10 Within 10 Recognition

As director of partnership marketing and naming rights for the Detroit Lions, Kara Agby, ’18, builds and executes campaigns that connect brands, fans and the communities that surround them. In 2025, Forbes named her to its 30 Under 30 in Sports — joining a class of honorees that includes Caitlin Clark, Jayson Tatum and Christian McCaffrey. 

Her career in professional sports has moved fast. Kara went from manager to senior manager to director of partnership development in three years. Before returning to Michigan, she spent a pivotal chapter with the Golden State Warriors, where she was part of the organization when the team won the 2022 NBA Championship. 

Kara arrived at CMU planning to become a doctor. It was through programs like Residence Life, Leadership Safari — where she served as a guide, not just a participant — SAPA and the Homecoming Committee that she found her real passion: working with people. Those experiences reshaped her path and set the tone for a career built on connection, reputation and genuine care for others. 

Since returning to Michigan, Kara has come back to campus to speak with students and share what she’s learned. “Be open to all possibilities of what your future holds,” she said. “Get involved and be curious.” She’s equally direct about what has driven her success: being someone who positively affects the people around her and leaves a good impression — qualities she traces back to her time as a CMU Chippewa. 

“There are CMU Chippewas everywhere around the globe,” she said. “The community runs deep.” 

Kara holds a Bachelor of Arts in integrative public relations and psychology from CMU.