PLANO, Texas – Sixteen individuals from various organizations and collegiate institutions have been selected to attend the 2022-23 Annual LEARFIELD EDGE (Empowering Diversity Growth & Equity) Academy, held in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).
This year’s Academy will include hybrid programming with five virtual sessions beginning November 8, along with two in-person sessions. The Academy is designed to foster minority growth and development in the collegiate multimedia, technology systems and sponsorship sector. The EDGE Academy Selection Committee is comprised of members from LEARFIELD and MOAA. Below is a complete listing of the individuals selected:
Max Chan – Pac-12 Sales – Washington
Jordan Durham – UT Arlington
Christian Flowers – Kentucky State
Waashanas Jacobs – Kauffman Scholars, Inc.
Edison Kang – Cal Baptist
Scott Malachi – Pee Dee Cleaners Inc
Sydney March – NACDA
Jesse Palomera – Cal State Bakersfield
Deja Parker – Colgate University
Amyre Powell – SiSTEM Tutoring Agency
Leshawn Richardson – Microsoft
Pedro Salgado – Engine Shop Agency
Alex Shillow – UAB
Gordon Thomas Jr. – LSU
Derick Thornton – Army
Derrick Mitchell – Texas Tech
“LEARFIELD’s commitment to the EDGE Academy shows their continued leadership in fostering minority enhancement and development in the college multimedia, technology systems and sponsorship landscape The LEARFIELD EDGE Academy (formally the Minority Academy) is a model for other organizations to emulate,” said MOAA Executive Director Stan Johnson.
This year’s virtual Academy will be led by Johnson, as well as LEARFIELD corporate personnel, and feature an array of sessions dedicated to topics such as professional development and skills enhancement in sales, technology, marketing and licensing. Additionally, there will be an optional opportunity to shadow LEARFIELD team members in person, at select partner collegiate institutions and affiliated companies.
“We’ve always received outstanding feedback and perspective from Academy attendees, and we are confident about the special career growth opportunity we’re delivering in year two under the EDGE Academy banner,” said LEARFIELD’s Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ian Moses. “It’s a privilege to work closely with Stan Johnson and the MOAA team to develop a holistic program we know will be valuable for the individuals participating in this 2022-23 class.”
About the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association:
In partnership with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association promotes equitable employment opportunities for minorities in the athletics industry through the exchange of ideas, the creation of networking opportunities, and the avocation of an increase in employment for minorities in athletics administration positions at all levels of the sports industry. The association also promotes cultivating a sports environment that supports the values necessary to accept aspiring professionals from all walks of life.
About LEARFIELD:
LEARFIELD is a media, data, and technology services leader in intercollegiate athletics. The company unlocks the value of college sports for brands and fans through an omnichannel platform with innovative content and commerce solutions. LEARFIELD services include licensing and collegiate sports properties’ multimedia sponsorship management; publishing, audio, digital and social media; data analytics and insights; ticketing software; and ticket sales, premium seating, and fundraising services; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for NACDA’s acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, recognizing athletic departments across all divisions.