If you ever need proof that purpose and persistence go hand in hand, spend five minutes with Sonny Parks. Now Senior Marketing Manager at ESPN Chicago, Sonny’s path is a blueprint for those chasing fulfillment in fast-paced, high-stakes industries like sports and media.
A proud Peoria native, Sonny found his calling at the crossroads. Midway through college, unsure of his next move, he leaned into what had always brought him joy: sports. That decision — switching majors to pursue sports marketing — was the start of a career rooted in grit, curiosity, and service.
Since then, Sonny’s built a track record that spans the WNBA, the NFL, and now ESPN’s iconic Chicago brand. But titles and teams only tell part of the story. What truly sets him apart is how he shows up every day: With a mindset grounded in development, energy, and heart.
Whether managing interns or executing citywide events, Sonny blends data-driven strategy with people-first leadership. He’s just as likely to be breaking down social media metrics as he is mentoring the next generation of talent.
In this Q&A, Sonny shares what keeps him grounded, how he stays passionate in a 24/7 industry, and why giving back is central to his joy at work.
Let’s dive in.
What first drew you to marketing, and how did that early interest grow into a career path? And how much did your passion for sports influence the direction you chose?
I remember my junior year of college I was at a crossroads, really conflicted on what I truly wanted to do with my career. At that point, I decided to make a change and go all in on pursuing a career working in sports. This meant switching majors and immediately focusing on an emphasis in sports management & marketing. Thankfully, my motivation was back, and I knew then it was the right move. I was already very passionate about sports, as I worked at the tennis complex on campus volunteering in youth sports as well. At that point, I realized I had to learn as much as possible and stack experience to figure out what was next.
What does a typical “day in the life” look like for you professionally?
Every day is different for me, which makes it exciting! I would say a majority of my days consist of planning and executing signature events, coaching our marketing team, and managing our internship program. I also get to oversee our social media pages while also analyzing backend reports on how we can best maximize our partnerships and digital content.
From the WNBA to the NFL, and now ESPN Chicago, Is there a moment from the past few years that really made you step back and think, “Wow, I love what I do”?
I have been extremely fortunate to work for some amazing teams and organizations, while also having some of the best managers I could ever ask for. It is hard for me to pinpoint an exact moment, but recently with my promotion to Senior Marketing Manager at ESPN Chicago, I gained the ability to manage our Marketing team and each day I focus on how I can help bring out the best of each person I manage. That is truly a blessing and something I don’t take for granted as I love helping people reach their full potential.
I know that you are heavily involved in downtown Chicago events. How has helping out in the community impacted you?
I am very passionate about giving back to the community whenever I can. I grew up in the Heart of Illinois, Peoria, where I learned at a young age it is important to help those in need and be a role model for people younger than you. Giving back to your community is a win-win for everyone involved.
I saw on your LinkedIn that you help bring in new interns—being a former intern for the WNBA and NFL yourself, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in an internship?
First off, do the little things well. Be on time, ask questions, and work hard. These are non-negotiables as an intern. I would also recommend to find ways to differentiate yourself. Being an intern you only have a limited time to make a difference, so things like work ethic and your ability to communicate well will take you a long way. I also recommend that you don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, as your manager and team is there to help you every step of the way.
How do you stay passionate and energized about your work, even on challenging days?
You have to have a love for the grind. Working in sports is nonstop, and you need to be willing to adapt to the things changing around you. It is also a mindset knowing that you are going to have to work non-traditional hours to stay on top of your to-do list or even just to get ahead before a busy season approaches. I have learned the more organized I am, the more I am able to handle those difficult and long days.
When you were a kid, how would you have answered the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Would the kid version of yourself be happy with how your career turned out?
As a kid, I remember wanting to be a professional athlete. That dream didn’t last long, but my love for sports continued to grow, and now I am thankful my career has turned out the way it has up to this point. I still am able to collaborate, coach, and partner with some amazing people in the city of Chicago and beyond. My motto continues to be “the best is yet to come!”