We recently connected with Sandra Draganoiu-Bowler and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sandra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Most recently, I was asked to host the 2025 Prevagen United States Figure Skating Championships in January 2025 in Wichita. I spent over a decade training as a competitive figure skater in Cleveland, Ohio, and toured the world as a professional skater for Disney On Ice. After stepping away from professional performance, I became a full time skating coach, choreographer, and director in Cleveland and then Washington, D.C. It was such an honor to be invited to host at the top skating competition in our country and felt like such a full circle moment for me to have my skating and hosting worlds overlap.

Being able to hold the mic in that arena for those days will stay with me forever. I felt completely at home and believe it was one of my strongest emcee performances in my decade-plus career. If I could tell my 10-year-old self that we’d be doing this one day, she would be so proud. In light of so much joy, the week ended with unimaginable tragedy and pain. The devastating loss of the skaters, coaches, and families on Flight AA5342 still feels surreal. Witnessing the skating community come together in the aftermath of the crash has been deeply touching.

If you would like to help the victims’ loved ones, you can donate to the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund here: U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund. This fund provides financial assistance to U.S. Figure Skating families directly impacted by this tragedy.

Sandra, 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?

I am an in-arena host! I currently work for the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) and the Cleveland Guardians (MLB). I have been hosting since 2011 and in that time have worked for teams in the AFL, AHL, WNBA, and NHL both in Cleveland, Ohio and Washington, D.C.

I found myself holding a mic for the first time in Cleveland in 2011 after a friend suggested I audition for the role of in-arena host for the Lake Erie Monsters. My skating background, hockey knowledge, and (some) public relations experience from my Disney On Ice days made me a great candidate. The audition went great and the rest is history!

My hosting career has allowed me to meet so many incredible fans and work alongside some of the best game day staff and talent out there. I’ve been fortunate to be a part of several Championships across several leagues, most recently the Cleveland Guardians ALDS title and ALCS run.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve been fortunate to work in the hosting world for nearly 15 years. However, I’ve always held another full-time role alongside my emcee work. Balancing that with being a mom to three young sons has certainly made for a demanding schedule. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot about time management, efficiency, and how to prioritize—figuring out what needs my attention in the moment and what I can set aside for a little while. At the core, my resilience is fueled by a deep sense of purpose – I find strength in each of my roles.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Given the nature of my work, I have the privilege of meeting many fans, and by and large, these interactions showcase the goodness and kindness of people. Some of my most memorable moments have come not from what’s happening on the court or field, but from the fans themselves. I’ve witnessed beautiful moments, like couples getting engaged, parents bringing their child to their first game (I got to experience this with my oldest son, and it was so special), or someone celebrating a milestone birthday. I’ve also seen thrilling moments, like the fan who sank a putt from across the basketball court to win $10,000. Of course, the incredible plays and championship victories are unforgettable, too. What always amazes me in these moments, as I watch thousands of people erupt in collective cheers and sharing joy, is how sports have the power to transcend barriers, bringing people together and offering an escape from the daily stresses we all face. Beyond this escape, sports create opportunities to forge meaningful connections among people who might never have crossed paths otherwise. I am truly grateful that the fans I meet often become friends, and that I get to share in their love for our teams and our city.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sandradbcle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandradraganoiu?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits

N/A