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Upon December 2018 graduation Martin  was offered a fulltime internship position in the department of championships at the Southwestern Athletic Conference office. After four months there, she transitioned into a internship position at the NCAA in Championship Operations. The 2019 accomplishments includes being named 2019 SWAC Woman of the Year, served as a middle school all-star volleyball team head coach, and worked as a Game-Day Operations intern for the Indianapolis Colts. Upon the completion of NCAA internship, she aims to work in championships at a conference office or in event management of a professional sports organization, while obtaining a dual master’s degree Sport’s Management and Business Administration.

Tiffany Greene is a play-by-play commentator for ESPN, covering a variety of collegiate sports including basketball, football, softball and volleyball. She is the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network. Greene has called a number of postseason games including the NCAA Women’s Division I Basketball Tournament, NCAA Softball Regional and Super Regionals, as well as NCAA Volleyball Regionals. She is the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentators for a nationally televised college football game on ESPN. Greene originally began working with ESPN as a college football sideline reporter in 2012.  She has since worked on the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on ABC and a handful of bowl games.  Greene also reported on the College Football All-Star Challenge. Prior to ESPN, Greene honed her skills as a play-by-play announcer and sports reporter at Bright House Sports Network in the Orlando and Tampa Bay markets.  During that time, she was the play-by-play announcer for inaugural season of BIG EAST women’s basketball on Fox Sports 1.

Cori Pinkett joined Baylor Athletics in July 2018 as the Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development. Passionate about developing individuals and empowering them to reach their potential, Pinkett leads a three-person team charged with developing and enhancing the Character Formation programming. Pinkett joins Baylor after spending a year and half as the Director of Leadership and Education for Women Leaders in College Sports. During her time at Women Leaders in College Sports, Pinkett planned, managed and executed all educational programming content and professional development programming for the association. Prior joining Women Leaders, Pinkett served as the Director of Student-Athlete Development at Kansas State Athletics from 2013-2017 and she got her start as the Assistant Director of Student Services at the University of Central Florida. Pinkett is also involved nationally with N4A, Women Leaders in College Sports and the NCAA as a consultant for the Effective Facilitation Workshop and the Student-Athlete Leadership Forum.

Chasity Brown holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science with a concentration in Exercise Physiology from East Stroudsburg University, a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from East Stroudsburg University and is currently pursuing a DrPH in Public Health from Capella University.   In her spare time you can find her teaching fitness classes at the local gym, traveling to various countries mentoring college students from across the United States & Canada with the Living Sport organization, serving others through her sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho and volunteering at her local church.  Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com  

Femi Alao Assistant Director of Athletics Robert Wesleyan College Alao is a native of Aurora, Colorado. During her undergraduate years, Femi was a member of the NCAA Division I Grambling State University Women's Soccer team. There she spent three years before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi where she played her final season. At Grambling, Femi earned a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications. ​Following her undergraduate work, Alao completed two masters' degrees at Ball State University in Educational Administration and Supervision and in Sport Administration. Alao has spent the last 10 years as an Educator, Coach and Athletic Director in the K-12 setting. Through her work she was able to provide opportunities for hundreds of students to participate in interscholastic athletics and activities. ​With the support of the NCAA Division II Strategic Alliance Matching Grant, Alao was able to transition to college athletics as the Assistant Director of Athletics at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. At Roberts, Femi serves on the Redhawks athletic department leadership team giving​  direction to the overall success of student - athletes and the strategic development and growth of the department. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Dr. Zaneta U. Ivy is currently responsible for the Athletic Compliance and Title IX monitoring at her alma mater, the University of Memphis (UofM), where she was also a former track and field student-athlete. She administers and oversees recruiting activities, training sessions, eligibility certification for practice and competition, NCAA squad lists, and the National Letters of Intent for 19 sports teams.  In her prior role as Assistant Athletic Director at Howard University, Zaneta served as an advocate and liaison for at least 350 student-athletes.  She also regularly assessed the effectiveness of the academic services provided and recommend innovative methods of advancement. Zaneta has also worked as an academic advisor at the University of Arkansas, the University of Utah, and Florida International University. Zaneta holds a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University in Global Sport Leadership, and her research was on the topic of “The Glass Ceiling: Will African American women administrators ever overcome being underrepresented in Division I Intercollegiate Athletics.” Zaneta currently serves as the UofM Senate Staff representative, Faculty Athletic Committee Advisor, and as a graduate advisor to the UofM Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Undergraduate Chapter. She is a 2014 graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute and currently a member of the National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals, the National Association for Athletics Compliance and the Minorities Opportunities Athletic Association, Inc.  Zaneta is currently engaged to Andrew Bailey (FedEx Marketing Manager & UofM Professor) with plans to marry in 2021.

