Kylee O'Connor-Harrel, BS ’18, MS ’22

Technical Field Rep (Trackster), New Balance

Could you briefly explain your responsibilities that come with your role?
I'm responsible for the successful execution of product training the staff as well as promotional and merchandising tasks for footwear, apparel, and accessories at running specialty (Fleet Feet, Portland Running Company, etc.) and sporting goods accounts (REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, etc.) I build strong business relationships with store owners, managers, and retail sales associates to drive sell-through on New Balance products. I also serve as a digital brand ambassador, helping to bridge digital messages with staff in stores.

When it comes to your professional career, what are you most proud of? What about personal?
Two professional moments come to mind.

Last summer, the World Track and Field Championships were held in the U.S. for the first time, in Eugene. New Balance didn't have any marketing activations planned, so I took it upon myself to make sure NB represented itself well at the largest T&F meet on U.S. soil. I worked with RunHub, a prominent running store in Eugene. to create a "Race Around Tracktown" scavenger hunt, partnering with local businesses to elevate the NB brand and create broader brand visibility. I reached out to local businesses, created the marketing assets, and planned the entire activation from top to bottom, resulting in ~100 people participate in the 2-plus-hour-long scavenger hunt.

In February, I partnered with Deadstock Run Club to celebrate the Black community and elevate Black-owned businesses in Portland. A lot of brands take advantage of marginalized communities for financial gain (especially during Black History Month) and I wanted to ensure this event was not that. I planned the event autonomously, gathering marketing budget from HQ, creating social media assets, booking vendors, etc. Nearly 200 people attended the event, which included a panel, demo run and silent auction. The event served as a platform for some important conversations, and we were able to raise $1,200 for a local non-profit. The Deadstock Run Club leads were very pleased, telling me, "You've set the bar high for any other brand that wants to work with us. This is the level they need to reach." I was very proud of how it turned out and look forward to working with them again soon.

Personally, I am very proud of my initiative to play the highest level of women's tackle football. This might have a bit of recency bias since I am in season now, but joining the Oregon Ravens (a part of the Women's National Football Conference - WNFC) has been very challenging, but even more rewarding. I firmly believe that you grow the most when you embrace discomfort - and trying a new sport like tackle football has challenged me in so many ways. I ran track and field in college (a sport with minimal equipment), so the simple act of wearing shoulder pads, a helmet and mouth guard have been an adjustment. Learning how to tackle and how to properly be tackled, is a new experience as well. Last year, I was awarded Rookie of the Year on my team and I made the WNFC All-Pro team, getting the chance to play at The Star in Texas (the Dallas Cowboy's facility). Tackle football requires 20+ hours a week of commitment, and it's a lot to juggle on top of work, but I am so grateful to be a part of the team and excited to see us progress.

What is one thing that SPM taught you that you felt has been most valuable when it comes to applying your learnings to your role?
Being a part of a product team during the SPM program was the most valuable experience, because it helped me learn how to work with many different kinds of personalities. In my previous role working at a tech PR agency in San Francisco, everyone on my teams were very type-A, similar to myself. SPM product teams exposed me to different kinds of working styles and personalities, and helped me better understand how to identify each individuals' strengths and weaknesses and how to use their skillsets for the betterment of the team. It also taught me how to adjust my communication style to best resonate with whoever I am working with.

Anything you would like to highlight? (personal shoutouts, etc.)
Shoutout Team GAEA. The best squad.