Guest Speakers
Vincent Mahoney
Legal Counsel at Evolv Sports Management
Vincent Mahoney is a sophisticated legal professional specializing in the intersection of data analytics and professional sports representation. Currently serving as Counsel at MVP Sports Group in Beverly Hills, Vincent provides strategic legal guidance for a premier athlete roster, a role he transitioned into after serving as a Post Bar Law Clerk for the firm. His expertise is deeply rooted in the nuances of Major League Baseball, having previously served as a Salary Arbitration Consultant for the MLBPA and a Legal Intern at Zuckerman Spaeder LLP. In these roles, he distinguished himself by leveraging data-backed arguments and market analysis to secure favorable outcomes in high-stakes salary arbitration hearings.
Beyond his agency work, Vincent’s professional foundation includes experience in "Big Law" as a Summer Associate at Hogan Lovells and a commitment to community impact through his past work as an AmeriCorps Field Champion for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. By combining rigorous legal training with a specialized understanding of the MLB labor market, Vincent offers a unique, analytical perspective on contract negotiation and athlete advocacy.
Baseball and Arbitration Analyst at Boras Corporation
Sam Wilbur is a Baseball Research and Arbitration professional at Boras Corporation, where he applies advanced analytics to the world of professional sports. An MBA graduate from UCLA Anderson, Sam has a proven track record of translating complex data into strategic wins. His experience includes a stint with LAFC, where he developed data-driven insights through Tableau, and a successful tenure at Spencer Stuart, where he managed high-level assignments in the real estate and financial services sectors that generated over $12M in fees.
Before transitioning into sports strategy, Sam began his career in healthcare consulting at Triage Consulting Group, refining the rigorous analytical skills he now uses to navigate the nuances of player valuation and arbitration. Today, he combines his background in executive search and business strategy to provide a sophisticated, data-centric approach to the baseball industry.
Sam Wilbur
VP of Strategic Alliances at Home Team Sports, a Playfly Sports Company
Aaron Lowenberg is a seasoned partnerships and media executive serving as Vice President of Strategic Alliances at Home Team Sports, a Playfly Sports company. In this role, he leads the development and execution of high-impact partnerships across regional sports networks, professional teams, and national brands, helping drive innovative media strategies and revenue growth in an evolving sports landscape.
With a strong background in sports marketing and business development, Lowenberg has built a reputation for identifying strategic opportunities that connect brands with passionate fan bases. He specializes in negotiating complex deals, fostering long-term client relationships, and aligning cross-platform assets to deliver measurable results.
Throughout his career, Lowenberg has demonstrated a deep understanding of the intersection between sports, media, and technology. His leadership reflects a forward-thinking approach to partnerships, leveraging data and emerging platforms to maximize value for stakeholders.
Known for his collaborative mindset and strategic vision, Lowenberg continues to play a key role in shaping how brands engage with sports audiences nationwide.
Aaron Lowenberg
Paul Dupee
Former Part-Owner of the Boston Celtics from 1983–1996
aul Dupee is a former sports executive best known for his role as a part-owner of the Boston Celtics from 1983 to 1996. During his tenure, the franchise experienced one of the most successful eras in its history, capturing multiple NBA championships and solidifying its legacy as one of the league’s premier organizations. Dupee was part of the ownership group that helped guide the team through a period defined by iconic players, sustained competitiveness, and a strong organizational culture.
With a background in business and leadership, Dupee contributed to the Celtics’ operational and strategic direction during a transformative time for the NBA. His involvement in professional sports ownership reflects a broader commitment to excellence, teamwork, and long-term growth both on and off the court.
Darrick Yray
UCLA Football General Manager
Darrick Yray arrives in Westwood after four seasons as the general manager of personnel at Florida State. He was instrumental in assembling the Seminoles' 13-win Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championship season in 2023. That 2023 squad produced a program-record 25 All-ACC selections and an ACC-best 10 picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, led by first-round selection Jared Verse. For his efforts, Yray was named Football Scoops' Player Personnel Director of the Year.
