Sports have long been a driving force for Karina Lopez Duran ’25 and her career. As a dual student-athlete and business administration major at Oglethorpe, she began exploring what a career in sports could look like through internships with Atlanta Unitedthe Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Gladiators and Georgia Tech Athletics. Since graduating last December, she has continued to make an impact in Atlanta’s sports community as a corporate partnerships sales and service associate with the Atlanta Braves.
In her role, Lopez Duran manages over 20 corporate partnerships and helps oversee more than $1.5 million in partnership assets. While Lopez Duran has embraced exciting challenges, including helping the Braves bring television operations in-house, her favorite part of the job is building relationships and creating experiences that resonate with fans and partners.
“Sports have a unique ability to bring people together, and I want to help create partnerships, experiences and stories that strengthen communities and leave a lasting impression on fans,” says Lopez Duran.
That focus on meaningful relationships began at Oglethorpe.
“The professors, coaches, classmates and mentors I met as a student showed me that genuine connections and authenticity will always take you further than simply trying to impress people,” says Lopez Duran. “That lesson has become the foundation of my career in partnerships and sales.”
Her curiosity and eagerness to learn have also opened doors throughout Atlanta’s sports industry. Through internships and professional networking, Lopez Duran gained exposure to different career paths and discovered that success in sports is about more than being a fan; it’s also about being passionate for the work, regardless of the sports team.
For Lopez Duran, one of the most meaningful aspects of her career is the opportunity to give back to Atlanta and the community.
“Contributing to a city that has shaped both my education and my career is something I have never taken for granted. Atlanta has always been home—it welcomed me and my family, opened doors for us, and gave me opportunities I never imagined possible.”
Although she is still early in her career, Lopez Duran regularly connects with Oglethorpe students and aspiring sports professionals, hoping to encourage others to pursue a similar path.
“I hope my career in sports allows me to make a lasting impact not only on the community I serve but also on the people who dream of working in this industry. To me, success isn’t just about building a career, it’s about creating opportunities for others, inspiring the next generation, and proving that you really can make a life, make a living, and make a difference.”
Source: oglethorpe.edu
