To celebrate International Women’s Day, essendonfc.com.au is profiling some of Essendon’s many inspiring female staff.
Up next is Rachel Mitrione, who is the Bombers' head of consumer.
Spending the past decade at Essendon while welcoming two daughters, there aren't many more committed to the club than Rachel.
Rachel, how did you get into working in football and why did you want to work at the club?
As a year 10 student, I split my two weeks of work experience between Tennis Australia and Le Meridien Hotel, but quickly knew I didn’t want a career in hospitality. I studied sports marketing at uni and not long after graduating, I was fortunate to be offered a job at the Western Bulldogs in their membership department. I spent three years at the Bulldogs and was then approached for the membership manager role at the Bombers. My boyfriend (now husband) said he would propose if I barracked for the Bombers, so I went one better!
What is your favourite thing about working in at the club?
My favourite thing is the people. We spend a lot of time working together to achieve things we’re passionate about, but we also spend a lot of time laughing.
What kind of opportunities has the club provided you?
I have been lucky enough to travel to the US on a research trip and visit the US Open, New York Giants, Yankee Stadium, Twitter HQ and TNT Park in San Francisco. I was also the recipient of the club's Ron Evans Leadership Grant, using the grant to attend a leadership course at Disney World Florida. I’ve had various roles over the years and been able to return to work in a part-time capacity since becoming a mum to my daughters Allegra (five) and Sienna (two).
What are some of the misconceptions of your role?
That there is no work in the off-season! Post-season is a good time to take a breath, but it’s also when all our planning for the next season happens.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s about celebrating the achievements of women throughout history and prompting conversations about gender equality. This year’s theme #EachforEqual is about creating equal workplaces, boardrooms, governments and even sports coverage.
What excites you most about your future with the Bombers?
I’m excited about celebrating our 150th year in 2021. We are one of the oldest sporting clubs in the world still in operation and we have exciting things planned, so stay tuned.
