Hutchison Empowered Grace Sexton Cantu ’17 to Embrace Challenges, Adapt, and Invest in Relationships

Hutchison Now highlights recent graduates early in their careers who embody how a Hutchison education can lead anywhere you can imagine. We spoke with Grace Sexton Cantu ’17, Suite Services Administrator for the Dallas Cowboys.
What drew you to working in professional sports, and was this something you always imagined yourself doing?

I had always imagined myself working in a fast-paced environment, whether it was in sports or something else. I was drawn to the idea of sports marketing early on, but working directly for a team has been more than I ever dreamed. This is the kind of job I didn’t even know existed when I was younger; it’s not a very traditional path. Instead, it’s a career built on curiosity, research, and relationships. I invested a lot of my time as an intern in learning about the industry and connecting with people in different careers and departments. It was a process, but doors eventually began to open, and I was offered an opportunity that I never would have expected. Working for the Dallas Cowboys has shown me that the most rewarding paths often come from stepping into spaces I didn’t initially envision.

What do you do in your role with the Dallas Cowboys? What does a typical game day or workday look like for you?

My role is dynamic and changes daily based on the Dallas Cowboys’ season and event schedule. In my specific role, I specialize in planning and executing premium experiences for our suite holders. This includes organizing events such as our annual golf tournament and away game trip, as well as other exclusive suite holder events throughout the year. I manage the entire event lifecycle developing event plans that align with the Dallas Cowboys’ brand and suite holder expectations. A huge part of my job is coordinating with third-party vendors for catering, entertainment, travel, and logistics.

On game days, my focus shifts to hospitality and relationship building. I work closely in our Prospect Suite, where we host potential clients, ensuring every detail—from food service to guest interaction—reflects our brand’s commitment to excellence. My goal is to create an unforgettable suite experience that strengthens client relationships and drives future partnerships.

Cantu is pictured with her team at an away game in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She plans the annual away game trip as part of her job.

What skills did you develop at Hutchison that you still rely on in your career today?

Growing up at Hutchison for 15 years shaped the foundation of who I am today. I credit Hutchison for instilling in me strong communication skills and the confidence to thrive in uncomfortable environments. Working in a male-dominated field can feel intimidating, but Hutchison encouraged us to embrace those spaces with strength and self-assurance. Hutchison fosters an environment where women are encouraged to lead, speak up, and feel comfortable asserting themselves. That mindset has carried into my career, allowing me to navigate challenges and represent myself with confidence.

What are some of the challenges you face? What are the biggest rewards?

One of the biggest challenges in my role is learning to think quickly and adapt when things don’t go as planned. Hosting premium events requires flexibility and problem-solving under pressure when you are client-facing. Working closely with my team to identify solutions and keep the event running smoothly is vital in this industry. 

The most rewarding part of my job is hearing clients share how much they enjoyed their experience. Despite any behind-the-scenes challenges, knowing that we delivered a great experience makes every effort worthwhile. While our team does work every Dallas Cowboys home game, we are also heavily involved in any third-party event hosted at AT&T Stadium. This includes concerts, various sporting events, and, most recently, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Our Stadium hosted nine World Cup games over the course of one month. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our team will never forget.

How did your Hutchison experience help you get to where you are today?

Hutchison provided me with a lot more than a strong academic foundation; my peers and teachers helped me figure out who I am and who I want to be. The people I grew up with encouraged me to strive for excellence both inside and outside the classroom. They taught me that growth doesn’t stop when you feel stuck or experience failure; it’s about having the courage to keep moving forward. In a competitive and fast-paced industry, this mindset has been invaluable. 

Hutchison also taught me how important relationships are. Some of my lifelong friends are girls I met throughout my 15 years at Hutchison. Having the support of my teachers and classmates every day growing up is what made me want those types of relationships with my directors and coworkers in my professional life. My years at Hutchison taught me to embrace challenges, adapt, and invest in relationships.

Grace Sexton Cantu ’17 serves as the Suite Services Administrator for the Dallas Cowboys. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Relations with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Grace began her career with the Dallas Cowboys as an intern in third-party events before transitioning into the hospitality industry. She went on to work as a Sales Coordinator for Legends Hospitality and later as Membership Coordinator at Formation at The Star.
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