during my tenure as the senior sideline sports reporter for The Ohio State University, I recognized a significant need for athletes to have a platform where they could share their personal stories beyond their lives as football players or athletes. It was crucial to me that other students understood that these individuals were students first and athletes second. I firmly believed in highlighting the importance of mental health, addressing homophobia within sports organizations, and fostering conversations around sexuality in sports.
As a reporter, I understood the tremendous pressure experienced by collegiate athletes, particularly those from minority backgrounds, in predominantly white institutions. The weight of these expectations can be overwhelming and take a toll on their overall well-being. By creating an avenue for dialogue, I aimed to shed light on the unique challenges they faced and provide a supportive platform.
Furthermore, I wanted to emphasize that athletes should feel empowered to express their beliefs and take a stance on various issues, regardless of their position or role within the team. By encouraging open discussions, I sought to promote individuality, diversity of thought, and social consciousness among athletes.
Above all, I prioritized mental health. Recognizing that the well-being of athletes should always come first, I strived to destigmatize discussions around mental health challenges. By sharing personal stories and experiences, athletes could find solace in knowing they were not alone, while also encouraging others to seek help and support when needed.
In summary, as the senior sideline sports reporter at The Ohio State University in 2016, I created an off-the-field platform to address the students’ identities as both athletes and students, highlighting the importance of mental health, combating homophobia in sports organizations, and fostering discussions on sexuality. This platform served as a means for athletes to express their beliefs and take a stance on issues they deemed important, all while prioritizing their mental well-being.
Brianna , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello, readers! My name is Brianna Chinkhwangwa, and I hail from the beautiful city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My journey in the sports media industry began during my time as a journalism student at The Ohio State University, where I immersed myself in the world of sports reporting for Buckeye TV, the university’s official student TV channel.
Currently, I hold the position of news producer at WPLG Local 10, South Florida’s number one news channel. My role involves writing hard-hitting news stories that anchors deliver during live broadcasts every morning. However, beyond my professional responsibilities, I have a true passion for interviewing athletes and helping them share their inspiring stories. I strongly believe in showcasing to younger athletes that they can be more than just athletes, emphasizing the importance of having a backup plan in life.
One aspect I am particularly passionate about is highlighting sexuality in sports. I feel that major sports networks often shy away from exploring this topic, but by shedding light on it, we can gain a better understanding of what needs to change within professional sports organizations.
In summary, as a news producer at WPLG Local 10, I dedicate myself to the world of journalism while also pursuing my passion for interviewing athletes and advocating for their diverse stories to inspire others. I firmly believe in the importance of having a backup plan in life and challenging the status quo by addressing topics like sexuality in sports that require change and understanding.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I remain resilient by seeking strength through prayer and engaging in open conversations with my support system. I also actively collaborate with current and former professional athletes, exchanging ideas to gain insight into the important events and trends that should be shared with the sports world.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
To maintain client relationships and foster brand loyalty, I stay in touch with my guests by regularly checking in with them and engaging in personable conversations. I avoid treating them as untouchable celebrities but instead approach them as individuals who make mistakes like anyone else. I extend my communication to their spouses or parents, explaining the mission of Off the Fields and emphasizing the potential to assist millions of struggling young athletes. Building trust, I assure them that my purpose is not to expose but to help them inspire others who may be unsure how to use their voices or platforms effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.offthefields.com
- Instagram: @othefields
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/offthefields
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannamcnary
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/brimc1309/featured
Image Credits
@othefields