Alana Meraz is the international partnership activation coordinator at Major League Baseball, where she collaborates with MLB partners in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Tokyo; Toronto; and Mexico. After hours, she is the founder and CEO of Latinx in Sports, which looks to further the conversation of Latinx representation and influence within sports.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest career accomplishment is the opportunity to travel extensively, which has taken me to places I never imagined visiting at such a young age. This experience has allowed me to connect with people worldwide, from soccer fans in the heart of the USA to baseball enthusiasts in Korea and the UK. Being able to pursue my passion while building a global network has made me feel both accomplished and grateful.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment is taking a leap of faith and moving out of Arizona. While this isn’t tied to a specific title or location, I am proud of securing jobs in a career I am passionate about. Growing up in a small town with a close-knit family, moving to Chicago and then to New York City was a significant achievement. Despite feeling alone at times in these big cities, I managed to make friends by being true to myself. This journey has showcased my resilience and adaptability.
What do you do today to impact your community?
I impact my community by acting as a connector, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities that promote personal and professional growth within the Latinx community. Additionally, I volunteer with various organizations to support and uplift Latinx individuals, ensuring they have access to essential resources and networks for success.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I envision myself advancing Latinx representation in the sports industry. My goal is to create opportunities and dismantle barriers for underrepresented groups, ensuring the Latinx community is well-represented across all levels—employees, fans, and leadership. I also aim to highlight and share success stories from within the Latinx community to inspire broader understanding and support.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I want to tackle the lack of paid internships, which often hinders the Latinx community and other underrepresented groups from taking advantage of these crucial opportunities. Providing grants or paid internships will level the playing field, ensuring all talented individuals have equal chances to succeed, irrespective of their financial circumstances.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
I realized the impact of my work when multiple individuals from Latinx in Sports shared that they secured jobs in the sports industry through connections made at our events. Hearing these success stories and knowing we facilitated these opportunities for Latinx professionals reinforces our mission. Moreover, I am a testament to this achievement my involvement with Latinx in Sports has significantly expanded my network, allowing us to support and elevate each other within the community.
Who inspires your leadership?
Catalina Villegas, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Major League Baseball, inspires my leadership. Originally from Colombia, Catalina is a former professional and collegiate tennis player with extensive experience in multicultural engagement and DEI initiatives. She has been a steadfast supporter of Latinx in Sports and a mentor who encourages me to stay true to my values and aspirations, particularly in advancing the Latinx community. Her work in fostering inclusivity at MLB and her guidance motivate me to continue advocating for diversity and representation in sports.
What is a surprising hobby or interest that helps you stay creative and energized?
I enjoy working out and recently discovered Barry’s, which helps me focus on my physical health. Additionally, creating content about sneakers and fashion keeps my creativity alive. Since I travel often, I have a book as a constant companion that helps me relax and stay imaginative.
What is your Latino background?
I am Mexican American, born and raised in Arizona. My grandparents were born in Mexico, and while my mom was born in Arizona, she grew up in Mexico and moved to the US in her late teens. This shared journey has created many first-generation moments for us, strengthening my connection to my Latinx roots and culture.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” by Selena and “Mi Primer Millón” by Bacilos. Both songs evoke fun childhood memories and remind me of my mom, who instilled many of my values and a strong sense of pride in our Latinx heritage.
