What Happened to Me at the NFL Draft
…while working the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, something happened that I can’t just move on from—and honestly, I don’t think I should.
What started as a normal shift turned into hours of confusion, being redirected between entrances, and eventually getting lost trying to find my way back.
But what stayed with me isn’t just the logistics.
It’s how quickly someone can fall through the cracks… in a system that should be designed to support them.
It’s how easy it is to ask for help—and not receive it.
And it’s how often women experience moments like this… and choose not to say anything.
I’m not sharing this for sympathy.
I’m sharing it because silence is how things like this continue.
This isn’t about one night.
It’s about what happens when someone decides to speak up instead of letting it go.
And maybe more importantly—
what could change if more people did.
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
And you don’t have to stay quiet either.
Working at a large event like the NFL Draft can be exhilarating but also overwhelming, especially when the support systems in place fail to provide clear guidance. From personal experience, I’ve learned that even well-organized events can have moments where staff or attendees get lost and feel ignored by those who are supposed to assist. At events packed with dozens of entrances, security layers, and constantly moving personnel, it’s crucial that communication channels are efficient. Unfortunately, during the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, I found myself redirected multiple times without clear answers, which created a sense of isolation and frustration. This experience highlighted a common problem many face—not just at sports events but in many large-scale operations: the lack of effective support when someone asks for help. What struck me most was how easy it felt to be overlooked despite reaching out. It made me realize how frequently women, in particular, encounter similar situations where their needs or concerns are dismissed, yet they choose to stay silent. The fear of being ignored or judged often outweighs the courage to speak up. But breaking that silence is where true progress begins. The phrase "ASKING WHAT HAPPENED" captured in the event’s visual materials echoes a deeper question we should all consider—how often do our calls for assistance go unanswered, and what can be done about it? From my perspective, sharing these stories openly can help others feel less alone and more empowered to voice their experiences. Whether it’s confusion over logistics at a major sporting event or other moments where the system fails, speaking out can lead to better protocols, awareness, and empathy. If you’ve ever felt lost or unsupported in a busy environment, know that your experience matters. Reach out, share your story, and encourage a culture where asking for help is met with understanding, not silence. Together, these small acts can foster a more inclusive and responsive environment for everyone involved.
