PLANO, Texas – LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology company powering college athletics, announces the return of its annual EDGE (Empowering, Diversity, Growth & Equity) Academy, in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA).
This year’s academy will include virtual and in-person programming beginning this fall. The Academy is designed to foster growth and development in minorities who work on the business side of college athletics. The EDGE Academy Selection Committee is comprised of members from LEARFIELD and MOAA. Below is a complete listing of the individuals selected to participate in the upcoming program:
- Therno Diallo – Rutgers University
- Rachel Rice – University of Washington
- Mya Johnson – Oregon State University
- Milita Godette – Wake Forest University
- Marquis Bryant – Hampton University
- Kevin Hayward – University of Missouri
- Kelly Shepherd – West Virginia State University
- Jazmin Elliott – Norfolk State University
- Jasmine Werninger – West Virginia University
- Erinn Marroquin – Reinhardt University
- Desmond Pierce – East Tennessee State University
- Ashton Stewart – Indiana University
- Ashleigh Jones – DePauw University
- Anthony Bello – Oasis Hospice & Palliative Care
- Adrian Mitchell – Syracuse University
“The LEARFIELD EDGE Academy continues to be a model for enhancing opportunities for minority and underrepresented groups in the multimedia, technology systems and sponsorship fields,” said Stan Johnson, Executive Director of MOAA. “We value this partnership and know that LEARFIELD’s commitment and leadership will assist individuals in their personal and professional growth.”
This year’s virtual Academy will be led by Johnson and LEARFIELD’s Head of Diversity Equity & Inclusion Ian Moses, as well as leaders across the collegiate landscape, featuring an array of sessions dedicated to topics such as leadership and professional development, along with skills enhancement in sales, technology, marketing and brand licensing. Additionally, there will be an optional opportunity to shadow LEARFIELD team members in person at select partner collegiate institutions and affiliated companies.
“Working with MOAA and the Academy participants has been a highlight in my career,” said Moses. “I am so thankful for everyone’s willingness to support the growth and development of minorities in college athletics. I am very fortunate to work for a company that sees the importance of this and is willing to invest in this program.”
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 diversified and influential media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, LEARFIELD owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 15,000 local and national brand partners, LEARFIELD’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, LEARFIELD enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.