Angela Suggs, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Sports Foundation, works to support Florida’s $57.4 billion sports industry.  In her role, Suggs leads the organization’s efforts to assist communities with securing, hosting and retaining sporting events and sports-related business through the Foundation’s grant programs; provide participation opportunities in the Sunshine State Games and Florida Senior Games; serve as Florida’s leading resource for sport tourism research and facts; assist in the promotion of targeted leisure sports industries in Florida; and assist national and state governing bodies to promote amateur sport development. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held various roles at Florida A&M University, including Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). A native of Tallahassee, her previous experience includes work in sales with Brown and Brown Insurance, Joe Robbie/Pro Player Stadium and the Marriott Corporation. She holds a B.S. degree in Business Economics from Florida A&M and an M.S. degree from St. Thomas University. Angela is married to Davin Suggs and the couple has one daughter, Dillyn Ashleigh.

Kala Flagg, MPT- Ms. Flagg recently completed her Master's of Physical Therapy degree requirements with an expected May 2020 graduation. Flag is also a ATC- Athletic Trainer Certified, and CSCS- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com        

Madison McKinney Founder LockHERoom™ Podcast/Blog Since a little girl, I have always felt deeply connected to sports in a way that was indescribable. I grew up in a small town by the name of Cartersville, Georgia. With not much to do, I was elated when I picked up my first basketball at the age of five. They say it is hard to have memories of early childhood, however I vividly remember not being able to sleep the day before my 6U coed rec game.  Shortly after, I played my first game at 3rd base. As I grew, sports grew with and on me. Aside from being 'Madison' I was the basketball player, the softball player. That became a part of my identity. From working out with guys twice my age, to traveling across the state to various skills camps I always saw my future being a collegiate athlete. My eight grade year, the beginning of my recruiting process, I fractured my foot the first game of the season. That was the first time I realized that I would not be able to play forever, and that was also the time I decided that I never wanted to be detached from the sports world. It was at that moment   Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Darlene Gordon Acting Athletics Director UMASS Boston Key Accomplishments Develop and integrate a Five-year replace plan for athletic assets​ UMass Boston​ (2020)​ Collaborated with Human Resources to put in place RMV Checks for Coaches at UMass Boston (2019)​ Shepard the completion of various contracts significant to the operations of the​ UMass Boston​ Athletic Division (2019)​ Redesign the student-athlete feedback form at​ Moravian College​ to measure the championship culture within sports medicine, strength and conditioning, compliance, media relations,​ and​ each​ varsity program. The system is​ a part​ of the campus-wide AMOS data​ collection system which will​ sort data and have a confidential component accessible by the director of athletics or designate.​ Will be used to get everyone on the​ same​ page. (2016)​ Introduced this system to​ DeSales​ University​ is looking for ways to use this in their 2017-18 academic year.​ ​ Patriot League Women’s Basketball tournament​ increased sponsorship for the​ tournament​ by 167% and more than doubled attendance from 2008. (2009)​ ​ Tripled​ sponsorships dollars​ for Patriot League championships from the previous year.​ (2008) Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

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Kristia Worthy, a member of the athletics staff since 2017, was named Director of Talent Development in October 2019 for the Athletic Department Human Resources unit. In her role, Worthy is responsible for overseeing and implementing training and development opportunities for staff, supporting the department in hiring, onboarding, and retaining employees, co-coordinating the adidas Internship Program, and assisting with the efforts needed to maintain an environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Previously, Worthy served as the Associate Director of Academic Services and managed the academic support services for volleyball, men’s soccer, and lacrosse. She also served as the advisor of S.C.O.R.E. (Student-athletes of Color Combining Opportunity and Responsibility for Excellence) by providing leadership development, social, and community outreach opportunities for minority student-athletes.

Pamm Zierfuss-Hubbard began as the first full-time Director of Athletics and Student-Athlete Success in January 2020. Zierfuss-Hubbard arrives at Clovis Community College after spending 1 ½ years in the same position with Fresno City College.  Zierfuss-Hubbard was named to the position at the December Board of Trustees meeting. She has over a decade of work in intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division I and II levels. Having recently relocated to Central California, Zierfuss-Hubbard spent the last 11 years at University of Alaska Fairbanks in various positions related to student-athlete success, fundraising, budget management, event management and community relations. She served as the Associate AD for Compliance/SWA for four years where she oversaw NCAA compliance efforts for the campus along with rifle, women’s basketball and swimming teams.

