Kylie Kue '26 poses at Walker Stadium during a Portland Pickles game.
When opportunity met preparation, Kylie Kue was ready.
After transferring to Portland State from Portland Community College, the Class of 2026 graduate made the most of every opportunity — from scholarships and career fairs to networking through the School of Business's Atmos program. Those experiences helped launch an internship with the Portland Pickles that quickly grew into a full-time career. Today, as Partnership Manager for the Portland Pickles, Portland Bangers and Portland Cherry Bombs, Kylie works with local businesses to create partnerships, strengthen community relationships and elevate the fan experience.
We caught up with Kylie at Walker Stadium during a Pickles game to talk about her journey from PSU student to sports professional.
Tell us a little about yourself. What did you study at Portland State, and what inspired you to pursue a career in sports?
I'm from Gresham, Oregon, and I'm very proud to be part of Portland's Hmong community. At Portland State, I double majored in marketing and advertising.
Sports have always been a big part of my life. I grew up swimming competitively, and pursuing a career in sports almost felt like finding a missing piece of myself. Being able to combine my love for sports with marketing has been an incredible experience.
Congratulations on your new role. Tell us about what you do as Partnership Manager.
I work with the Portland Pickles, Cherry Bombs and Bangers. During the season, my days include meeting with clients, managing partnerships and making sure we're delivering everything we've promised our partners.
During the offseason, my focus shifts to developing commercial relationships that meet a shared goal of fan interaction, shared brand identity, and mutual value when it comes to specific fulfillments of the partner. My job is all about creating partnerships that improve the fan experience while supporting the community.
How did your time at PSU prepare you for your career?
The professors made a huge difference for me. I take a lot of inspiration from Marc Moran. He and other professors in the marketing department really encouraged students to get involved in the community and make connections, which is so important in this industry.
Career fairs also played a big role. They helped me meet employers and build confidence talking with professionals.
I was also involved with Atmos in the School of Business, which connects students from underrepresented communities with networking opportunities and mentors. Through that program, I met professionals from organizations like the Portland Timbers, Nike and KEEN. Those experiences helped open doors that I may not have found on my own.
You were a scholarship recipient while attending PSU. What did that support mean to you?
Scholarships made college possible for me.
I didn't qualify for Pell Grants, and paying for school felt overwhelming because I wanted to contribute to college on my own. Scholarships helped me stay on track and graduate sooner than I otherwise would have.
I also received support from the Atmos Hardship Fund after I was in a serious car accident. I lost my car, my work hours were cut and I had to leave one of my jobs. The hardship fund helped cover transportation and other basic expenses so I could stay in school.
I'm incredibly grateful for that support. It motivated me to work hard and honor the generosity of the people who believed in students like me. I highly recommend high school seniors apply to anything they can.
Your internship turned into a full-time job. What helped make that transition successful?
I interned with the Pickles for about 10 months, and the transition felt very natural. I felt like I belonged here, and I think the team recognized the work I was putting in.
I really love partnership marketing. This is exactly where I want to be, and I'm excited to continue growing in this field.
The Pickles have become one of Portland's favorite summer traditions. What makes the organization so special?
We're incredibly community-focused.
I grew up not far from Walker Stadium, so it's really meaningful to work for an organization that's so connected to the neighborhood. Even some of my former teachers work games during the summer.
Everything we do is designed with our community in mind — from partnering with local schools and businesses to creating fun activations for fans. We want people to feel like they're part of something that's uniquely Portland.
What's something fans might not realize about your job?
A lot of thought goes into every partnership and every activation people see around the stadium.
Whether it's an interactive promotion, a mascot appearance or a themed night, we're always thinking about how to create memorable experiences that connect our partners with fans in authentic ways. We try to keep Portland weird and find partners who want to embrace that.
What's next for you?
Right now, I feel like I'm exactly where I want to be.
I want to continue growing in partnership marketing and learning everything I can. I'm excited to keep building my career in this industry.
If you could give your first-year PSU self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't let fear consume your curiosity.
When I first started college, I actually avoided marketing because I thought I needed to try something different. Eventually, Zack Dean from Portland Gear asked me, "Why are you running away from something you're passionate about?"
That changed everything.
I also think people are often afraid to ask questions because they worry they'll sound silly. Being curious and willing to ask questions opens so many doors.
Finally, what does being a Portland State alum mean to you?
To me, Portland State feels like a bit of a time capsule. It’s like having a place filled with great memories that I can always come back to.
I'm also grateful that as I've moved on to the next chapter, someone else now has the opportunity to step into those classrooms, those programs and those scholarships. It's exciting to know that the same opportunities that helped me are now helping the next generation of Vikings.