Today we’d like to introduce you to RaShauna Hamilton.
Hi RaShauna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and those roots have shaped everything about who I am and how I lead. Community, authenticity, and purpose have always been at the center of my story. My journey in sports started in a gym as a volunteer girls’ basketball coach, where I saw how sport could build confidence and connection. That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to using sport as a tool for impact.
Since then, I’ve worked across the NFL, NBA, and NWSL, leading initiatives that connect people and celebrate inclusion. From helping build the Miami Dolphins’ Football UNITES program, which earned national recognition for its community impact, to now leading fan growth and community strategy for the Washington Spirit, my goal has remained the same: to make sure everyone feels seen, valued, and part of something bigger.
As one of the few Black queer women in senior leadership across professional sports, I take pride in representing communities that are often underrepresented in these spaces. My Maryland upbringing taught me the importance of showing up fully as yourself and creating space for others to do the same.
Beyond my day-to-day work, I serve on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington and the Positive Coaching Alliance, and I teach at Virginia Commonwealth University to help guide the next generation of sport leaders.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been hilly, rocky and sometimes resembled more gravel than pavement but, it has been a meaningful one. Working in professional sports, I often step into rooms where I am the only one who looks like me. Early in my career, I had to learn how to navigate those spaces with confidence while staying true to myself. There were moments when my perspective wasn’t always understood or valued, but those challenges pushed me to develop my voice and to advocate not only for myself but for others.
Another challenge has been the amount of movement that comes with this industry. I have lived in multiple cities and had to rebuild community and stability each time. It can be exhausting, especially with a family, but it has also taught me adaptability and the importance of finding purpose wherever you land. Each move brought new lessons, new people, and new opportunities to grow.
Despite the obstacles, I would not trade the journey. Every challenge has strengthened my belief in why I do this work: to make sports a space where more people, especially women and people of color, can lead, thrive, and feel at home.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my current role, I lead fan growth and community strategy for the Washington Spirit. My work centers on creating experiences that connect people to the team and to each other. I specialize in brand development, experiential marketing, and purpose-driven community impact. What sets me apart is that I approach every project with a community-first mindset. Whether it is a major league partnership or a youth clinic, I am always thinking about how sport can build belonging and spark joy.
Throughout my career, I have been proud to build programs that last. With the Charlotte Bobcats, now the Hornets, I helped create The Book Bus, a literacy program which brings books and learning resources to kids across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. Almost 10 years later that program is still running and providing resources to students. During my time with the Miami Dolphins, I helped develop Football UNITES, a nonprofit initiative that connects diverse communities through shared experiences and conversations.The program donates close to $250,000 each year to nonprofits and generates significant impact in the Miami community. It has provided scholarships for students for college and trades programs, connected players to cultural hubs in the city and brought nearly 250 youth through educational learning around diversity and empowerment.
What makes this work even more meaningful is being able to represent Prince George’s County everywhere I go. No matter the city or team, I bring a piece of PG County’s pride, resilience, and culture with me. I believe that when fans have a memorable experience with their team, it shapes how they see the community behind it. If someone walks away with a positive impression of the people of PG County because of a game-day experience or a community event, then I know I have done my job well.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is going to basketball games with my dad. He has always understood what it takes to be a dedicated athlete, and those moments together are what sparked my love for sports. One of the most special memories was seeing Venus and Serena play in person. We even got the chance to meet Venus, and my dad turned to me and said, “This is what you could be.” That moment stayed with me and continues to remind me of the power of representation and belief.
Contact Info:
