2024 Annual Mentorship Mixer
2024 Annual Mentorship Mixer
The 2024 Mentorship Mixer in New Orleans was a landmark event for the Sistahood, bringing together athletic trainers from across the nation for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration. Held at Xavier University of Louisiana during the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Convention Week, this year’s mixer embraced the theme “Culture x Collab,” embodying the vibrant spirit of NOLA and our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive community in athletic training.
From thought-provoking discussions to the recognition of trailblazers in our field, the event showcased the power of mentorship and the incredible achievements of women of color in athletic training. Attendees left energized, with new connections, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose in advancing our profession.
As we reflect on the success of this year’s mixer, we’re excited to share the highlights, honor our award recipients, and look forward to the continued growth and impact of our Sistahood community.
2024 Mentorship Mixer Sponsors
We extend our deepest gratitude to the sponsors whose generous support and dedication made this event possible. Your commitment to empowering women of color in professional fields is driving unprecedented progress and helping shape the future.
2024 Annual Mentorship Mixer Trendsetters
Our Trendsetters Award celebrates the visionaries and innovators who are reshaping the landscape of their professions. This prestigious award recognizes leaders who are breaking new ground and driving progress in their respective fields. It’s more than just an accolade; it’s a testament to the power of bold thinking and tireless dedication.
These individuals aren’t just following the trends – they’re setting them, inspiring others, and paving the way for transformative change. This year’s recipient embodies the spirit of innovation and leadership that defines a true Trendsetter.
Nicolette Harris, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS
Assistant Professor and Director of Student Recruitment at ATSU-ASHS, Dr. Harris leads initiatives for a more inclusive academic environment. Her leadership in the Diversity Enrichment in Education Committee is driving transformative change.
LaGwyn Durden, ATC, LAT
Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine at the University of Texas, Durden’s expertise in women’s health and her Olympic-level experience set a new benchmark in athletic healthcare. Her contributions to USA National Track and Field teams highlight her global influence.
Kysha Harriell, PhD, LAT, ATC, FNAP
Director of the Athletic Training Program at the University of Miami, Dr. Harriell’s research on women’s health within ethnically diverse communities is groundbreaking. Her broad experience across various sports programs enhances her innovative educational approach.
Rob Dicks Sr., MA, LAT, ATC
As Head AT at Callaway High and SEATA EDAC Chair, Dicks exemplifies leadership at local and regional levels. His role as GATA VP further underscores his influence on athletic training policies and practices.
Darryl Conway, MA, AT, ATC
A National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame inductee, Conway serves as Senior Associate Athletic Director and Chief Health & Welfare Officer at the University of Michigan. His extensive experience, spanning from universities to the NFL, informs his comprehensive approach to athlete welfare.
Monroe Abram, ATC, MEd, BS
Abram, who currently serves as an outreach athletic trainer for Vanderbilt Sports Medicine, brings over thirty years of experience. He spent 15 years as head athletic trainer at Tennessee State University and has been instrumental in promoting diversity through his roles in the Ethnic Diversity Athletic Trainers Committee.
2024 Sistahood Sista-Keeper Award
The Sista-Keeper Award is the pinnacle of recognition within our community, bestowed only once a year to an exceptional individual who embodies the true spirit of sisterhood and support. This prestigious honor celebrates those who go above and beyond in nurturing, uplifting, and empowering their fellow sisters in the profession.
Our Sista-Keeper isn’t just a mentor or a colleague – they’re a guiding light, a fierce advocate, and a pillar of strength for those around them. This award recognizes the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and fostering an environment where all can thrive.
This year’s recipient exemplifies these qualities and more, setting a shining example of what it truly means to be a keeper of the sisterhood.
Nicole Jones, MS, ATC
With 12 years of experience spanning secondary schools and clinical settings, Jones now serves at St. Elizabeth Physicians’ Spine and Interventional Pain Management Center. Her career transition exemplifies the diverse paths in athletic training, balancing patient care expertise with personal fulfillment.
