2021 MARCA Ethnic Minority Careers in Athletics Symposium Recap 

The Mid-Atlantic Region Commissioners Association (MARCA) recently hosted its third Ethnic Minority Symposium. The event was geared towards individuals interested in pursuing or elevating their careers in athletics. The symposium had 43 attendees from the Mid-Atlantic region. They ranged from first-year student-athletes to graduate assistants. The event was supported by the NCAA Division III diversity funding for conferences.

The symposium worked with industry leaders and was held virtually over three days. The first day, titled "Understanding the Job Search," focused on the complex process for presidents and hiring officials. Participants heard from Sharon Beverly of Beverly & Associations (B&A) Consulting Firm on what employers and search firms look for when going through the search process, more specifically, what they look for when reviewing resumes and cover letters.

"After attending the symposium, I have a better understanding of how to display my resume and cover letter to project the image I want," said Matthew Harridan, a sophomore men's soccer student-athlete from Arcadia University. "It also taught me how to stay professional and well-mannered, while staying true to myself."

The second session of the evening featured Will Baggett. Baggett, the Founder of Executive Image, used interactive exercises with the participants in the arenas of personal branding, digital etiquette, meeting room decorum, and the art of speaking without speaking – using nonverbal skills.

"The MARCA Symposium was nothing short of remarkable, and I couldn't have imagined a better experience as a featured speaker,' said Baggett. "We discussed the core competencies of personal and professional presence essential to making positive first impressions and building mutually beneficial relationships. After taking part in the Symposium, I am both excited and encouraged to see what this group of rising stars will accomplish and how they will lead us into the future."

Dell Robinson, a Senior Consultant with Spelman Johnson, mediated a question-and-answer panel that included industry leaders Crystal Gibson (Director of Athletics, St. Mary's College of Maryland), Danielle Harris (Commissioner, Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), and Sharief Hashim (Director of Athletics, Susquehanna University) about their career pathway. Panelists addressed navigating priorities, building relationships, and making the most out of opportunities. At the conclusion of the Q&A session, participants had the opportunity to interact in a more intimate setting through two rounds of breakout sessions.

"The Symposium was a great opportunity to network and build relationships across Division III athletics," said Camille McPherson, an Assistant Coach at Allegheny College. "I really enjoyed the pathways panel - as an aspiring head coach, having the opportunity to directly interact, question and get to know Athletic Directors and Conference Commissioners was invaluable."

"MARCA provided an outstanding symposium and platform for learning for young minorities interested in the field of athletics administration," said Robinson. "The broad approach will jump start the careers of many of those who participated."

On the third and final evening, Carina Paulino, a spoken word artist, kicked off the session with three poems to help set the mood for the rest of the evening. Following her performance, Nnenna Akotaobi and Sonja Robinson from 122 Consulting Group hosted a live recording of their podcast, entitled Your Black Best Friend (a podcast from Black professionals, practitioners, and scholars on the complexity of race and diversity in the work environment and in life). The duo discussed career advancement, opportunities, and challenges within athletics.

The symposium concluded with a graduation ceremony, with participants sharing what they gained over the three days. Additionally, for the first time, MARCA paired interested attendees with a mentor.

"My experience at the MARCA Ethnic Minority Symposium was one that I will never forget," said Regina Bolin, the Athletic Communications Coordinator at Goucher College. "I learned tangible tactics like ways to improve my resume and cover letter while navigating job searches and intangible improvements about image and perception to help me better understand myself and others."

"It was great to hear from professionals that have been in the industry for years and I hope that the connections will remain strong over my career," she continued. "I am very thankful for the opportunity to participate in the symposium and highly recommend it to anyone beginning their journey in the DIII collegiate sports industry." 

PLANNING COMMITTEE
Jessica Cherry, Marymount University
Marqus Hunter, Ursinus College
Amber Thomas, Centennial Conference
Renee Bostic, Notre Dame of Maryland University
Sarah Twiggs, Landmark Conference
Melissa Brooks, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Florham Campus
Danielle Lynch, Penn State-Harrisburg
Isaiah Rodgers, Old Dominion Athletic Conference
Marie Stroman, Middle Atlantic Conference

THANK YOU to the principal sponsors of this program!
NCAA Division III
Atlantic East Conference
Centennial Conference
Colonial States Athletic Conference
Landmark Conference
Middle Atlantic Conference
North Eastern Athletic Conference
Old Dominion Athletic Conference