The Atlanta Hawks, in partnership with Stand Together, a philanthropic community that tackles the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, completed a six-part Virtual Sales Academy to train part-time State Farm Arena team members who desired professional training to learn the language of sales. During a six-week period, 33 participants, ages 20-70, received professional sales training with interactive modules designed to create a hands-on introduction to sports business. 

“We are so grateful for Stand Together’s partnership in making this Virtual Sales Academy impactful for our participants,” said Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer Camye Mackey. “This particular program was aimed at providing different training for those without a traditional sales background and combat the stigma around career opportunities for those without a college degree, all while building a pathway for these individuals to begin a career in sales.”

Over the course of six weeks, participants met with Hawks Sales Leadership every Friday for two hours, with lessons ranging from using and developing sales scripts to working through objections and scheduling appointments. Participants engaged in mock sales calls with members of the Hawks sales staff in smaller breakout rooms and received feedback in real time. These weekly meetings prioritized group interactions, roleplay, and continued learning.

The training was conducted in partnership with Per Scholas, a national nonprofit organization that advances economic mobility through immersive training for careers in technology and provides talent to more than 300 companies in the Metro Atlanta area.

Following the conclusion of the Virtual Sales Academy, graduates were invited to a networking event at the award-winning State Farm Arena where they met face to face with Hawks and State Farm Arena leadership and received professional headshots courtesy of Stand Together.

"We would like to thank the Hawks and State Farm Arena for their partnership and collaboration in developing the Virtual Sales Academy,” said Ryan Stowers, Senior Vice President at Stand Together. “Stand Together is eager to join with forward-looking employers, like the Hawks, to revolutionize the future of work. By re-examining traditional hiring practices and tapping into promising new sources of talent, businesses and employees succeed."

In November 2024, the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and Stand Together announced a multi-year social impact partnership championing local community and education efforts. This collaboration uplifts the community through initiatives like Cuts & Conversations, a series of empowering conversations hosted at Killer Mike’s S.W.A.G. Shop, and Georgia Counties School Nights, which celebrates local educators and provides resources to create better learning environments for students.

To learn more about the Hawks and State Farm Arena’s partnership with Stand Together, visit Hawks.com.