The NFL’s New Quarterback: How Chanelle Reynolds Became a Champion of Washington Commanders for Change – Essence

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where split-second decisions could make or break a game, Chanelle S. Reynolds the beeper rings (see what I did there?).

It’s not the type of sound that may be heard across the sector at Northwest Stadium (formerly FedExField), the team’s home Washington’s commanders. Instead, it’s art that reshapes the DNA of one of America’s most beloved – and historically homogeneous – institutions. As the primary-ever director of diversity, equity and inclusion programs for commanders, Reynolds isn’t only breaking the glass ceiling; demolishes outdated textbooks and develops a recent motion plan for integration in skilled sports.

More than a decade ago, Chanelle Reynolds walked across the stage at Delaware State University with a diploma in her hand and a world of possibilities before her. Her journey within the sports industry began in 2016 when she joined the NBA G League as an Account Executive for the Delaware 87ers (now the Delaware Blue Coats). In July 2019, Reynolds moved to the NFL, joining the Washington Commanders (then often called the Washington Football Team) as director of group sales. Little did she know that in only two years she can be in a position that might allow her to influence the very culture of the organization.

Reynolds’ transition from sales to diversity champion occurred in July 2021, when she took on the groundbreaking role of diversity, equity and inclusion program leader. This evolution wasn’t just a profession turn – it’s a testament to the seismic changes happening on the planet of sports and a beacon for every young one who has ever dreamed of making a difference in an industry that usually resists change.

“If you had asked me years ago if such a turnaround was even possible, I would have said no,” Reynolds confesses. “I thought to myself, I’m an income girl. Cash rules everything around me.” But as fate would have it, Reynolds was destined to make a different kind of impact, one that might resonate far beyond the ultimate results.

In her role, Reynolds implemented several initiatives to create a more inclusive environment throughout the command organization. One of her essential goals was to expand the worker resource group program, which now includes 4 different groups serving different demographics throughout the organization.

“We have a women’s initiative network, the Black Engagement Network, Somos Commanders, which targets employees who identify as Latina and Latina, and our Commanders Pride network, which is our LGBTQ plus-focused network,” explains Reynolds. “That’s one of our main goals that we’re focusing on to make the environment more inclusive.”

But Reynolds’ influence extends beyond internal organizational structures. She can also be the initiator of initiatives connecting Commanders with the local people. “One of the initiatives I’m really proud of is some of our small business initiatives for local businesses and minority-owned or diverse-owned businesses,” she says. “We run programs where we invited local Latino-owned businesses to come and be vendors at our stadium. They had access to thousands of our fans and could showcase their products there.”

As a Black woman working in a male-dominated industry, Reynolds is keenly aware of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in skilled sports. Highlights the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, especially for black women.

“I found that Black women and women receive a lot of mentoring, but it is under-sponsored,” notes Reynolds. “Behind closed doors, in these rooms, there aren’t enough people supporting them, giving them exposure and exposing them to some of these stretch projects that are needed to get them to the next level.”

Reynolds’ commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices extends beyond her work with commanders. He hosts the podcast “The Success Playbook”, where he shares success stories through the lens of sports and DE&I. “I share the message of the underrepresented, whether it’s Black professionals or Black women in sports,” she explains. “I let them share their success stories.”

Despite the progress made, Reynolds admits there continues to be a lot of work to be done with regards to diversity and inclusion in sport. However, she stays optimistic concerning the future, citing the important thing role sports have played within the pursuit of social justice throughout history.

“Sports has always played a key role in driving difficult conversations that lead to social change,” he reflects. “We saw it in the 1968 Olympics with Tony Smith and John Carlos. We saw this even in the recent moment when the public murder of George Floyd was public and athletes protested around it.”

Looking to the longer term, Reynolds hopes to proceed to make an impact each throughout the Commanders organization and the broader sports industry. Her ultimate goal? “I want people to know that my work has given them the confidence to look authentic every day when they walk through the door,” she says.

For aspiring professionals, especially women of color, seeking to break into the sports industry, Reynolds offers this recommendation: “Find your community. Find that community that is ready to pour into you. I offer guidance and perspective on some blind spots.”

As the NFL and the sports world proceed to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, leaders like Chanelle S. Reynolds are proving that change isn’t only possible, but obligatory. Through her work with Washington’s leadership and beyond, she doesn’t just open doors – she builds a more inclusive future for everyone in the sport.