2024 Professional Development Grant Recipient
The Sistahood Professional Development Grant is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering excellence in our field. This grant supports dedicated professionals seeking advanced training and education to further enhance their expertise. It’s about empowering individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise and a drive to push the boundaries of their knowledge and skills. This year, we’re thrilled to introduce our grant recipient, a rising star who exemplifies the very essence of what this award stands for
DaVonna Colla, MS, LAT, ATC
At our 2024 Annual Mentorship Mixer, we proudly awarded the Sistahood Professional Development Grant to DaVonna Cola, MS, LAT, ATC!
DaVonna, currently the Head Football Athletic Trainer at Morgan State University, brings experience from Alabama State University and a master’s from Logan University. With a NASM Sports Nutrition Coach certification and a passion for holistic athlete care, she embodies the spirit of our grant.
We’re excited to support DaVonna’s journey and can’t wait to see her continue to excel in athletic training!
Sistahood Scholarship Award Winners
The Sistahood Scholarship program exemplifies our commitment to fostering the next generation of athletic training professionals. This year, we’re honored to recognize four outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, leadership potential, and a passion for advancing diversity in our field.
These bright minds represent the future of athletic training, each bringing unique experiences and motivations to their journey:
Alexandra Fiankan
Michigan State University
Amber Jada Briscoe
UNC Charlotte
Stephone Baker
Bethune-Cookman University
Kynnedy Louis
University of Houston
● Alexandra Fiankan of Michigan State University, who presented at NATA this June, believes that “knowledge is ever growing and evolving,” driving her to expand her expertise continuously.
● Amber Jada Briscoe from UNC Charlotte, accepted into Ohio State University’s football team immersive program, finds motivation in helping injured athletes, stating, “I make it my mission to do my best to get them playing again because I know how it feels.”
● Stephone Baker from Bethune-Cookman University, who turned an NFL internship into a transformative experience, shares, “The field of Athletic Training is more than making sure that the patients are healthy but caring for them as people.”
● Kynnedy Louis of the University of Houston, who excelled as the only African American female in her dissection class, is driven by a mission: “I want to actively work to break down barriers and advocate for more diversity in this field.”
These scholars share the spirit of innovation, perseverance, and inclusivity that defines our Sistahood. We’re proud to support their educational journey and look forward to the positive impact they’ll make in athletic training.
2024 Mentorship Mixer Keynote Speaker Spotlight
Once again, we had the honor of welcoming Dr. Theressa Kim Thomas as our keynote speaker for the 2024 Mentorship Mixer. Building on her impactful presentation from last year, Dr. Thomas continued to inspire and enlighten our community with her multifaceted expertise.
Dr. Theressa Kim Thomas
Dr. Kim Thomas returned to share her wealth of knowledge, reminding us why she’s a true leader across multiple domains:
- Owner & Managing Partner of Resolution Think and Cognito Systems, LLC
- Influential figure in federal IT development and training strategy
- Dedicated mentor to athletic trainers on professional development
- Brings rich experience from public education to her current endeavors
- Innovator in federal contracting and IT consulting
- Committed advocate for Military, Government, and Education sectors
Dr. Thomas’s ability to weave together insights from her diverse background resonated deeply with our attendees. Her presentation left us with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies to apply in our own professional journeys.
We’re incredibly grateful to Dr. Thomas for her continued support and for once again elevating the discourse at our Mentorship Mixer. Her ongoing commitment to our community is truly invaluable!
Past Trendsetter Award Winners
We would also like to pay homage to our past Trendsetter Award winners. Their outstanding achievements and contributions have left an indelible mark on our community. They have set the bar high and continue to inspire us every day. Together, we stand on their shoulders as we pave the way for the future.
2018 – René Revis Shingles. 2020 – Marsha Grant-Ford , 2020 – Tiffany Morton , 2021 – Carla Gilson , 2021 – Courtney Watson, 2023 – Lovie Tabron, 2023 – Andrea Durham (from left to right)
The Sistahood is a network of women of color, making a difference in the sports industry.