In the vibrant and collaborative industry of event planning, Yvonne Markabawi explores her career journey filled with life lessons and learning opportunities that shaped her into the giving and hard-working person she is today. Working as the Events Coordinator in the Collingwood Football Club’s Event Department, Yvonne’s story is one of reflection, determination, and the power of remaining true to yourself.

Yvonne began her career as a hopeful university student, who was determined to forge her way into the sporting industry. Studying a Bachelor of Business Majoring in Sports Management at La Trobe University, Yvonne completed an “internship with the Carlton Football Club working in the Community Department as a Community Outreach Assistant” in her final year.

While working at a local café as a barista at the time, she saw online that Collingwood was hiring. She shared “I accepted a casual position in the Membership Department where I worked directly with members and fans. After being in the role for two months, I was uplifted into a full-time position.” Having worked in the role for a further three years, she felt “I had run my course with my position and was ready for a new chapter and to try something different.” Luckily at the time, Collingwood was looking to hire in the events team, and she was offered her current position of Events Coordinator. She shared “my role takes care of all membership events, player sponsor events, all VFL, AFLW and VFLW, as well as match-day. It’s definitely a busy department, but I think it’s exactly the type of role that I was searching for.”

When asked what inspired her to pursue a career in event management, Yvonne responded with a smile and shared, “I actually thought I would be a physiotherapist.” During her first year at university, she was undertaking a Bachelor of Health Sciences, but quickly realised that the health industry wasn’t suited to her. “I had a deep think about what I’m interested in, and it’s always been to work in sport. But I didn’t see myself in events because it’s never crossed my mind.” Being an organised and determined person with an eye for detail, made Yvonne perfect for an events role. “I’m also a people person, which is very important because you work with people from everywhere that help bring an event to life.”

Having worked as the Club’s Event Coordinator for the almost five years, she shared it’s the people that make her role most enjoyable. “I’m a people person so I love networking and talking. Working with every department in the Club is something I love about my job because that’s how I create those connections and relationships. I’ll happily walk down the corridor and say hello to anyone I meet.” Having worked on roughly 90+ events, when asked which one has been the most memorable, she instantly said it was her first. “It was a ‘Mingle with Magpies’ event where a group of our supporters have a chance to mingle with our AFL players. When I was able to plan and execute the project, I received such positive feedback from the attendees, players, and staff. This single event made me feel so confident and I proved to myself that I can do this.”

From starting in the Membership Department to progressing into Events, Yvonne shared it wouldn’t have been possible if someone didn’t take a chance on her. “Obviously coming from a membership background, I didn’t have any event experience, but I knew I had the qualities needed for the job. I also absorbed, continuously learnt and I set my work ethic to a high standard. Whether it’s a 20 person event or the Club’s Best and Fairest, I put together the space for everyone to come together and enjoy. So, I want to give it the care and respect it deserves.”

Yvonne is currently managing six events simultaneously, so when asked how she handles the stressful moments and the outcomes of making mistakes, she shared “it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s how you learn from them is what matters. I’ve learnt that every mistake is a learning opportunity for next time, and I believe that’s a key attitude to have in any industry, but especially events. If I project stress onto everyone else on my team on the day, it will cause shambles. So, at the end of the day, it’s okay because we are only human”.

Yvonne has managed events including the Club’s Magpies Stars Clinic, Mingle with Magpies, the Club’s Season Launch and the AFLW Best and Fairest last year to name a few. When asked what her greatest hurdle has been, she said it was the hardships at the beginning of her career. “When I applied for positions, I would easily get interviews and perform well in them, but I was always getting told to change parts of myself to fit into the norm. Constantly being let down and no one believing in me was the biggest hurdle I had to overcome because I knew I could make it. I’m so proud that I stuck to being myself and not letting it deter me from making my aspirations come true.”

Having the strength to continue despite the adversities, she shared what motivates her to care about female empowerment within the industry. “I think from my personal experiences, I’ve learnt that it’s important for women to use their voices to make a change. I think by women supporting women, it will help each other speak up and not let anyone deter from achieving their career goals.” When asked to share an experience where she experienced women supporting women, Collingwood’s Women in Black and White (“WIBW”) program was the first thought to her mind. “I feel like especially working in women’s sport, the WIBW is great as an advocate and initiative within our Club.”

Linking back to events, she shared “the WIBW have created really great events where we can have an avenue where ideas can be heard, learn and feel appreciated without any judgement or feeling you have the wrong answer. “Further, she shared her thoughts on why companies would benefit from having more women within the workspace. “I think it comes down to having another perspective. Working in a male dominated industry like the AFL, it’s easy to stick to the old ways of how the work environment should be and the way to conduct business. So, by having a women’s touch on things can be a game changer.

Yvonne reflected on her career to date from everything I have achieved over the years, my proudest career achievement was getting the job at Collingwood. All I wanted to do was work in the sport industry and as a Carlton supporter I said I would never work here” she laughed. “But I’ve grown to have a soft spot for this Club, and I feel lucky to be here across my career journey.”

The Club’s Women in Black and White Group will continue to profile the women and non-binary people of the Club each month in 2024.