Overview:
Jennifer Phanord, an occasions operations skilled, labored on the sphere workforce for Tremendous Bowl LX. The Haitian American shares insights into her roles, cultural influences and the satisfaction of representing her neighborhood on the world stage.
Within the days after Dangerous Bunny’s Tremendous Bowl LX halftime present made information for its deal with illustration and the Americas, The Haitian Occasions caught up with somebody who was on the sphere the place all of it occurred: Jennifer Phanord, a Haitian American occasions operations skilled.
Whereas tens of millions watched the Dangerous Bunny spectacular from their screens, Phanord labored as a part of the workforce making it occur in actual time — shifting with precision, self-discipline and satisfaction. Her presence on the sphere highlights the quiet, but highly effective contributions of Haitian professionals working behind the scenes all over the place, together with a number of the world’s largest levels.
Right here’s an excerpt of the dialog, calmly edited for size.
The Haitian Occasions: What was your particular function on the Tremendous Bowl manufacturing workforce?
Jennifer Phanord: The halftime present relies upon fully on the individuals who make the whole lot transfer, and I used to be lucky to be one in every of them.
As a Subject Crew Member (FTM) for the Super Bowl LX halftime show, I used to be one in every of 13 individuals assigned to Cart 1, led by a cart chief who skilled us to maneuver as a single unit. We discovered and rehearsed constructing the stage in beneath 10 minutes.
THT: How else have you ever contributed to the expertise?
Phanord: Earlier than the sport, I served as a workforce lead for a NIKE x Champs Tremendous Bowl activation in San Francisco. I used to be the first liaison between the consumer, onsite companions and staffing workforce to make sure the whole lot ran easily throughout each days.
I additionally volunteered with HBCU Endzone on the NFL Tremendous Bowl Expertise, helping with fan engagement and pictures. Each function, whether or not technical, operational or community-based, performed an element in shaping the bigger expertise.
“Standing on that discipline with my Haitian flag by my facet gave me chills”
THT: How does being Haitian form the best way you progress via your profession?
Phanord: Being Haitian is a lifestyle. Rising up in a Haitian family meant studying duty early: Washing dishes, sweeping flooring, preserving issues so as. These classes adopted me into my skilled life. I take satisfaction in clear setups, environment friendly breakdowns and ensuring the workspace displays excellence.
But it surely’s deeper than group. Haitians are daring. Our historical past is rooted in resilience, and that resilience shapes how I present up. I’m by no means afraid to ask obligatory questions or totally personal the function I’m given. I make sure that the workforce is aligned and contributing to the execution of large-scale occasions.
Total, I’d say my roots preserve me grounded, and I draw from the knowledge of my household to create
experiences that go away colleagues and followers impressed.
THT: In lots of Haitian households, conventional careers are sometimes inspired over others. How did your dad and mom reply to your path?
Phanord: I’m grateful my dad and mom had been supportive once I selected to pursue a level in sport administration, even once I wasn’t positive it was a “actual” diploma at first. I used to be uncovered to the sports activities trade as an adolescent and fell in love with the behind-the-scenes workings that make occasions profitable. Whether or not working the sport clock or filling gamers’ water bottles, I understood that each function mattered.
Right now, as I work on my seventh Tremendous Bowl, my dad and mom are extremely proud.
THT: How did it really feel really being there?
Phanord: Standing on that discipline with my Haitian flag by my facet gave me chills. With out their [my parents] assist, I might not be right here.
Being daring and believing in my dream opened doorways I by no means imagined.