At Delaware North, women are making an impact at every level of the sports and hospitality industry. For National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we’re spotlighting incredible women who help shape unforgettable experiences for guests: Alex Bongiorno, suites manager at UBS Arena, and Johnnie Delia, restaurants manager at Truist Park. From breaking barriers to delivering top-tier hospitality, they share their experiences, insights and advice for the next generation of women in sports.
Women in Sportservice: Q&A with Alex Bongiorno & Johnnie Delia
Click here to watch a video with Alex and here to watch one with Johnnie.
What is your favorite part about being a woman working in Sportservice?
🔹 Alex: “My favorite thing is challenging the gender norms in what many see as a male-dominated field. I want to show younger generations of women that if they love sports and envision themselves in this industry, it’s absolutely possible. I hope to inspire them to go after their dreams and know they can achieve anything they set their minds to!”
🔹 Johnnie: “I truly love what I do, and being a woman in sports makes it even more meaningful. As a restaurant general manager in a baseball stadium, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to lead, problem-solve, and create seamless experiences for both our guests and our team.”
What advice would you give to a woman wanting to get into the world of sports?
🔹 Alex: “Go for it! This is such an amazing career with so many different roles and opportunities for growth. There’s a place for everyone in Sportservice, and if it’s something you’re passionate about, don’t hesitate to take that first step.”
🔹 Johnnie: “Be assertive—come in, know what you’re going to do, and dominate that field. Learn as much as you can as quickly as you can and go out there and show everybody what you’re made of.”
What has been your favorite guest experience that you’ve helped curate?
🔹 Alex: “One of my favorite things is working with rental clients during the holidays. Many businesses host holiday parties in our suites, and I love helping them navigate their food and beverage options to ensure they have the perfect experience. It’s rewarding to hear how much they enjoyed their event, knowing I played a part in making their night special.”
🔹 Johnnie: “I’d have to say our collaboration with our culinary team and OutKast. We had a bobblehead giveaway with Big Boi from OutKast and created an entire menu on our food truck featuring all of his favorites. Seeing the process from start to finish—from concept to execution—was such a rewarding experience, and knowing we delivered something memorable for our guests made it even better.”
A Championship-Caliber Team at Truist Park
As we continue celebrating National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we’re also shining a light on an incredible achievement—our all-female concessions team at Truist Park. This women-led team helped earn Truist Park the title of #1 in MLB concessions for the 2024 baseball season, delivering the best food and hospitality in Braves Country. Their dedication, leadership, and teamwork are a testament to the impact women continue to have in sports and hospitality.
Empowering Women Through RISE
At Delaware North, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive. Our Team Member Resource Group, RISE (Resilience, Impact, Support, Empowerment), is dedicated to creating a supportive community for all women within our organization. RISE empowers women to grow both professionally and personally through mentorship, inclusivity, and leadership development.
On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we celebrate the women who make an impact every day—on the field, behind the scenes, and in leadership roles across our organization. Their contributions continue to pave the way for future generations, and we are proud to recognize their hard work and dedication.