Marsha-Gaye Knight
Clinical Assistant Professor. Founder of Black in Sport Business (BSB). Host & Producer
Marsha-Gaye, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, embarked on a remarkable journey that led her to become a prominent figure in the field of sports marketing and equity advocacy. Beyond her professional endeavours, Marsha-Gaye was a part-time professor at George Brown College and Toronto Metropolitan University, imparting her knowledge and expertise to the next generation of sports industry leaders. Leveraging the 14 years of industry experience coupled with her passion for teaching, Marsha-Gaye currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University (NYU).
In 2020, fueled by her passion for diversity and inclusion, Marsha-Gaye founded Black in Sport Business (BSB), an organization dedicated to enhancing the representation of Black professionals in the sports business sector throughout Canada. Her commitment to fostering equity has propelled her into the spotlight as a sought-after speaker at events like espnW, addressing audiences in both Canada and the United States. Recognizing the power of storytelling, Marsha-Gaye has extended her impact through the launch of the Black in Sport Business (BSB) Podcast, where she serves as both host and producer. The podcast aims to amplify the voices and share the inspiring stories of Black professionals in sports business.
Marsha-Gaye's story began with an impressive athletic career, earning her a full scholarship to the University of Mary in North Dakota, where she attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Sciences. Returning to Toronto, Marsha-Gaye further honed her skills by completing the Sport & Event Marketing program at George Brown College. Seeking a deeper understanding of the sports world, she pursued a Master of Science degree in Olympic Studies from the International Olympic Academy in Olympia, Greece.
With over 13 years of experience in the sports marketing industry, Marsha-Gaye has left an indelible mark with roles at prestigious companies such as Mosaic, Rogers, the NHL and most recently CBC Sports & Olympics. She continues to contribute significantly to the sports landscape in Canada. Additionally, she contributes her insights as a Board Member of the Sponsorship Marketing Council of Canada (SMCC) and holds positions on the Advisory Committees for the Northern Super League and espnW Summit Canada.
Racial Equity in Sport • Gender Equity in Sport • Women in Sport • Sport Business • Olympic Movement • Journey to Authenticity
Areas of Expertise
Marsha’s Impact
Marsha-Gaye's dedication and accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, she has been recognized as a finalist for the George Brown College 5 to Watch industry awards for three consecutive years. Her journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, education, and a commitment to breaking down barriers in the world of sports business.
Workshop Key Takeaways
• Bringing awareness to the experiences of women of colour as they try to progress in their career in sport
• Providing insight and tools to help senior leaders understand the nuisances of race and career
• Taking a deeper dive into the ways that senior leaders can create safe spaces for women of colour
• Understanding why learning about experiences can help with bringing out the best in women of colour