Yray helped bring in a top-20 signing class, per 247Sports, in each of his four seasons on staff at Florida State. His 2025 signing class made an immediate impact, with 17 of the Seminoles' 24 true freshmen seeing game action in their first year in Tallahassee. That group was led by defensive tackle Mandrell Desir, who was named All-ACC Honorable Mention and a True Freshman All-American by media outlets 247Sports and On3.
Prior to Florida State, Yray spent seven years at Oregon State where he was elevated to the role of director of player personnel. He also served as director of recruiting operations, coordinator of on-campus recruiting and assistant director of player personnel for the Beavers. Oregon State's 2022 signing class was its highest-rated national since 2011. The Beavers' 2021 team produced 17 All-Pac-12 Conference honorees, the program's most since 2008, while advancing to a bowl game for the first time since 2013.
Doug Hendrickson
Executive Vice President of Football at Wasserman
Doug Hendrickson is a titan in the world of sports representation, currently serving as Executive Vice President at Wasserman. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Hendrickson has cemented his reputation as one of the most influential and respected NFL agents in the business.
Known for his fierce advocacy and deep-rooted relationships across the league, Hendrickson has negotiated some of the most landmark contracts in professional football. His client roster reads like a "Who’s Who" of NFL stardom, representing perennial Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, and Super Bowl champions. His approach goes beyond mere contract numbers; he is widely recognized for his commitment to the long-term personal and professional growth of his athletes.
Chris Hannan
Head of Sports at Trailer Park Group
BSBA hosted Chris Hannan, a veteran media executive and current Head of Sports at Trailer Park Group. Chris walked us through his career with experiences ranging from his tenure at FOX Sports, Endeavor and his time as CEO of the BIG3.
His perspective gave our members a practical framework for understanding the sports industry that we will take with us in our future career opportunities.
Dr. Douglas Manning
USF Professor and Sport and Entertainment Management Scholar
R. Douglas Manning, Ph.D., is a Sport and Entertainment Management scholar whose work examines Sport Marketing, Sport Law/Risk Management, and eSports. His approach as an educator and academic leader is shaped by experience as a Professor, administrator, NCAA volleyball coach, and high school teacher. He remains committed to community impact through service, including his role on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Southern California.
He has broad experience teaching across the Sport Management curriculum – through collaborative projects with industry professionals/organizations (MLB, MiLB, MLS, NBA, NCAA, NFL, NHL, USL), his theme has become, “California is Our Classroom: The Intersection of Academia and Industry.” These initiatives emphasize innovation, critical thinking, and professional readiness while creating reciprocal value for students and industry partners.
LA28 Panel
Michael Menjivar and Joseph Barakat
Michael proudly works at LA28, the Organizing Committee bringing the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Los Angeles. With a background in science and strong experience in research and development, Michael brings a refreshing perspective to a conscientious employer with shared passions: community, philanthropy, and progress. Michael’s Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from UCLA, complemented with his extensive volunteering and community service experience, and his diverse skill set propels him to be a leader in an evolving job climate.
Joseph Barakat is a results-driven Sales Manager with the Olympic & Paralympic Games, specializing in premium hospitality and client experience within the sports and entertainment industry. He has a proven track record of driving revenue growth, building strong client relationships, and delivering high-impact experiences, with a foundation from California State University, Long Beach.
Suzy Shuster
Sports Journalist, Broadcaster, Reporter, and Adjunct Lecturer at USC
Suzy Shuster is an accomplished sports journalist, broadcaster, and reporter with extensive experience covering major sporting events and delivering insightful, engaging storytelling across multiple platforms. She is widely recognized for her on-air presence and ability to connect with audiences through thoughtful analysis and compelling interviews.
In addition to her work in media, Shuster serves as an adjunct lecturer at University of Southern California, where she mentors aspiring journalists and shares real-world industry knowledge. Her career reflects a strong commitment to excellence in sports media, education, and elevating the next generation of storytellers.
Marquise Watson
Director of Corporate Partnerships at the Los Angeles Lakers
Marquise Watson is a seasoned marketing and brand partnerships specialist with over a decade of experience driving results across the sports and entertainment industry. Currently working with the Los Angeles Lakers, he has a proven track record of building and executing high-impact, multi-platform campaigns, negotiating strategic partnerships, and delivering innovative brand activations.
