Dream Team: Ebony McCue
Ebony McCue is a practicing attorney who serves as CLO of OMBI Group, LLC. She oversees operations, including business and legal affairs, strategic development, risk management, day-to-day transactional matters, and personnel relations. McCue is admitted to practice law in New York, Washington, D.C., and Georgia. She was selected and currently serves on the inaugural Entertainment & Sports Law Section Advisory Board of the State Bar of Georgia. McCue is a Diversity and Inclusion Committee Appointee and Regional Captain of the Sports Lawyers Association, is a member of Atlanta Women in Sports, and is an affiliate of the Institute for Sports and Social Justice and Black Women in Sport Foundation.
WE: What drew you to Winning Edge in the beginning?
Ebony: I was drawn to the Winning Edge after hearing Co-Founder, Corinne Milien, discuss the nonprofit’s mission, purpose, and programming during an Athlete Activism panel at a sports conference in Miami years ago. Immediately after the panel, I spoke with Corinne and not only informed her that I wanted to support, but I also presented pragmatic ways of how my sports and legal backgrounds could assist with the personal and professional development of minorities and women in the industry. As a former athlete and now an advocate for athletes as a sports attorney, I neither had connections nor organizations like the Winning Edge to help me navigate my career in sports—where, especially within the business and legal realms, industry professionals do not look like me. So, when I heard of the Winning Edge, I instantly knew I had to be a part of it: 1) to give back; 2) to educate, equip, and empower; and 3) because representation matters.
WE: How did you become part of the Advisory Committee?
Ebony: I became a part of the Advisory Committee after expressing an interest and demonstrating consistent dedication to the Winning Edge. I provided input when needed and was always willing to show up when asked. In addition, when you have a group of like-minded individuals who are working together to reach a common goal and foster opportunities for the underrepresented, it speaks volumes. I am grateful to join forces with Corinne, Maria, the Board, other Advisory Committee members, Game Changers, and avid supporters of the Winning Edge to empower the next generation of diverse leaders.
WE: Why is diversity important to you?
Ebony: Diversity is important to me for a multitude of reasons, which I could go on about for days. For starters, the composition of board of directors, front offices, C-suite executives, decision makers, employees, corporations, government, and so forth should adequately reflect the composition of our society. Additionally, individual differences and backgrounds advance a priceless collection of ideas, principles, input, and values. Thereby, intentionally creating, cultivating, and embracing environments that allow any individual to feel welcomed, respected, and valued. Moreover, lack of diversity fosters the detriment of limited viewpoints. We all have a unique gift and unlimited potential. A person’s race, gender, socioeconomic status, cultural background, etc. should not be diminished or undermined because of small minds, dissimilarities, deliberate deviation, or willful ignorance.
WE: What's the most meaningful or memorable part of your career?
Ebony: The most meaningful part of my career is mentoring and having the opportunity to pour into the lives of those desiring to enter the sports and legal industries. I am devoted to inspiring whenever and however I can. Whether that is reviewing a resume, providing career advice, having candid discussions about pay inequalities, being a listening ear, speaking words of encouragement, supporting endeavors, challenging to reach higher, helping to think outside of a box systemically created to restrict potential, instilling the importance of giving back and reaching back to help propel someone forward, or cheering them on as they walk proudly in their purpose. I love what I do, and I make myself available as often as I can to provide support. I am here; and you are not alone.
WE: Tell us about your favorite memory with Winning Edge.
Ebony: I have a lot of great memories with the Winning Edge, but my favorites are the Sports + Entertainment Career Summit and Dinner of Influence in Beverly Hills, California. These events were packed with sports and entertainment industry professionals. Together, we provided career advice, reviewed resumes, conducted mock interviews, and provided an overall sense of community to minority student-athletes and recent graduates interested in breaking into the sports and entertainment industries. It was a powerful and impactful two days. The most rewarding part is that I still serve as a mentor to some of the participants. But the greatest, most heartwarming memory is that nearly six months after the Summit, a recent graduate to whom I provided career insight at the Dinner of Influence, texted me out of the blue and said, “Hello, Ms. Ebony…I got the position!” THIS is what it is all about. This is why I am devoted to inspiring. This is why I am thankful for the Winning Edge Leadership Academy.
Helena Wu is a Duke University 2020 graduate with a BS in biology. She is currently pursuing a Master of Management in Clinical Informatics at Duke University School of Medicine, and is a competitive, record-holding powerlifter in USA Powerlifting.
