Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Niya Harris . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Niya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
In working in the sports/entertainment industry many people don’t agree that women should work in a male-dominated industry. In addition to being a motivational speaker and mentor many women will reach out to me about how it is to be an African American woman in this field. My response is that it is not easy but look on the bright side if you are already working or volunteering in sports your foot is in the door.
Many women have been showing that women are built for this industry. At the end of the day no matter what people say about being a woman in this industry. That is why I took it upon myself to do my own sports blog in showing people that I can do it. JUST SHOW PEOPLE BETTER THAN YOU CAN TELL PEOPLE!
Niya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I got into the sports/entertainment industry when I was little. Growing up I was always around sports. I went to my cousin’s football, track meets, you name it. What I would notice is the behind-the-scenes of what athletes were going through. For example, a star athlete growing up in a single-parent household from going to practice to going to work a job to provide for their family. This is what got me wanting to interview athletes for other people to know that some people’s stories are not the same.
On my sports blog on Instagram, you will see me posting about three different things: interviews, sports news, and volunteer opportunities. As well as using a step stool in doing my interviews because I am 4’11 (you can laugh). When I was in college at Missouri State University we had an organization called the Entertainment Management Association where you can go to the Super Bowl, Final Four, and more to get opportunities put on your resume. This helped me provide information about how I can help others get into this field to let them know about these opportunities. I told myself I am never going to be a gatekeeper to people who are wanting to get into this industry. I know how it feels being turned down by people you are just trying to get help from. I know I can’t help everyone but I can try my best too.
I am proud of just giving women hope that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Even though I have a sports blog, I am still doing a lot of volunteering. I have not gotten to where I want to be which is a sideline or sports report but I know that I can.
I say that because I remember in college the sophomore year I got on academic suspension. I did not like talking about this story but it has made me into the person I am today. When I was on academic suspension I got kicked out of Missouri State University at the end of having to go to a community college for one semester. Then I re-enrolled back into Missouri State University, and that’s when I started to get involved in organizations on campus and being a part of the athletics department. As well as getting a documentary published through an organization called College Bound St. Louis about those times in college. Now, I am a graduate from Missouri State University. I tell myself everyday if you put your mind to something you will succeed.
Is there a mission driving your creative journey?
The goal in my journey is to give hope to women within this industry. We might get called emotional or competitive but never let that scare you. Just laugh and show people what you are made to do.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nevxstp/ and https://www.instagram.com/niyaax_/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/niyaharris
Image Credits
Odell Jones Jr (Instagram super_savageeeee) Ethan Worley (Instagram snapvisualsofficial)