Known for his collaborative leadership and results-driven approach, Watson is also a dedicated educational speaker and community advocate. A graduate of East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, he remains actively involved in mentorship and leadership initiatives, reflecting his commitment to empowering the next generation of professionals.
Vice President of Advancement at the Rose Bowl
“I generally love being around people and I love being around people that are smarter than me, because that’s where I’m able to listen and learn.”
“There’s a reason that we have two ears and one mouth. I just learned and listened, and I’ve been fortunate that people have seen that and seen that I enjoy what I do.”
“Communication, trust, and respect. Those three things, and you have potential to have a great relationship, both in personal and professional communication.”
Brian Brantley
Lead, Global Digital Marketing and Running at Nike
“Lean into uncertainty about your future, make it your superpower. Try new things and figure out what you like and don’t like.”
“Your job should be the least interesting thing about you.”
Paige Carter
Director, Sports Agent at Wasserman
“This is the first time in my professional life where I have been able to authentically be myself and it truly is one of the best parts of this job. With that comes a unique opportunity to bring visibility to a space that has historically not seen a lot of people like me.”
“I want to give back to the space, serve as a role model, and put more power in the hands of athletes who have traditionally been left out of the sports industry.”
Hig Roberts
President & Chief Operating Officer of the Golden State Warriors
“Back then, if you called someone and said, ‘I work for the Golden State Warriors,’ the reaction often was, ‘Hey, you guys suck.’ It was a lot of hard work and persistence to become one of the top earners in the sales department.”
“I was a 22-year-old recent college graduate when I asked to borrow one of my father’s suits for a job interview. After spending 14 months waiting tables post-college, I landed an interview with then-Warriors President Robert Rowell. He asked me, ‘Can you sell?’. Despite having no sales experience, I assured him I could and soon accepted an entry-level position selling season tickets. That conversation marked the beginning of a 19-year journey to the top of the Warriors’ business operations.”
Brandon Schneider
Marshall Rader
Salary Cap at Los Angeles Lakers
Marshall Rader is a seasoned professional in basketball operations and salary cap strategy, currently serving as the Director of Salary Cap Strategy for the Los Angeles Lakers since January 2018. Rader's extensive experience includes positions as Manager and Analyst in Salary Cap Strategy with the Lakers, as well as roles in basketball operations with Spurs Sports & Entertainment and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Previous experience also encompasses stints with the National Basketball Players Association, where Rader worked in Salary Cap, Legal, and Communications, along with contributions as a Basketball Research Assistant for ESPN/FOX Sports and a Staff Writer for Sports Law Weekly and The Sports Lawyer. Rader holds a Juris Doctor degree with a Sports Law Certificate from Tulane University Law School and a Bachelor of Journalism in Strategic Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Thomas Honda
Director of Finance and Accounting at LA Galaxy
“You want to be a person that everyone wants to work with. It’s not very hard to always have a smile on your face or say hello, and it goes a long way, especially in the world of finance and business.”
“I think one of the reasons I love working for the LA Galaxy is that I see potential growth in MLS more than any other sport. Most people already have an NFL, NBA, or even an MLB team but we’re only in the 30th year of the MLS with only a positive trajectory moving forward.”
Stacy Johns
Chief Operating Officer at LAFC
“It is important to have curiosity. Taking the risk four years ago to move from the biggest league in American sports [Indianapolis Colts] to LAFC has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined. Don’t ever be afraid to follow your heart, even when others might think it’s a mid-life crisis or a bit crazy.”
Derrick Davis
General Counsel at Angel City FC
Derrick, the General Counsel of Angel City FC brings a unique mix of experience as a sports and entertainment executive. His diverse background spans roles in a professional sports league (MLS), soccer events and media promotion (Relevent Sports), pre-IPO experience at a leading social media and content platform (TikTok), player and athlete commercial representation (OneTeam Partners), and his current role at Angel City FC. Derrick's passion for being part of innovative and disruptive companies is reflected in his involvement with emerging organizations: Angel City FC was founded in 2020, OneTeam in 2019, TikTok in 2016, Relevent Sports in 2012, and Major League Soccer in 1993.
