Veronica Wallace ’23, ’24MBA made inclusion a major part of her Bryant experience; it’s a passion she has carried over to the working world, as well. 

Wallace, who earned her MBA in Business Analytics after completing her undergraduate degree in Marketing with a minor in Sociology, worked as a sports management associate at the Kraft Group, owners of the New England Patriots and the New England Revolution, prior to joining the Rhode Island FC soccer team as a corporate partnerships coordinator in April 2025.

The 18-month position was part of the Kraft Group's leadership development program and provides experience in sports operations, marketing and sales, and business operations — including human resources, information technology, and finance. 

That would be plenty for anyone, but Wallace also saw the job as an opportunity to help build a workplace that’s more inclusive.  

Wallace, who recently presented at the Black Women’s Blueprint’s annual Women of Color Conference at Bryant and spoke at last year’s Day of Understanding, was a leader of the group W.O.K.E. Athletes while at Bryant. 

“It provided an open platform to talk about different issues and allow the community to come together,” says Wallace, noting that the group advocated for athletes from all underrepresented groups. “We have all been in rooms where people didn’t understand our stories.”  

“We have all been in rooms where people didn’t understand our stories.”  

Wallace brought that advocacy experience to the Kraft Group along with the experience of having been a student athlete at Bryant, where she ran track as well as serving as a resident assistant, graduate assistant, international student integration coordinator, orientation leader, 4Mile program counselor, and a member of the Bryant Senior Advisory Committee. 

“There are not a lot of women, and particularly women of color, in the sports industry,” she says. “I was put in a position where I could make it feel more inclusive for me and others like me.” 

Her advocacy also extends to those on the field. For example, when the Patriots’ fortunes declined last season under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo — the first Black head coach in team history — racial animus was an unfortunate part of the public response.  

“It’s easy to see athletes as superstars and not how these incidents can affect them,” says Wallace, who has taken the initiative to raise awareness about hate speech in monthly staff meetings.  

Wallace says increased representation within the NFL has been encouraging. Currently, there are 15 women coaches working in the league, and three NFL franchises have women owners: the Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, and Detroit Lions. Additionally, Jason Wright was named the first Black team president in 2020, serving in that capacity for the Washington Commanders through 2024. 

Taking on a vocal role as a representative of her community can be a challenge, Wallace acknowledges.  

“I stay away from the politics and focus on the best ways to support the company and our athletes,” she says. “We need to be kind to each other and make people feel welcomed and safe.” 

Support from within the Kraft organization has been strong, she adds.  

“My boss always wants to hear what I have to say,” she says. “The experience has been really great so far.” 

On a personal level, Wallace has grown more comfortable with expressing her authentic self at work.  

“At the end of the day, what you look like doesn’t dictate your work ethic,” she says. “If you come in with an afro, hair braids, or a different hairstyle, it doesn’t matter; you deserve to be there, and that’s not dictated by aesthetics.” 

“What you look like doesn’t dictate your work ethic. If you come in with an afro, hair braids, or a different hairstyle, it doesn’t matter; you deserve to be there, and that’s not dictated by aesthetics.”

Wallace urges other women and people of color to be unafraid of having conversations around issues of race, gender, and representation in the workplace. 

“You are going to be uncomfortable, especially having certain conversations in a room where people don’t look like you or cannot relate to what’s being discussed,” she says.  

The goal is to inspire as well as educate, Wallace emphasizes. 

“Continue to strive for your dreams, goals, and aspirations. because entering a space that isn’t diverse is crucial for setting an example and being a role model for generations after you,” adds Wallace. “You are history in the making.”