We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darya Baganov a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Darya , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
How did you find your purpose?
Almost ten years ago, I created the Seahawks Kids Instagram fan page https://www.instagram.com/seahawks_kids?igsh=cmY4NHRobno5bHRw as a place for families with children to come together, celebrate their love for the Seattle Seahawks, and show that we are a strong and united community. For us, the Seahawks are more than just a football team—they are an essential part of the cultural identity of our city. Supporting them is a way to teach our children about belonging, resilience, and pride in where we live.
At first, it was just a small idea, a way to connect with other families. But over time, Seahawks Kids grew into something bigger—a space where children could see themselves as part of something greater, where they could feel recognized and celebrated. It became a place where every young fan mattered, where their passion was seen, and where they could feel the power of community.
One of the most magical things about Seahawks Kids is watching children experience the game with pure joy and excitement. Their eyes light up when they step into the stadium for the first time, their voices ring with pride when they chant “Go Hawks!” at the top of their lungs. These moments are more than just childhood memories—they are the foundation of something deeper. Through the love of the game, we teach our kids about dedication, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond that comes from standing together as one.
I’ll never forget the day our Seahawks Kids were featured on Monday Night Football. https://komonews.com/news/local/seahawks-kids-instagram-account-highlights-young-12s
Seeing these young fans on national television, representing the next generation of the 12s, was a powerful reminder of why I started this journey. It wasn’t just about football—it was about giving children a place to belong, a voice in the community, and a sense of pride in who they are.
Through Seahawks Kids, I found my purpose: to bring people together, to build something that makes children feel special, and to show that being a Seahawks fan is about more than just cheering on a team. It’s about heart. It’s about family. And it’s about passing on the values of strength, unity, and passion to the next generation. Because every Seahawks child is a part of something bigger—a part of our future, a part of our city, and a part of the Seahawks family.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Spreading the Word About Seahawks Kids
As the creator and manager of Seahawks Kids, an Instagram community that brings together the youngest and most passionate fans of the Seattle Seahawks, I would like to say that Seahawks Kids is more than just a fan page; it’s a movement that celebrates the next generation of 12s, highlighting their enthusiasm, energy, and the unique role they play in the Seahawks community.
What makes Seahawks Kids so exciting is the way it connects families and fosters a deep sense of belonging. It’s incredible to see kids light up when they’re featured, knowing they are part of something bigger. Through this platform, we show that being a Seahawks fan isn’t just about watching football—it’s about unity, resilience, and the shared experience of supporting a team that represents the spirit of Seattle.
We’ve had the honor of being featured in the media, including Monday Night Football and local news outlets, which has only strengthened our mission: to celebrate young fans and inspire future generations. Right now, we are focused on expanding our reach, creating more engaging content, and bringing exciting opportunities to the community. We encourage families to share their photos and stories with us because every young Seahawks fan deserves to be seen and celebrated.
Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans in the works, including potential collaborations, fan events, and new ways to connect with our audience. Seahawks Kids is growing, and we’re thrilled to continue building this incredible community. We invite all Seahawks families to join us, share their passion, and be a part of something truly special!
Follow us on Instagram @seahawks_kids to stay connected and celebrate the next generation of 12s!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities and skills have been the most impactful: community building, adaptability, and effective communication.
1. Community Building – Creating Seahawks Kids taught me that strong communities don’t just happen—they are built with intention, consistency, and genuine passion. Understanding what brings people together and how to foster engagement is crucial for any brand, project, or movement. My advice for those just starting out is to focus on authenticity. People connect with real stories, shared values, and a sense of belonging, so always put the community’s needs at the heart of what you do.
2. Adaptability – The digital landscape, especially social media, is constantly evolving. Being able to adapt—whether it’s learning new platforms, responding to audience trends, or pivoting strategies—is essential. In my experience, the most successful projects thrive because they embrace change rather than resist it. My advice is to stay curious, always be willing to learn, and never be afraid to experiment with new ideas.
3. Effective Communication – With a bachelor’s degree in public relations, I’ve always understood the power of storytelling. However, building Seahawks Kids reinforced just how important clear, engaging, and emotionally compelling communication is. Whether you’re managing a brand, running a business, or building a community, the way you connect with your audience determines your success. My advice? Learn how to craft messages that resonate, whether it’s through social media, personal interactions, or marketing strategies. The more you can connect with people on an emotional level, the more lasting your impact will be.
For those just starting their journey, I highly recommend beginning with genuine passion. First and foremost, I am a huge Seahawks fan, and my family fully shares this love—my husband and our kids are just as devoted to the 12s! This pure enthusiasm is what allowed me to build a community that feels the same energy and excitement. If you are truly passionate about your project, others will feel it too. Stay open to learning, value meaningful connections, and always grow alongside your audience.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Our community is always open to new friendships! We are looking for people, brands, and organizations that share our values: a love for sports, support for families, and community development. We are especially interested in collaborating with those who believe in the power of sports for youth, building strong local connections, and supporting initiatives that promote family well-being. If you’d like to become our partners or friends, reach out to us through our Instagram page, Seahawks Kids (@seahawks_kids), or email us at [email protected]. Let’s make the world a better and friendlier place together!
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