Aaron Henderson
Agent at Klutch Sports Group
Aaron Henderson is an NFL Agent at KLUTCH Sports, the powerhouse sports agency representing some of the biggest athletes across major professional sports. With over a decade of experience in the sports industry, Aaron has been privileged to work with many NFL athletes, resulting in over $400 million in contracts negotiated.
In 2017, he became one of the few agents in NFL history to represent a Top 100 NFL Draft pick while still enrolled in law school. That same year, Front Office Sports honored Aaron as one of its “Rising 25” sports executives, age 25 and under.
Aaron holds a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina, an MBA and Masters in Sports Administration from Ohio University, and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School.
Joaquin Mirenna
Business and Data Strategy at LAFC
Mirenna is a dynamic leader in the sports and entertainment industry, currently shaping strategy at Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). His career spans major organizations including Disney, ESPN, the Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Dolphins. At UCLA Anderson, Joaquin is pursuing his MBA while serving as VP of Business Development for the Sports Business Association and VP of Partnerships for the Entertainment Management Association.
Dr. Erkut Sogut
Sports Lawyer, Agent, Author, Founder of GROW
With a background in international law and sports management, Dr. Sögüt has built a distinguished career advising elite athletes, negotiating high-profile contracts, and mentoring the next generation of sports professionals. He is the co-author of “How to Become a Football Agent: The Guide” and the founder of the Football Agent Education platform, where he lectures worldwide on ethics, negotiation, and the evolving role of agents in modern sports. His work emphasizes integrity, cultural understanding, and long-term career development in a competitive global industry.
Ryan Bishara
EVP of Revenue and Strategy at Los Angeles FC
“Be resourceful and persistent, you have nothing to lose when contacting professionals you admire.”
“Realize that many of the skills you need are not going to be taught in school. Don’t wait until you have a job to learn these skills.”
“Think about business school as a life raft. You’re in one place, you’re doing a job and you have growth in mind. If every year, you keep growing and gain responsibilities and get promoted, don’t use the life raft. If you get to a point where you feel like you need to get to another level and can’t, or are tired of your current job, then you use the life raft.”
Evan Drapeau
Director, Partnership Sales at LA Rams
Evan Drapeau is the Director of Partnership Sales at the Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium, and Hollywood Park. He has been with the Rams organization since 2022, previously serving as Senior Manager and Manager of Partnership Sales. Before joining the Rams, Drapeau spent nearly five years with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he advanced from Sales Associate to Associate Manager of Corporate Partnerships and was recognized as a top-performing Account Executive.
He holds a Master’s degree in Sport Industry Management from Georgetown University and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Anthropology from Franklin & Marshall College, where he was a member of the Division III Tennis Team and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
Dan Cruz
Deputy Athletic Director / Chief Revenue Officer at UCLA Athletics
Daniel Cruz joined UCLA Athletics in October 2024 as Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Revenue Officer. He is responsible for overseeing and optimizing revenue-generating operations and growth through various streams, including ticket sales, sponsorships, multimedia rights, licensing and merchandising and serves on the executive team of UCLA's Alice and Nahum Lainer Family Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond.
Cruz came to UCLA after serving as Vice President of Global Marketing Partnerships within the Disney’s Corporate Alliance group. He was responsible for leading negotiations on partnership deals, while creating synergistic marketing opportunities that touched multiple properties at The Walt Disney Company. In his previous role as Vice President of Digital Media and Integrated Partnerships at Marvel Entertainment, Cruz was responsible for growing revenue and brand affinity across several of Marvel’s business units for digital, print and onsite activations. Over the years, he has led multimedia promotional campaigns featuring Hyundai, Target, Unilever, Lego, Chevrolet, the Los Angeles Rams and the NBA.
Prior to joining Marvel, Cruz worked at top organizations, including Spotify, ESPN and MindShare, where he led cross-functional teams in the development and oversight of partnering with the largest advertisers and media holding companies.
Isabella Serafini
Creative Content Producer for UCLA Football
“My journey started with an internship at Oregon Football, where I discovered a passion for digital storytelling and social media. What motivates me most is taking an idea and bringing it to life, from the early concept to a finished piece that connects with an audience.
