Early this summer, Michela Jones ’25, an independent public health major, began a rotational fellowship with BSE Global’s human resources department. The New York-based company owns and operates the professional basketball teams, including the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty, as well as the Barclays Center arena.
While her major isn’t directly tied to her career goals, Jones says her experiences outside the classroom, especially working with Haverford’s Director of Athletic Communications Curran McCauley, sparked her passion for working in sports. “I’ve always seen sports as a powerful platform for connection and impact,” says Jones. Public health, an interest shaped by her participation in the Global Health Fellows Program during high school, continues to shape her perspective on equity and community. “Haverford gave me the freedom to explore these interests in meaningful ways,” she says.
During her time at the College, Jones says classes like Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Talia Young’s “Black and Asian Foodways,” Assistant Professor of Classics Ava Shirazi’s “Art of Sports,” and Visiting Assistant Professor of Health Studies Damien Droney’s “Food, Health and Justice” were particularly influential. Beyond McCauley, Jones credits additional mentors and supporters who helped her along her path: Associate Dean of Student Success Dean Nate Diehl, who she says played a significant role in making her Haverford experience meaningful and Director of Athletic Facilities Director of Athletic Facilities and Gameday Operations Megan Tustin, who taught her about the intricacies of her role
Jones served on the Alumni Association Executive Committee and the Committee on Student Standing and Programs, two experiences that provided insight into how institutions make decisions and taught her how to advocate for others while balancing differing perspectives. “Being thoughtful, collaborative, and clear are things I know I’ll take with me into any team environment, especially in the sports world,” she says.
Looking ahead, Jones hopes to land a full-time job in sports next year while continuing to build. She shares this wish for her classmates: “I hope my fellow graduates find careers and lives that really excite them, even if the path isn’t totally clear yet. I also hope they build strong support systems and stay open to learning and growing along the way.”