Rebecca Otieno: From Career Fair Connection to Churchill Downs Career
By: Olivia Barclay, UofL Class of 25, 27 – July 9, 2026
On the first Saturday in May, Churchill Downs hosts the Kentucky Derby right here in Louisville, KY. Just blocks away from the University of Louisville’s campus, the world-renowned horse race kicks off the Triple Crown series of races by bringing patrons and spectators together from around the world. Churchill Downs is filled with bright colors, big hats, and fast horses, bringing flash and glamour to the world of horse racing. What many people do not see are the professionals behind the scenes who help bring the Kentucky Derby to life. Those that sell the tickets, market the event, support production, care for the facility, and much more. Those are the people that make the Kentucky Derby.
One University of Louisville graduate who transformed one of those behind-the-scenes opportunities into a career is Rebecca Otieno, who earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Marketing in May 2026.
While attending UofL, Otieno learned about the Ed Brown Society Scholars/Fellows program through a career fair hosted by the University Career Center. “I'm a hands-on learner, and I was very interested in the program because I wanted to figure out what path I wanted to take with my degree. I always wanted to understand what my post-grad life would look like, and I felt like internships were a great opportunity to do that.” After completing the competitive application process, she became a scholar in the program, where she participated in monthly experiences focused on both professional and personal development.
One of the people whose legacy continues to impact the equine industry is Ed Brown, an African American champion jockey and trainer for multiple winners of thoroughbred races. Founded in 2020, the purpose of the Ed Brown Society (EBS) is to celebrate the rich history of the equine industry and create opportunities for young people to gain industry exposure. It also helps participants develop professionally for careers in the equine industry and beyond. While the scholarship program lasts for an academic year, the benefits last a lifetime.
Scholars are split into different teams to refine their areas of interest, and Otieno served on the Event Production Team, assisting with major events such as “Brown at the Downs.” From social outings like horseback riding to presentations from speakers about financial advice, the EBS connected Otieno with people who were ready to help her take the next step in her career.
Through its mission and work in the equine industry, the EBS has developed a close partnership with Churchill Downs, the iconic racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby. As a result, recommendations from the program carry significant weight, as the organization endorses scholars who demonstrate the professionalism and work ethic expected by Churchill Downs.
After spending a year learning about the industry as a scholar, Otieno applied for a summer internship at Churchill Downs. Through her strong work ethic and the connections she developed in the EBS, she began in June 2025 as a Marketing Intern in the Marketing Partnerships Department. Her experiences with both the EBS and Churchill Downs broadened her understanding of the many career paths she could pursue with her degree.
“It's helped me use my degree a lot and see how versatile one degree can be. Churchill Downs has made me realize how much I love the entertainment and sports industries… I genuinely feel like my work has a purpose, and I'm getting a lot of clarity on my future.”
Rebecca credits her success as an intern to her time in the EBS, which gave her foundational knowledge to enter the workplace with humble confidence and professional communication skills. Due to her strong performance and contributions to the team, Churchill Downs extended her internship through September 2025.
According to EBS Program Coordinator Shania Rayford, “Rebecca’s journey is a strong example of the outcomes our program is designed to create.”
Her success as an intern led to another opportunity. In February 2026, Otieno was hired as a part-time employee in the Marketing Partnerships Department at Churchill Downs. Her duties as both an intern and employee were similar, as she conducted marketing research and supported social media initiatives in preparation for the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby.
As Otieno gained experience, she was trusted to represent her team in meetings across multiple departments and better understand how their work connected to her own responsibilities. The frequent collaborations led her to network and embrace the work culture, which she emphasizes is the best part about working at Churchill Downs.
“It's such a unique work environment, especially with the professional connections I've made. I wouldn't have made any of the connections I've built at Churchill Downs if it wasn't for that original connection through EBS, but I've been able to network and gain so many more along the way. I think having those people in your corner and having people who support and care about you will be very beneficial to my career after graduation.”
Otieno's success at Churchill Downs continued beyond her internship and part-time position. In June 2026, shortly after graduating from the University of Louisville, she accepted a full-time position as a Consumer Sales Representative at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The role represents the latest step in her professional journey. What began as a conversation at a career fair on UofL’s campus ultimately led to a scholarship opportunity, an internship, and a full-time position, reflecting the growth she achieved through experiential learning opportunities, industry connections, and hands-on experience.
Between her participation in the Ed Brown Society, her Churchill Downs internship, part-time position, and now full-time role at the iconic racetrack, Otieno understands the value of experiential learning opportunities and encourages other students to pursue them.
“Be very open minded. You don't know what you like or don't like until you try it, so take any opportunity that comes your way and find the lesson in it. That's been a big thing in my life.”
Connect with Rebecca Otieno on LinkedIn to follow the next chapter of a journey that transformed a career fair connection into a full-time role at Churchill Downs Racetrack. Want to meet the next UofL student who will turn an internship into a full-time opportunity? Or know a Cardinal whose story deserves to be shared? Connect with the University Career Center (ulcareer@louisville.edu) to learn how to engage with UofL talent or to recommend a student or employer for a future feature. We look forward to hearing from you.
Want to read more about the University Career Center? Check out our UCC Stories page for more career success stories just like this one.