I’m both a creator and a strategist. I love the hands-on side of producing content, but I also enjoy planning campaigns that feel authentic to a brand and deliver results. At UCLA Football, I’ve built on that foundation by producing viral content, growing engagement, and helping elevate our digital presence in a fast paced, high profile environment.”
Julia Victor
CEO and Founder of Reine Collective Former Chief Marketing Officer at Angel City Football Club
Julia shared her inspiring career journey—from her early roles in brand building, to leading transformative marketing initiatives in women’s sports, to now launching her sports-tech company.
During her time at Angel City FC, Julia played a key role in shaping one of the most innovative and socially driven brands in professional sports. Her work helped redefine how sports teams engage with their communities, champion equity, and tell stories that resonate far beyond the field. Her insights into the business of sports, creative leadership, and purpose-driven marketing gave our members a powerful look into what it means to build brands with impact.
Teri Hanneke
Senior Associate Athletics Director, NIL Operations and CAP Management at UCLA Athletics
Teri Hanneke is the Senior Associate Athletics Director for NIL Operations & Cap Management at UCLA. She oversees name, image & likeness (NIL) strategy and roster-management issues, working closely with compliance, collective partners, and financial cap systems.
Before her current role, Hanneke served as Assistant Athletics Director of Compliance at UCLA. In that capacity, she was instrumental in navigating regulatory frameworks, a foundation that now supports UCLA’s NIL operations. In 2024, she also took on a business-operations role for Bruins for Life, UCLA’s NIL collective arm focused on football.
Her educational background includes a degree from San Diego State University (class of 2013).
Emily Watts
Global Director, Sports Marketing - Giro Sport Design
“I was also exposed to many of the inequities in sports early on; I was starting to misalign with the values versus what I envisioned for the future. I wanted to be part of the solution, rather than maintaining the status quo.”
“I like to replace marketing with storytelling; it’s a better description of the role that marketing has to play for a brand.”
“The emotional intelligence that comes from working with different people in college is the best kind of experience you can get for entering the workforce. Putting myself in groups or clubs that were a little bit outside of my comfort zone forced me to become a chameleon; I had to understand how to fit in and add value in different scenarios.”
Ayisha Izmeth
Director of Marketing/Communications - Ulysse Nardin
“My story was driven by my intuition towards what I want the next chapter of my life to look like.”
[On her path into marketing] “There was something about coming up with something out of thin air and breathing it into existence that really appealed to me.”
“When working with a client, you may see growth year after year, but at a certain point, you can’t elevate the structure; you have to change the entire structure. “
Joel Wolfe
Executive VP, Managing Executive of Baseball - Wasserman
“We have had a high success rate of hiring interns who run through different divisions learning about the company altogether and getting feedback from other employees. Learning about a job and the company from the ground up is something I believe in.”
“It’s important how you treat people that you work with. If you want to get the most of out them, they have to be willing to bring new and creative ideas, and not be afraid to fail.”
“In everything in life, and especially in life, you’re going to lose sometimes. In this business, when we lose, we lose publicly. It may be embarrassing and humiliating, but you have to pick yourself up off the mat: being able to take rejection isn’t easy.”
Allyson Davis
Owner - Impakt Partners
“Keep your blinders on; do your job as best as you can and don’t get caught up in the noise around you.”
“Now is the time to tell female sports stories. Be mindful of whose story it is and who’s telling that story.”
“It’s always great to be at a company that people know of, but it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily the right thing to do. Don’t be too picky about your first job; it’s not going to be your last one.”
“Having ideas and not being afraid to voice them to your boss is really valuable; in marketing, your job is to grow the business.”
Anna Winkenbach
Senior Director - Properties & Global Media at Wasserman
“There is not a traditional route you have to go through to work in sports.”
"I wish I had spoken up more for myself when I was younger. By that, I mean being honest during my internships about what I was looking for and what I truly liked."
“Working in sports you never experience the same day, every day no matter what sport you work in brings in something new.”
“The corporation is not your friend, you must look out for yourself and what your next step is.”
James McCauley
Sports Law Fellow - Villanova University
“Learning how to speak and write concisely is foundational to everything you do. All your knowledge will get watered down if you don’t have strong speaking and writing skills.”
