We're excited to highlight Ameena Soliman and Catherine Raiche as our September Chompians of the Month! Both Ameena and Catherine work for the Philadelphia Eagles and started a group last year to connect all of the women who work in football operations in the NFL - coaches, scouts, athletic trainers, nutritionists, etc. It started as an informal platform to share resources and stay connected, and now they have been able to host virtual events with front-office executives, former players, and female leaders in other industries. They hope to grow the group and continue to push each other to get better.
You can follow their journey - @meen_mill & @cat_raiche
Q&A with Ameena:
What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?
We are pretty busy in our line of work, and it can be tough to manage work-life balance, especially during the season. Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have a REALLY cool job, and there are a lot of people who are trying to break into this industry every day. When I look at my workday as "what I GET to do" instead of "what I HAVE to do," it helps me to not lose sight of the big picture. Even though we can get caught up in the daily grind, I am lucky to be able to do something that I love each day and call it work.
What’s your workout routine?
I typically do 15-20 minutes of cardio, then 30-40 minutes of lifting, focusing on a different muscle group each day. I'll do a Peloton workout here and there to switch up the cardio!
How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!
Because there aren't a ton of women in our industry, especially in scouting, we have the opportunity to make the path easier for women after us by doing our jobs at a high level. The better we do, the more likely it is that teams will be willing and open to hire other women in similar positions.
What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)?
Work out! I always feel better when I get my daily workout in, and it gives me more energy for my day. I am also using Duolingo to learn Spanish - even if it's a small lesson each day, it keeps me in a routine and keeps my mind sharp (I have a 548-day streak going!).
What is your favorite Chomps product?
Original Beef and Jalapeno Beef are my favorites!
How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle?
I am a big snacker, and I love to have healthy options on hand to make sure I get my protein in and eat healthy throughout the day. They're easy to take when I'm on the go and need a fix!
"When I look at my workday as "what I GET to do" instead of "what I HAVE to do," it helps me to not lose sight of the big picture." - Ameena Soliman
Catherine is a French Canadian currently working in football operations for the Philadelphia Eagles. Previously a corporate and tax attorney, she started her career in professional football in the Canadian Football League (Montreal Alouettes and Toronto Argonauts). Catherine then worked briefly with the Tampa franchise of the XFL before joining the Eagles. She is entering her third season with the organization.
Q&A with Catherine:
What’s your best tip on how to stay positive?
Block the noise and focus on what you can control!
What’s your workout routine?
I like to workout in the morning, before work. I also like to diversify my workouts, they vary from weight lifting, boxing to interval training.
How do you consider yourself a “game changer?” This is 100% open to your interpretation!
I enjoy helping others. My coworker, Ameena Soliman, and I started an informal platform for the women of the NFL working in football operations to connect, share and help each other. We try to get together periodically, virtually, and invite guest speakers to address our group on a variety of topics.
What’s the best thing you do for your personal health everyday (mental or physical)?
From a physical standpoint, staying active and sticking to my workout routine. From a mental standpoint, read a book or an article which is not directly related to football.
What is your favorite Chomps product?
Original Beef Stick
How does Chomps fuel your lifestyle?
Chomps fuels my lifestyle by providing a convenient and healthy snack that I can easily grab during my busy days!
