In celebration of Black History Month, the State Fair of Texas is highlighting one of our many incredible employees, Leslie Jefferson, the Fair’s director of sponsorships and commercial activations. For 13 years, Leslie has been a shining star in the workplace, and her fresh perspective and dedication shine when she speaks about the Fair. We sat down with Leslie for a Q&A so folks could learn more about Leslie and her professional journey at The Most Texan Place on Earth.
- Over the course of your 13 years at the State Fair of Texas, what aspect of African American growth in the fair industry overall has impressed you, whether it be employees or external parties such as vendors, sponsors, or guests?
While the fair industry is not historically known for an influx of African American employees, my hope is that more people who look like me will have increased opportunities to contribute and provide innovation to the industry in the future. I was fortunate enough to be recruited by my friend, Melanie Linnear, who has been with the State Fair of Texas for more than 35 years and serves as senior vice president of concessions. As a fellow African American, she helped me get my foot in the door and made me feel more secure in my decision to pursue this career, which was somewhat foreign to me. I did not have experience in the industry; however, in a sense, I was in the same field of work in a corporate setting. My transition to the State Fair of Texas was just a matter of change in the product I was selling.
- Walk us through your professional journey at the State Fair of Texas. From your first role to your current, have you been presented with challenges? Additionally, what do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment(s)?
Beginning in 2011, I joined the State Fair team as exhibits coordinator. As I had no prior experience in the fair industry, I was nervous and very skeptical, as the only thing I knew about the State Fair of Texas was the food and the Midway. Little did I know all the behind-the-scenes work required to create a successful 24-day exposition that celebrates all things Texan, but I quickly learned, and it was indeed an eye-opener. Two years later, I became the marketing coordinator, supporting the marketing team with sponsorships while simultaneously manning our front receptionist desk. As I was constantly answering fairgoers’ questions and frequently working on a multitude of sponsorships, I feel I gained a wealth of knowledge of the Fair in a brief period, which in turn grew my confidence and aided my growth within the organization.
In 2016, I then transitioned to sponsorship coordinator, where I was responsible for logistics and executing all things sponsorships. This role was a huge jump, as I was forced to step out of my comfort zone and required to work more independently after working primarily behind the scenes the previous five years. Though I was nervous at the beginning of this transition, my supervisor, Jennifer Schuder, took me under her wing and assured me I was the person for the job. In 2022, I was promoted to manager of sponsorships, a milestone both professionally and personally, shifting from a coordinator to a manager role. I feel that I grew the most in that position; however, effective earlier this month, I was promoted to Director of Sponsorships and Commercial Activations, and excited for what the future has in store.
While I do not necessarily feel I have a reportable accomplishment, as mentioned previously, I feel that I have achieved steady growth in my professional journey through each of my positions. I still strive for excellence in my role and feel that my “greatest accomplishment” is on the horizon. In 2023, I enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management (IFM) through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), which serves to enhance the professional development of the employees of member fairs by providing education and training in areas of core competency necessary for the operations of today’s fairs, large or small. I am looking forward to completing this program and am excited to see where the road takes me within the industry and our organization.
- Out of the Fair’s five core values (TEXAS: Texantude, Enthusiastically Customer Focused, EXemplary Team Spirit, Affection for the Fair and its Mission, and Stewardship of the Tradition), which do you believe you most align with and why?
While I do believe I embody all of TEXAS, I equally align with Texantude and Stewardship of the Tradition, or what I like to call “the bookends of our core values.” I consistently ask myself, “What are we doing to ensure we (State Fair of Texas) stay in a positive light, both internally and externally?” Furthering that idea, I truly view everyone as a customer, whether it be our sponsors, commercial exhibitors, concessionaires, or fairgoers. With the annual State Fair of Texas being our largest fundraiser of the year, our success relies on each one of these individuals.
- What advice would you give African American professionals wanting to enter the fair industry?
Get started and get involved from the jump. Looking back, I regret not getting involved early on and taking advantage of the educational, networking, and convention opportunities. Aim to become fully immersed, both within the industry and your organization. I feel the more experience you can gain, the more you can bring to the table for your fair or organization.
- As the Director of Sponsorships & Commercial Activations, what is your favorite part of the job?
The variety of people and corporations I work with year after year keeps me on my toes and provides me with new perspectives. Everyone has a specific need or want, and my idea of success is to make our partnerships as seamless as possible.
- What African American icon first comes to mind when you think of Black History Month and why?
I do not necessarily think of an individual but a compilation of black culture and all it has endured, still standing, striving, fighting, and dreaming despite the adversity.
- What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a reminder to keep moving and growing. I think of resilience, and I am thankful to myself for not giving up.
The State Fair of Texas values Leslie’s leadership, dedication, and passion in her role on the team and towards the organization. We appreciate her shining a light on what Black History Month means to her and sharing her journey here at the State Fair of Texas.