Meet Sydnee Walker | Founder + Co-Host, The Collaborative | Turner Sports Marketing & PR

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydnee Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydnee, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most outsiders are probably unaware of the grind that goes into the sports industry. I got my start in Social Media and the common misconception there is that if you have a personal account you can run a brand account because all you do is Tweet. That is far from the truth. There is so much ideation that goes on behind the scenes in order to make sure each and every piece of content has a purpose for viewers. Additionally, most people are unaware of the other roles that exist within sports beyond broadcast. Sales, Marketing, PR, Research and a plethora of other departments come together to bring every game and tentpole event to life for fans.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a lifelong Atlanta sports fan, I’ve always known I wanted to work in sports because when I watch games, I’m always commentating instead of sitting still and watching the game like most fans. Thanks to the classes I took and clubs I was involved in at the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon, I was more than equipped to start my professional career. Currently, I work at Turner Sports, where I support Marketing and PR efforts across our MLB, NBA, NHL and NCAA Properties.

Additionally, I founded The Collaborative in 2020. The Collaborative is focused on connecting the Sports & Entertainment Industry with Journalists and PR Professionals via Zoom once a month. We have had 35 of the biggest names in sports including Maria Taylor, Marcus Spears, Laura Rutledge, Cameron Jordan and more.  It has been such a joy to have raw conversations with our guests and connect our attendees with veterans in the industry. Not only am I extremely proud of the work I have produced or contributed to during my time at Turner, but I am also proud that I have been able to inspire so many other men and women who wish to follow my same path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am all about planning itineraries and even have a foodie page dedicated to the best eats in Atlanta, (@sydatleats). Here’s some of my favorite eats:

Brunch: Toast on Lenox, The Southern Gentleman, Mojave

Local eats/Lunch: Vintage Pizzeria, Jinya Ramen Bar, Thai Emerald

Dinner: Chops, Houston’s, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Drinks: Brookwood Grill, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Fairway Social

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First off, all praise goes to God because He is always with me. Shoutout to my parents, Jon and Donna Walker. They have always been very supportive in my journey. Whether it was driving me to my games every weekend growing up or supporting me across the country in Oregon for college, they have always made sure I’m taken care of. Last but not least, shoutout to one of my favorite professors at the University of Oregon, Dean Mundy. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the introduction to PR in his class my sophomore year!

Website: https://linktr.ee/sydneewalker

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydnee_walker/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydnee-walker/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sydnee_walker5?lang=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgMhBJCJYG1JaFERkvunZg/videos