VOL 27 ISSUE 7, Feb. 9, 2026
To mark National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which was on Feb. 4, 360 is spotlighting Delaware North female leaders who are shaping the future of sports hospitality. These women drive the business forward and elevate the fan experience, reflecting the company’s commitment to developing talent and expanding opportunities for women in the industry.
This Q&A feature shares their perspectives on representation and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Datza Pogson, general manager for Delaware North at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y.
In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, could you reflect on a pivotal moment in your sports career that not only showcased your skills but also emphasized the importance of gender equality in the sports industry?
I remember when several female managers and I had the chance to share our insights in a space traditionally led by male voices. We introduced a new approach to managing a high‑pressure service environment, and it was enthusiastically received. Our team proved leadership isn’t about gender but about contribution, courage and collaboration. The moment reinforced that women’s voices drive smarter, faster, more resilient ways of working – a win not just for me, but for the entire organization.
As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, what role do you believe sports can play in empowering women globally?
If we broaden the lens, empowerment comes from access, mentorship and visible leadership in every industry, including sports and hospitality. Women stepping into roles as chefs, operators, general managers and executives show what’s possible when support and opportunity exist. To sustain momentum in hospitality and beyond, we need:
- Strong allyship from all team members and leadership, ensuring inclusive decision-making.
- Media and internal communications that celebrate diverse leadership stories, including nontraditional paths.
- Systems that reward collaboration, not just individual achievement.
What sports, casual or competitive, do you like to enjoy outside of work?
I enjoy hiking, cycling and gardening with my family. These activities help me recharge, stay connected with the athletic community and bring fresh energy to my role at UBS Arena.
Veronica Bernardo, director of premium clubs, Miami Freedom Park in Florida
As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, what role do you believe sports can play in empowering women globally?
Participation in sports can help girls develop essential traits such as resiliency, confidence and leadership. Sport not only creates strong-bodied athletes, but it creates strong-minded individuals. By engaging in sports, women can gain essential skills to propel forward in all aspects of life.
How can the sports industry globally continue to encourage and promote women in leadership positions, ensuring a diverse and equitable representation?
The sports industry is expansive, encompassing numerous critical roles that often go unrecognized. While fans tend to focus on their favorite athletes, the professionals working behind the scenes are frequently overlooked. As a result, many may not realize how many women hold influential positions within the industry.
Highlighting women who serve as leaders in these roles helps illustrate their presence and role in decision-making spaces, and the value they bring to the table. Increased visibility of women in leadership also encourages other women to confidently apply for positions or pursue passions that they may have previously felt were out of reach.
What sports, casual or competitive, do you like to enjoy outside of work?
I’ve played soccer competitively my entire life. I also enjoy practicing yoga, attending Pilates classes and running by the beach. Being active is a huge part of my life.
Mary Masich, general manager for Delaware North at KeyBank Center in Buffalo
As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, what role do you believe sports can play in empowering women globally?
Sports play a role in empowering women by building confidence, leadership and a strong sense of teamwork. Through sports, women learn to take on challenges head on, persevere through adversity, and trust themselves and their teammates. These experiences translate directly into the workplace, equipping women with the skills needed to navigate challenges, lead with confidence and continue growing in their careers.
How can the sports industry globally continue to encourage and promote women in leadership positions, ensuring a diverse and equitable representation?
We need to highlight and celebrate women in leadership roles throughout the sports industry so young girls can see themselves in those positions and feel inspired to pursue them. We need women who are open about also being mothers or having families to ensure we break outdated stereotypes and show other people what is possible. By sharing stories and supporting women at every stage of their careers, we can encourage the next generation to chase big dreams.
What sports, casual or competitive, do you like to enjoy outside of work?
I’ve played ice hockey my whole life. It’s the reason I moved to Buffalo in the first place; I played college hockey here. I still try to get out and skate whenever I can. Growing up in an ice rink makes working in an NHL arena everyday feel a bit like home.
Lindsay Truesdell, senior director of marketing, sports and partnerships at corporate headquarters in Buffalo
As we celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, what role do you believe sports can play in empowering women globally?
Sports teach us skills that translate into every other aspect of our lives. As a kid, playing youth sports helped me build leadership, teamwork and confidence – skills that I tap into daily both personally and professionally.
These days, being a sports fan helps me to find common ground with people from all walks of life, which allows me to establish meaningful connections in rooms where I might not otherwise have an entry point.
How can the sports industry globally continue to encourage and promote women in leadership positions, ensuring diverse and equitable representation?
I’d love to see women in sports championed every day of the year. Companies, teams, leagues and individual managers can invest in talent through formal or informal mentorship and leadership development programs, and by promoting visibility for female team members. Lead with the intention of ensuring opportunities and responsibilities are distributed equally.
What sports, casual or competitive, do you like to enjoy outside of work?
My playing career ended after high school, but these days I love watching all kinds of sports, both on TV and in person. I’m about two-thirds of the way through my quest to watch a game at every MLB ballpark, and I’m also a huge tennis fan – I’ve been attending the US Open for the past 20 years and also try to get to a new tournament every year.