“While you may have a vision of what you want to do, adaptability and malleability are very important skills that you must have in sports”
“Networking can feel forced and awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning how to come off as genuine and friendly is crucial to cultivating real relationships.”
“Don’t be content with who you are now; you’re not a finished product. Always try to fill your time with something to make yourself more valuable. Having one skill is great, but building yourself out proves your work ethic. You have to stay hungry.”
Sam Leaf
NFL Agent and Director of Marketing at Ballengee Sports Group
“Focus on improving yourself, not proving yourself”
“Building strong relationships and networking are key to personal and professional growth. Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people and watch your future unfold.”
Jessica Papadopoulos
Manager, Club Business Development at National Football League (NFL)
“You're always going to have to juggle, usually with more balls than you can handle. But you have to know which ones are glass and which ones are rubber—which ones can you let bounce while you focus on the really important stuff.”
“It’s easy to rattle off the projects that you’ve worked on, but it’s taking the time to talk about the impact that you had that will make you stand out.”
[On the rise of women in the sports industry] “Sometimes the challenge is finding a role model to emulate your career after when there’s not someone who looks like you. We want to get to a place where it’s truly equal, and you see representation on all levels.”
Leigh Steinberg
Sports Agent, Author, and Chairman of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment
“Study and understand psychology. By recognizing what motivates people at their core and recognizing their incentives, you can master relationships and ultimately excel as a professional in sports or any industry.”
Ariana Gonzalez
Legal Counsel at Wasserman
“Know that no journey is without its hurdles. But I promise you, the seemingly impossible is achievable. Stay connected, build and value your relationships, and trust the process. One day you’ll reflect on your journey and realize, though it took time, you made it.”
Rob Barnes
Global Director at Nike
Whatever I can control, whatever I can do—it’s not going to be a perfect path, but all of these steps along the way have opened up experiences for me…Experience has always been my currency.”
“Mental health is a real thing. There are not haves and have nots, it’s everybody on one long spectrum and we’re all at varying degrees and varying spots on that spectrum.”
NFL Speaker Panel
Shirley Lalicker, Michelle Sikora, Sabrine Elfarissi
“I learned a lot of negotiation and communication/etiquette skills from law school which I used in my day to day the most. I learned how important it is to go get what you want and network.” - Michelle
“It is important to have curiosity. If you’re interested in other parts of the company, go ask the people in those positions and help when needed. It is always helpful to know more about how the company you are at works.” - Shirley
“By working for a club (LA Rams) you really get to see how many people and how much work it takes to put on a successful game experience. Unlike the NFL, clubs have a lot less employees, so it is a lot of hard work.” - Sabrine
“Don’t just make connections, but make meaningful connections with people in your field and a field that you are familiar with. Maintaining those relationships are important as well.” - Sabrine
“Even though I’m a full time worker, I still reach out to people in other departments to ask about their job. It is important to know about the company that you work for.” - Michelle
“One thing to remember is there will always be outside voices saying you can’t do this or that but you have to remember the right place will find you.” - Michelle
“In finance, I’ve seen a lot of resumes, and any experience you can find within your school or organization goes a long way. Whether it’s interning for your athletic department or being the accountant of your sorority/fraternity, it all helps.” - Shirley
Richard Motzkin
Executive Vice President and Managing Executive at Wasserman
“Tap into your inner child and think about what you are interested in and what motivates you, use that as the light within to guide you”
“You have to put yourself out there and work hard and try to create opportunities for yourself”
“You don’t just accept the status quo… you're being paid to fight for athletes' best interest. Be creative and change the status quo”
“Relationships are more important than anything… it's always important not only that you have a good relationship with your client but you maintain good relationships with those that work around you”
Joy Hong
Properties Coordinator - Sales, Strategy & Acceleration, Excel Sports Management
“Everything happens for a reason, just work hard, connect with the right people and you can get where you dream to be.”
"I got my foot in the door into sports through the daily bruin... There I learned the proper work ethic to be successful."
“So much of sports, no matter what field you are in, is about storytelling and ultimately selling something.”
“Proper networking cannot be overstated... I always strived to build a genuine relationship with any possible mentor. That is how I have gotten a lot of my opportunities.