What are some of your responsibilities at Texas A&M Athletics Department?
I currently serve in a hybrid role that involves athletic academic advising and leadership development for all of our student-athletes. The Texas A&M Student-Athlete Engagement team works collaboratively to support our students in both personal and professional development. Some of my specific areas of oversight include our first-year experience program; civic engagement and voter education; team specific programming that allows our programs to select from a “menu” of workshops that range in topics from money matters to healthy masculinity; and our women’s leadership programming, “We3 — women: encourage, equip and empower.”
What is the most satisfying aspect of your work with student athletes?
I get to watch student-athletes far exceed any athletic and academic expectation they set for themselves. I watch them grow up, I watch them break records, I watch them go through their first heartbreak, I watch them face immense personal challenges and I watch them overcome huge obstacles. But, ultimately, I watch them succeed — both in the classroom, in the community and in their respective playing arena. In essence, I get to walk through life with these incredible students and I do not take it for granted.
How does diversity come into play in your role?
In my role specifically, I’ve been challenged to continuously review the evolving definition of diversity. I have to ask myself, “Are my words and actions inclusive of others that don’t look, identify, feel and live the same way I do?” We then apply those same questions to programming, guest speakers, employers and other partners that we choose to collaborate with. Personal and professional development can be facilitated in multiple ways and knowing who our target audience is and what our program goals are most definitely forces me to reevaluate if the message applies to all and leaves everyone in attendance feeling seen, heard and empowered.
Did you play any sports in high school, college or professionally?
