Making a social impact: Meet Payton, ESPN and HBCU in LA intern
Payton, an intern with the ESPN social content team and HBCU in LA, seized the summer by gaining on-the-job experience while working for the worldwide leader in sports. HBCU in LA, the signature initiative of the Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), provides access to internships and housing in Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) seeking to gain valuable professional experience in the cities where the entertainment industry thrives. The Walt Disney Company is proud to support EICOP through Disney Future Storytellers.
ESPN has been a part of Payton’s life since childhood. “I grew up watching ESPN and followed them on social media since I was a teen,” he shared. “I’ve always been engulfed in their media, and being able to help create the content that me and my friends would always send each other is a dream come true.”
Payton’s day-to-day responsibilities include content research, finding stories to share on social media, and watching assigned sporting events to create engaging and relevant content. His favorite project so far was getting to tell the story of former Duke University and WNBA player Lindsey Harding, who has since built a successful coaching career and was recently named assistant coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.
What drives Payton? The opportunity to shine a positive light on athletes and sports figures like Coach Harding. “Being able to uplift them and highlight them in positive ways has always been a goal of mine.”
Payton knows firsthand the value in being surrounded by a positive support system. “My time at Bowie State University was essential for my journey to ESPN. It gave me strong support and taught me resilience, which is crucial in sports broadcasting.”
The experience of attending an HBCU equipped Payton with valuable skills that helped prepare him for launching a career in sports media. “The diverse community and supportive faculty helped me to learn inclusivity and communication skills that are vital in media today. Mentorship from professors and alumni at Bowie State shaped my commitment to excellence, guiding me in my role at ESPN.”
As he looks toward what’s next in his career, Payton feels optimistic. “Being part of HBCU in LA has greatly influenced my career goals. It's given me a supportive community and valuable networking opportunities. Being surrounded by diverse perspectives has broadened my understanding, and the experience has boosted my confidence and leadership skills, setting me up for success in my chosen field.”
For those who are just getting started at ESPN, Payton advises, “Never be afraid to ask questions because ESPN offers a community that’s helpful, warm, and welcoming to their new hires. I would also say be a sponge and shadow as many departments as you can because you never know where you’ll find a new area of interest.”
If you’re looking to kickstart your career with a role at ESPN, check out our openings today!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to providing meaningful opportunities for HBCU students at DisneyOnTheYard.com.
