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11/01/2023 09:06 AMSeveral passionate fans of sports go through adolescence and early adulthood aspiring to work along the sidelines or behind the scenes of producing shows around the games, but only the special and select few can attain the chance. For one local native, she not only took the opportunity by the horns, she grabbed a brass ring in the form of a tremendous accolade.
Born and raised in North Haven, Erika Vingiano grew up playing sports, and she played any and all sport afforded to her before moving on to Hamden Hall Country Day School to play field hockey, basketball, and softball. Later, she transferred to North Haven High School as a sophomore, where she continued her dancing career.
Yet Erika moved on to a new phase and facet of the sporting world in media, working for NBC Sports as a Production and Operations Specialist for six years, a brief one-year stint with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in production management, and ESPN as Production Coordinator. Most recently, Erika earned one of the highest distinctions in her field by winning a Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Show — Daily: ESPN SportsCenter, as an Associate Producer.
“It’s safe to say that an Emmy Award is the most prestigious award in television. Once I began my career at NBC Sports, I saw many of my peers had one or more, I knew earning one was a feasible goal for me,” says Erika. “I spent almost six years at NBC, where I worked at three Olympics. The Olympics is always highly recognized at the Sports Emmys. Of course, every nomination I was part of, I never won. When I transitioned to ESPN, I was hopeful that there would be more opportunities to obtain one. Sure enough, I was part of two Sport Emmy nominations this year and we won. Every day working in television is a grind, it truly is hard work and a commitment. It takes a village is the perfect saying for it. I am part of an incredible team at ESPN, with so many talented folks, it’s a collaborative effort. I am confident this is the first of many awards to come. It feels good to have something to show for all my efforts to help deliver the best quality content possible.”
Growing up in the Nutmeg State and its southern half, Erika’s eventual lifelong love of sports started with pinstripes and Connecticut’s long-lost but beloved and favorite former NHL squad. After hearing the notes of Brass Bonanza, it helped strike a chord with her to pursue her passion while staying close to home.
“I went to sporting events with my family. It was one of my favorite activities. Yankees, Whalers, any games in the region my dad or uncle would take me to would always be exciting,” says Erika. “There is nothing like the energy at a big sports game; I love it. That’s where my true love developed for sports media. The viewership, the story telling. When I started my Bachelor’s at Albertus Magnus College, I did not have much of a vision for my future until I decided to focus on Communications. I grew up with a love for sporting events and games, concerts and pop culture, soft news, etc. I held internships at WWE and WTNH Channel 8. I then went on to get my master’s at Quinnipiac University in Journalism. Born and raised in New Haven County and having all my family in the area, I never wanted to go too far. Fortunately, Connecticut is a hub for some big TV Networks. I secured the job at NBC Sports and, since then, I knew I chose the right path for myself.”
While being in the epicenter of media with the tri-state area, Erika had the added luxury and asset of being able to pick the brains of so many great minds within the business and only strengthen her tool belt when it came to constructing a proud career for herself–one that keeps growing notches daily.
“I have been lucky to have great leadership along the way, both men and women,” says Erika. “I learn something new every day from my leaders and peers. Someone can have a great way of handling a certain situation, while another person can have a different great way of doing it. Being mindful and open to other perspectives and collaborating ideas to generate the best product possible. This is not a selfish job, it’s a team effort. You need your peers to succeed.”
Moreso, while seemingly contradictory on the surface in a team-based setting, Erika maintains that the greatest lesson learned has been self advocacy. She adds that in order to rise the ranks, one cannot be afraid to step outside of their comfort zones and master new tasks and experiences outside of their skill set.
“The most valuable lesson that I have taken and used from all my leaders would be advocating for myself,” says Erika. “While it feels unnatural, it is the only way to succeed at a big organization. There are many people, it can be easy to get lost in the mix. There are opportunities outside of your specific role when working at a big company and while it may be adding to your plate, you’re benefiting your career long-term and breaking the mold for yourself. Day-to-day efforts add up and can help you in the long run.”
While certain days she may stand in awe at her occupation and the opportunities it has presented, Erika does not let it shy her away from basking in the utter enjoyment it brings.
“It has been an honor to work at NBC Sports, WWE, and ESPN. Many days I am in disbelief that I get to walk through those doors and call it work,” Erika says. “I have genuinely enjoyed working at all three. I have had the privilege to interact with so many talented people and, most importantly, learn from them. Whether on-site at an event or shoot, or in the office, it’s always an exciting environment to be in.”
A former working colleague and mentor to Erika, Christina Tanaka, expressed her joy surrounding Erika’s recognition for putting in a lot of work that can sometimes go unnoticed in the bright lights and fast-paced world of television production.
“To be recognized with a Sports Emmy Award as part of the team that was able to execute a show is an incredible honor that I’m so thrilled to hear Erika has achieved,” says Tanaka. “In a male-dominated industry, it’s always especially exciting to hear about women being part of the sports television team and being acknowledged for the details, preparations, phone calls, and meetings that go on behind the scenes to bring these programs to the audience. I am so proud to have Erika as one of the many talented individuals I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside during my career, and am delighted to hear about the new Emmy award-winning projects she’s across. Television is such a team effort, and I look forward to celebrating all Erika’s future successes!”
Expectedly while working for these entities, Erika has crossed paths with many celebrities across the entertainment and sports universe–from someone who has sung her way into millions of people’s living rooms every Sunday evening around 8 p.m., to another who adds many spices to life.
“While at NBC Sports, Carrie Underwood came to the office. She has been the open of Sunday Night Football for years now. She was on her book tour and nearby so she stopped in. She gave many of us signed books and chatted for a bit. Carrie is one of the most stunning people I have ever seen in real life, and even kinder than beautiful. She was extremely down to earth, sharing details about motherhood and her career and trying to juggle both,” says Erika. “Also at NBC Sports, I stumbled upon Bobby Flay at the Preakness Stakes in Baltimore. He was a really nice guy; his daughter was an intern during the PyeongChang Olympics, so we chatted about that and then ironically traveled back to New York together. Most recently, UFC Fighter Michael Chandler stopped by the ESPN office–another wonderful meet and greet.”
The Emmy is only the tip of the iceberg for Erika. Though extremely grateful and satisfied by the long-desired award, she knows there are many more mountains to scale, which includes potentially someday being part of producing the biggest communal sporting event of the year.
“I hope to continue growing and evolving at ESPN—however that may be within my current department,” says Erika. “I look to keep learning from my leaders and peers, and paving the way for myself through their leadership. Some events I would love to be part of, that I have not yet, would be a Super Bowl and the ESPYs.”