MONA YEGANEGI

“I believe that promoting diverse leadership and inclusive practices is crucial, but a significant challenge remains in the lack of representation and diversity in sports management.”

Meet Mona, an experienced broadcast news and sports journalist and UN diplomat. With a medical background, and a Harvard education, Mona has worked at 8 Olympics and collaborated with numerous federations such as FIFA and UEFA.

MAKING HISTORY

“Working at the Olympics and holding various positions, I experienced significant personal and cultural sporting moments. I was the first Iranian female hired by FIFA, and also the first at UEFA, IIHF, CONCACAF, and more. The pressure of being an outsider and finding a home at the ceremonies of the games is a story I would love to share.”

A JOURNEY OF REDIRECTIONS

“My journey in the sports industry tells a story of perseverance and resilience. I want to leave behind the message that the journey will not be easy, and you will face rejections, but view them as redirections toward something better. Direction in life is far more important than speed; many people move fast but go nowhere. Working in sports and the media presents unexpected challenges and joys, but it is all worth it if you have a passion for it. Know that it will not always be fair; in fact, you will often feel defeated. However, never let go of who you are for what you want.

I have always pushed beyond the limit, refusing to be ordinary, and have demonstrated boldness and resilience in achieving my goals. My goal has been to support the growth of women and young individuals, and advocate for fairness, always standing up after every challenge. Of which there have been many.”

DIVERSITY IS POWER

“During my time at the Olympics, I witnessed first hand how diversity made a positive impact. Working alongside people from various backgrounds and cultures not only enhanced the creativity and innovation in our projects but also fostered a deeper sense of unity and collaboration. This diverse environment allowed us to tackle challenges from multiple perspectives, ultimately leading to more effective and inclusive solutions.”

STAY HUMBLE AND GROUNDED

“My advice is to lose your pride and believe in your abilities. This field can change a person quickly, so it's crucial to stay humble and grounded throughout your journey. Equally vital is believing in what you have to offer, even if no one else sees it. Don't compete to the point where you become bitter. Help one another, as many people will try to bring you down. Keep your head held high and your heart pure.”