Promise Scholar-Etienne LeSuer

Giselle Martinez

Etienne LeSuer has always believed in the power of education and perseverance. Growing up in Kalamazoo, he attended Winchell Elementary, Milwood Middle School, and graduated from Loy Norrix High School. From an early age, he knew he wanted to make something of himself. He had big ambitions and a deep love for both business and sports, which led him to study marketing at Western Michigan University.

Choosing marketing felt natural to Etienne. He knew he wanted to work in business, and marketing seemed like the perfect blend of creativity and practicality. But it wasn’t until he got hands-on experience that he truly fell in love with it. One of his most memorable projects was working with a soap company, where he learned about corporate marketing strategies. But what really lit a fire in him was working with the university’s athletic department.

At Western, he took on different roles in sports marketing and operations. He worked closely with the football program, making sure visiting teams had everything they needed and assisting with game-day logistics. He loved the energy, the behind-the-scenes action, and the feeling of being part of something bigger. "I assisted their assistant coaches and director of football operations. I was really their student point of contact if they had any questions. It felt amazing to be trusted with that responsibility."

Outside of sports, Etienne expanded his experience by joining the Higher Promise program and interning at Southwest Michigan First, where he managed blogs, ran social media accounts, and helped produce a podcast. This hands-on experience strengthened his confidence in marketing and prepared him for the professional world.

After completing his BBA in Marketing at WMU, Etienne returned to New Orleans, a place where his family has deep roots, and where he spent a lot of his childhood and youth. During this time, he also pursued his Master of Science in Sport Management at Louisiana State University (LSU), a school very special to Etienne and his family, as this is where his mother began her professional career in 1994.

While completing his master’s, he landed a job with the New Orleans Saints—an opportunity that meant the world to a lifelong Saints fan. "I've been coming to the Superdome since I was a toddler with my grandfather, and we've always bonded over Saints football. Beginning my career with this franchise was nothing short of a dream come true."

During this time, he worked a seasonal part-time position with the Saints, managing NFL referees on game days and assisting with training camp operations in the summer. He thrived under pressure, ensuring smooth game-day logistics for referees and teams. "I made sure referees got to the right place on time," LeSuer said. "It was a lot of responsibility, but I loved the challenge." His relentless work ethic didn’t go unnoticed, leading him to a full-time internship in the ticketing department. There, he played a key role in client management for season ticket holders, supported special events, and excelled in season ticket sales, generating over $200,000 in revenue within two weeks. As a result, Etienne led the Ticket Services department in sales during the waitlist period for new ticketholders.

One of the most surreal moments of his career was working for his favorite NFL team and then landing a job with the league itself. He was part of major events like the Super Bowl and NFL games in Brazil and Germany. His first trip out of the country happened three weeks into his new role when the NFL sent him to Brazil. “With this being my first time out of the country, I really didn’t know what to expect, especially for the NFL’s first-ever game here. This position has really broadened my horizons and given me access to learn about different cultures and see other parts of the world I never thought I’d be able to.”

But nothing compared to working the Super Bowl—especially in a building he’s been coming to for 20+ years. He oversaw many different logistics and contracts leading up to the game, and assisted in managing the fan ingress process the day of. It was a grueling 24-hour shift, but the experience was unforgettable. "It was literally the longest day of my life. I kid you not. I worked 24 straight hours," LeSuer said. "But knowing I was part of something the entire world was watching? That was everything."

Like anyone chasing big dreams, Etienne had his fair share of struggles. College wasn’t always easy, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. At one point, he worked early morning shifts at UPS while attending virtual classes. There were moments of doubt, times when he questioned if he was on the right path. But with resilience and support from his parents—his father, former principal at Milwood Middle School—currently at Milwood Elementary, and his mother, formerly a principal at St. Monica School—he pushed through. "They were always there to keep me going," LeSuer said. "They never let me give up on myself."

Now, Etienne is gearing up for his next big move: relocating to New York to continue working with the NFL. It’s a major transition, but he’s excited for what’s ahead, especially with the league expanding internationally. "The hardest part was getting my foot in the door," LeSuer admitted. "Now, I just want to keep growing with the league. The NFL is evolving so fast, especially internationally, and I want to be right there with it."

A huge part of his success was made possible by The Kalamazoo Promise, which covered his college tuition and allowed him to focus on his dreams. He’s incredibly grateful for that opportunity and encourages students to take full advantage of their education, build strong networks, and step outside their comfort zones. "I never had to worry about tuition," he said. "That peace of mind let me focus on what really mattered."

Etienne is proof that with determination, resilience, and the right support system, anything is possible. He followed his passion, worked hard, and is now living a dream. And for him, this is just the beginning.

 Know a scholar whose story should be shared? Contact gmartinez@kalamazoopromise.com for more information