Seiden’s position is unique in her work with, and oversight of, so many different functional areas. She says part of the business is dedicated specifically to each property while she—as well as the CEO, president, human resources, legal and finance—works across all of HBSE’s properties.
There is no “typical” day.
“My priorities are the company priorities for that day,” says Seiden. “For example, I was heavily invested in the return to play for the NHL [in August 2020 after they paused the end of the 2019–20 season due to the pandemic].”
To keep up with her responsibilities, Seiden is leaning on her strong work ethic, which she says, Lehigh helped her to develop.
“Part of it is the university, the classes and professors, but it was also the people,” she says. “My friends and roommates worked hard and often went to the library together.”
This past December, Seiden was honored as a “Woman of Inspiration” by the New York City Metro Chapter of Women in Sports and Events (WISE).
“It was a real honor,” she says. “WISE has been very important to me, and it’s an unbelievable professional resource for so many women. I’ve made lifelong personal and professional connections there. It was really humbling to be up there receiving an award alongside [longtime New York Yankees] broadcaster Suzyn Waldman, who is an absolute legend, and Kori Davis Porter from the NBA.”
Seiden is also a role model for women looking to make an impact in sports.
“Women are underrepresented in this industry, and it’s important to me to use my position to try to help correct that imbalance,” she says. “There’s nothing I love more than connecting with the people in our organization and doing whatever small part I can to help women pursue their careers, the same way many women did for me.
“Certain challenges are unique to women in sports,” she says, “and it’s important to have a strong support system.”
Seiden is grateful for the support system she has at HBSE.
“Our leadership team really cares about the value of having a diverse range of experiences across the board,” she says, “so there’s generally a lot of women in the room, which is really positive.”
Seiden’s range of experience has prepared her for her ultimate goal: to someday lead a professional sports team of her own.
Story by Justin Lefleur
