Women Who Grow the Game: Browns Panelists Share Strategy, Storytelling and Confidence

By Julia Greco 

​Three professionals from the Cleveland Browns shared their insight on sports marketing and media during PRSSA Kent’s virtual panel, “Women Who Grow the Game,” giving students an inside look at NFL-level brand strategy and fan engagement.

Kelsey Russo, associate editor, described the fast pace of a typical game week. From midweek press conferences to Sunday coverage, her role focuses on storytelling across multiple platforms.

“On game day, I’m in the press box covering the game, writing a story or column that breaks down what happened,” Russo said.

Afterward, she gathers quotes from players and coaches to shape follow-up content. Russo said the biggest adjustment in moving from beat reporter to in-house writer was learning how to frame stories while still maintaining credibility.

“It’s kind of that balance,” Russo said. “While we are promoting the team, we’re also being fair about its state, so people feel like they can trust what they’re reading.”

While Russo focuses on storytelling, she emphasized that the same information can be framed in different voices or tones.

Pozuelos builds on that approach in her work expanding the Browns’ fandom beyond Ohio. She leads influencer marketing and oversees the Browns’ efforts in Nigeria through the NFL’s Global Markets Program.

“I don’t really have an offseason because many of the programs I work on operate year-round,” Pozuelos said.

After the Browns gained Nigerian marketing rights in 2024, they focused on developing American football, celebrating diverse culture and building brand awareness. Pozuelos emphasized the importance of research and adaptability.

“You always have to be intentional about what you do,” she said. “This is a completely different market compared to Northeast Ohio. So how can we adapt to that?”

Her work includes hosting camps and clinics, collaborating with Nigerian partners and building engagement through influencers and content creators. As the program grows, she said success is increasingly measured with clear benchmarks.

“Now can we start to put numbers behind things?” Pozuelos said.

Ellie Levy, marketing coordinator, approaches her role through event planning and experience. She helps execute game-day activations, affinity events and stadium productions, treating each home game as its own event.

“What we cannot control is what’s happening on the field,” Levy said. “What we can control is the vibe of the stadium.”

From kids club events to concerts, Levy said success varies by campaign.

“A win means no medical incidents and no one got hurt,” she said. “Doing something is a win in itself.”

All three panelists addressed navigating a male-dominated industry. Russo encouraged students to trust their knowledge. Pozuelos told attendees that “there is a space for women to succeed, to thrive.” Levy urged young professionals not to discount their experience.
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“Never discount any experience you’ve had,” Levy said. “You can translate it.”
Together, the panelists showed that growing the game requires strategy, adaptability and the confidence to take up space.