Career growth from the control room: How NAHJ supports Mireya’s ESPN journey
With a global competition taking the world by storm, 2026 has been an exciting year for soccer. But for Mireya, soccer is top of mind all the time. As Associate Producer I at ESPN, she supports the global soccer team and helps coordinate everything that happens in the control room and on the studio floor. And the excitement goes beyond the field. Since joining ESPN, she’s been making connections and discovering opportunities that continue to shape her career through organizations like the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).
On a day-to-day basis, Mireya collaborates closely with producers, directors, talent and technical crews to make sure all live shows run smoothly. She also works on graphics for shows and live events, including LaLiga matches, Bundesliga, FA Cup, UEFA Women’s Champions League and NWSL productions. Her role requires strong communication, organization, attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced live environment.
“Every day is different,” she explains. “Which is one of the things I love most about what I do. Being part of a team that brings stories, analysis and the excitement of sports to fans around the world is incredibly rewarding.”
Connecting with NAHJ
Mireya is originally from Venezuela, so when she learned about ESPN’s connection to the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), she was immediately intrigued. She was excited to learn more about the opportunities NAHJ provides for Hispanic journalists and media professionals, especially those interested in sports.
“NAHJ quickly became a place where I could meet people from across the industry, build meaningful relationships and continue growing professionally,” she recalls.
Growing in her role
Mireya started at ESPN as a production assistant before moving into her current role. With over five years of experience at the company under her belt, she’s continuing to learn and grow in her industry with the opportunities provided by her team and the connections she’s made through NAHJ.
“Working on a variety of live sports productions has taught me how to stay calm under pressure, communicate effectively and adapt quickly when things change, which happens often in live TV,” she explains. “I've had the opportunity to work on major soccer events alongside incredibly talented teams, and every production has helped me become a stronger leader and collaborator. Those experiences have prepared me to succeed in a fast-paced environment like ESPN.”
Why representation matters
Though Mireya got her start at ESPN before discovering NAHJ, the organization has given her additional opportunities to connect with industry leaders, learn from peers and continue growing within the sports media space.
ESPN proudly supports and attends NAHJ’s national conference annually, and the impact is felt both by prospective candidates in sports media and current employees like Mireya.
“It’s really meaningful,” she says. “Seeing Disney and ESPN invest in organizations like NAHJ shows a genuine commitment to supporting diverse talent and creating opportunities for people from different backgrounds. It also allows attendees to connect directly with recruiters and employees, learn about career paths and see that there is a place for them within the company. Representation and visibility truly matter.”
For sports professionals attending NAHJ this year with dreams of working for ESPN, Mireya offers this advice:
“Be curious, be proactive and don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask questions. Networking is incredibly important, but so is continuing to develop your skills and being willing to learn. Attend conferences like NAHJ, volunteer for opportunities and stay connected with people you meet along the way. ESPN looks for talented people who work well as part of a team, stay adaptable and bring passion to what they do. Those qualities can make a real difference.”
ESPN recruiters and ambassadors will be at the NAHJ Conference & Expo in New Orleans July 22-25. Stop by our booth to learn more about careers at ESPN and visit DisneyCareers.com to explore current openings.