Edniesha Curry returns to Orono for her first season as an assistant coach with Maine men’s basketball team in 2018-19. Curry joins the Black Bears as the only woman currently serving as a full-time assistant coach in NCAA Division I men’s basketball. She previously served as a  player development and assistant coach for the UMaine women’s basketball team from July 2015 to May 2017 under Coach Barron. Since leaving UMaine, she worked with the NBA Assistant Coaches’ Program and worked with the Atlanta Classical Academy as the Women’s Athletic Program Manager.   Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Torria (Torri) Robinson  is a Client Services Executive for the Detroit Red Wings. Born and raised on the West Side of Detroit, Torria strongly believes in the motto " Lift as We Climb" because there is so much more that we can do when we do it together. Torria has experience in both professional and collegiate athletics. After sustaining a career ending injury in her senior year of college,  Torria shifted her passion to the business side of sports. She has worked on the host committee  for several championships including the 2018 NCAA First and Second Rounds of March Madness, 2015 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and Horizon League and GLIAC Conference Championships.  In addition to her extensive external relations and game operations experience, Torria is also a youth mentor and volunteer coach in the cities of Detroit, Pontiac, and Ypsilanti.  Torria holds a Bachelors Degree from Grand Valley State University and a Masters Degree from Wayne State University and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

On December 31, 2016, Rekaya Gibson launched Black Girls Talk Sports Podcast (BGTS), a weekly show where women of color discuss all things sports. It covers all types of men’s and women’s sports. Some of its favorites include football, basketball, baseball, rugby, tennis, golf, soccer and hockey. The podcast’s catch phrase sign-off : “Keep It Sporty” (#KeepItSporty). Mission: Its mission is to inspire, educate and encourage women to participate in conversations about sports.   Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Kisha Middleton is entering her tenth year at The Lincoln University. Middleton became the Athletic Business Manager/Senior Woman Administrator in July of 2014 after serving as an assistant coach on the women's basketball staff for nine seasons. After spending 6.5 years as an assistant coach for the Lady Lions, on Dec. 15, she was named the interim head coach. She became the eighth head coach in the program’s history. Middleton, who was named the Assistant Coach, was amongst the coaching staff that had the best win-lose record in Lincoln History, as well as the first team in history to have postseason play, which landed the Lady Lions that 2006-07 Independent Championship. Middleton has brought a wealth of experience to the Lady Lions staff. Her duties include aiding in the development of the game plan, coordinating individual drills and practice plans, and recruiting, as well as providing oversight for team conditioning sessions. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Jessica Poole enters her first year at Chicago State serving as senior associate athletic director for external operations and revenue generation. A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Poole comes to Chicago after serving as senior associate athletic director of external relations at Florida Atlantic University. During her time as FAU Poole oversaw FAU’s communications, marketing and corporate sponsorship areas while serving as a member of the athletics leadership team. Poole has spent the majority of her professional career in communications and currently serves as College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), third vice president and chair of the diversity and inclusion committee. She will become the first African-American female to lead the organization during the 2022-23 academic year. Prior to her tenure at FAU, Poole worked at Vanderbilt University as assistant director of communications primarily working with the sports of football and women’s basketball. Always looking for ways to increase and create value, Poole was instrumental in helping grow the Vanderbilt women’s basketball social media accounts while also working to implement new and innovative ways to reach the greater Nashville community which included fireside chats and other exclusive events for fans.

Makini Thompson, a former All-American volleyball student-athlete at Florida State with experience in collegiate coaching and athletics administration, was named Senior Associate Athletics Director/Senior Woman Administrator for Appalachian State University in August 2019. Thompson most recently served as the Seminoles’ Assistant AD for Administration.   As App State's Senior Associate AD/SWA, Thompson serves on the department’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing various areas of the department, including multiple sports, student-athlete support and human resources. She also serves as the department’s liaison to the Chancellor’s office and work closely with the Title IX office, general counsel, student affairs and other campus groups.   Thompson was promoted to Florida State’s Assistant AD for Administration in the fall of 2016 after serving as administrative coordinator on the executive staff from 2014-16. In her most recent role, her primary responsibility was assisting with all aspects of personnel management and human resources. She also provided administrative oversight for the FSU spirit groups and the school’s travel partner. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com

Kelsey Harris began her duties as the Assistant Director of Women’s Basketball at the Atlantic Coast Conference in June of 2017. Harris is responsible for numerous aspects for ACC Women’s Basketball, including facilitating all logistical facets of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, assisting with the preparation and maintenance of the women’s basketball regular season scheduling process, and supporting the Coordinator of Officials with officiating operations. She has also previously served as the Co-Tournament Manager for the 2019 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional Tournament held in Greensboro, North Carolina, for which she coordinated all tournament aspects with the host staff and NCAA staff. Prior to the ACC, Harris was a member of the NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program for the 2016-17 academic year, working specifically with the NCAA Women’s Basketball staff and the Division I Women’s Final Four in Dallas, Texas. Graduating from Elon University in 2014 as a women’s basketball student-athlete, Harris participated in the Victory Scholar program with Sport Changes Life in Limerick, Ireland, before embarking on her future career in athletic administration. The Sport Changes Life program afforded Harris the opportunity to earn her master’s degree in International Management and Global Business at the University of Limerick, while also playing professionally for the Limerick Huskies Basketball Club for two seasons. Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith at 10:00 am est Come listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others and current initiatives. Right here On A Chat in the Garden with Monique A J Smith, where Significance Blooms via 347-989-8385 or www.chatinthegarden.com