AAMU Alumna Thrives in New NBA Role

Mykeanna ‘Missy’ Dotson was recently promoted to New Season Sales Consultant for the Atlanta Hawks. The AAMU alumna is enjoying the new role which allows her to help grow the fanbase through memorable experiences. 

“The greatest part of my job is creating moments that matter for everyone,” says Dotson. “People might not remember what you do for them but, they always remember how you make them feel.”

Before starting her career in the NBA, Dotson says she learned and sharpened the invaluable skill of go-getting as a student at Alabama A&M University. The Atlanta native - born in Cleveland, Ohio - reflects on an exciting journey that started when she chose to attend Alabama’s largest HBCU.

“I am an only child and came to Alabama not knowing a soul,” says Dotson. “I was determined to meet friends, take risks, and build relationships.”

Dotson did that, and more. She was an AAMU Cheerleader, a member of the Sigma Tau Epsilon Professional Fraternity Inc., Ward Modeling Troupe, Pre-Alumni Association, and Urban Planning Association. She also interned at WJAB and served as an AAMU football assistant for three years, which helped her build connections and get experience in the field of sports.

Like most success stories, Dotson's came with challenges. 

“I graduated during during the start of COVID in 2020 which made things very difficult,” she says. “I applied for jobs in several industries and couldn’t land anything, until one day I decided to get on LinkedIn and do a little research. I messaged everyone from the Hawks asking for a chance. I thought maybe I was out of my league, but I didn’t give up. I told the sales VP at the time if he took a chance on me, I wouldn’t let him down.”

Dotson says that tenacity got her the first phone interview that day. Two weeks later, she was invited to an in-person interview. 

“I was so nervous because people flew in from all over to interview for a sales position,” says Dotson.  “I knew that I was a good learner and my personality was bigger than I am.”

The 4 feet tall go-getter didn't flinch.

“Even though I’d never worked in sales, A&M had prepared me for this very moment - presenting in front of a ton of people I didn’t know, dressing appropriately, and coming prepared. I knew that I only had one shot, and I made it count.” 

Today, Dotson helps grow the Atlanta Hawks fan base through outreach and engagement activities. 

“My job is to bring in new business,” she says. “My day consists of making outbound calls to different prospects and businesses to share the value of our product. I manage my current book of business, making sure that my members are getting the best experience every time they step foot in State Farm Arena.”

Hired from a pool of 30 applicants, Dotson became the first graduate of the Hawks' 12-month Sales Development program which fast-tracked her ability to find her place within the organization.

“The training wheels were off, and I knew I had to stay at the top in order to continue to advance,” she said. “I worked hard and stayed within the top four in revenue, which soon allowed me to get promoted to my current role as New season Sales Consultant.”

Dotson says the toughest part of her job is not being able to control the little things.

“Sometimes people have one bad experience, and you can’t help it. Sometimes the team doesn’t perform well, and sometimes your favorite player gets hurt and can’t play. My job is to create the best experiences I can. Bringing in new clients, making memories for their families, and building relationships is what keeps me going.”

Despite her busy schedule, Dotson says she remains committed to AAMU. “I come back for every Homecoming and take part in the cheering sideline with AAMU Cheer Alumni. I am grateful for the time I spent and the people I met on The Hill. Truly if you start here, you never know where you will go!”