Atl Hawks and Stand Together Complete Virtual Sales Academy, Empowering Next Generation of Sales Professionals

ATLANTA (2025) – In an ongoing effort to support professional development and economic mobility, the Atlanta Hawks, in partnership with Stand Together, have successfully completed a six-part Virtual Sales Academy, providing hands-on sales training to 33 part-time State Farm Arena team members. The program, which took place over six weeks, was designed to offer professional training to participants ages 20 to 70, many of whom did not have a traditional sales or college background.

The initiative, built around real-world sales scenarios and interactive learning modules, gave participants an inside look into the world of sports business. Each week, trainees joined two-hour virtual sessions led by Hawks Sales Leadership, focusing on everything from developing sales scripts to overcoming objections and scheduling appointments. The sessions emphasized role-play, group interaction, and mock sales calls in smaller breakout rooms—giving participants valuable real-time feedback.

“We are so grateful for Stand Together’s partnership in making this Virtual Sales Academy impactful for our participants,” said Camye Mackey, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena. “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.”

The Hawks also partnered with Per Scholas, a national nonprofit advancing economic mobility through immersive technology training. The collaboration brings together sports, education, and workforce development to unlock career opportunities across Metro Atlanta.

Upon completion of the program, graduates attended a celebratory networking event at the award-winning State Farm Arena, where they connected with Hawks and State Farm Arena leadership and received professional headshots provided by Stand Together.

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

This initiative stems from a broader multi-year social impact partnership between the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and Stand Together, announced in November 2024. The partnership supports community empowerment and educational initiatives, including Cuts & Conversations, hosted at Killer Mike’s S.W.A.G. Shop, and Georgia Counties School Nights, which celebrates local educators and enhances student learning environments.

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