From Campus to Courtside: AD+PR Alumna Breaks Barriers in the Sports Industry
MSU advertising management grad, Lauren Clayborne, uses philanthropy and passion to create legacies for Black women in the professional sports communications industry
By: Whitney Byard
In 2021, Data USA published a shocking statistic: only 26% of global sports communications roles were held by women, and 1.67% of those positions were Black women. With underwhelming representation in the sports industry, Lauren Clayborne, Michigan State University AD+PR alumna, defied expectations and became a leader in the sports industry.
Clayborne graduated from MSU in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. She currently works for the Golden State Warriors as the director of community relations and player programs. Her experience began in high school as an assistant athletic director. There, she learned the back end of sports and decided on her passion and career path.
Clayborne went on to take on roles in the MSU Athletics Department and the MSU Basketball student sections, the X-Factor and Izzone, General Motors, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Lions and to the Golden State Warriors. Her current position for the Warriors connects players with philanthropic opportunities to highlight the importance of community. Clayborne is also the founder of Fingerprint Playbook, a program that allows all athletes to leave a mark on organizations they are passionate about.
Clayborne faced adversity as a young Black woman in the sports industry but says she enjoys being a female voice at a male-dominated table.
“I think about all the women who broke ceilings before me and allowed me to be here,” said Clayborne. “Being a part of so many firsts that turn into legacies is incredible.”
Clayborne says she gets to work with the next generation of Black athletes and Black women in power, which inspires her to push her limits. She is encouraged by the phrase “you can aspire to be anyone you see.” Clayborne says that a lack mentorship is one of the biggest challenges to overcome as a Black woman in the industry. She says she feels rewarded by acting as a mentor for young women of color in the sports communications world.
“To be able to know I am leading and making a difference for someone who looks like me is rewarding, especially in an already Black-dominated industry,” Clayborne said. “Black women get to command that space for the first time and be a counterpart in the industries like the NBA or NFL, which is really cool.”
Clayborne says she encourages MSU AD+PR women students interested in sports to recognize their strength and help others along the way.
“Continue to lower the ladder,” said Clayborne. “As you climb, be sure to bring others with you. That’s how we make a difference as women and women of color. Stand up for yourself and advocate for others.”
Learn more about Clayborne’s experience and advice from her article “10 Things I’ve Learned While Working in Sports!”