Meet Jennifer Yepez-Blundell | Co-Founder, DRAFTED

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Yepez-Blundell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

As a Latina, former DII athlete and sports marketing strategist, I’ve seen firsthand the untapped potential of Latina sports fans.

We are a powerhouse market brimming with passion, loyalty, and a well of untapped insights. Yet, mainstream media paints a different picture, leaving this audience underserved. That’s where DRAFTED comes in, we are harnessing the power of Latina Sports Culture. Built by us, for us, we are igniting a community and generating insights that have never been touched before. We’re actively working with brands, leagues and teams to co-create more inclusive sports narratives centering Latinas.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

DRAFTED is the first media tech platform harnessing the power of Latina Sports Culture. We know the financial and social influence Latinas have, they are one of the fastest-growing sports audience in the U.S. and they are craving a platform that reflects their passion. It was wild to us that not a single company or community was harnessing that power in the sports industry, so we have the opportunity to be the first. DRAFTED is centering Latina sports enthusiasts through media, partnerships, and tech innovation.

My path to DRAFTED wasn’t a straight line. My journey is about continuous learning and adaptation. From broadcast booths to marketing agencies, every step shaped my understanding of audiences, inclusion and innovation. Founding my first consultancy, Merida, was a crash course entrepreneurship, business development, and strategic partnerships, teaching me the true power of data-driven insights and business strategy.

The challenges – funding gaps, biases, even personal doubts – became lessons in resilience and resourcefulness. Now, with DRAFTED, I’m channeling those experiences into building a space where everyone belongs.

It’s not just a business; it’s a testament to the power of never giving up on your vision.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Of course we’d hit up all the top Sports Dallas has to offer, but my favorite would be going to a Texas Ranger’s Game or a Dallas Wings game. Post games we’d grab a bite and shop for goods at Olmo Market.

We’d head up north to check out the PGA area, get a workout in at Build4It in Prosper, and grab a coffee at La Finca Bakery.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This shoutout echoes with the laughter of my daughters. Motherhood redefined me, weaving responsibility, love, and joy into the very fabric of my being. Every step I take towards a more inclusive world, every voice I amplify, is a whispered promise to them: a vow to leave a legacy of empathy and understanding. They are my north star, guiding me towards a future where differences are celebrated, and love knows no bounds. Their joy is my fuel, their future my purpose.

Website: https://www.wearedrafted.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearedraftedco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferyepezblundell/