HADLEY, Mass. – Tufts University, in conjunction with the NESCAC, recently hosted the Future Leaders Forum presented by NESCAC. The two-day forum was a professional development and networking event aimed at promoting the growth of underrepresented coaches and administrators in the early stages of their careers in athletics, while exposing participants to NCAA Division III principles.

Participants gained knowledge of the skills needed to advance in their careers, as well as be successful in their current positions. Participants also had opportunities to engage in networking best practices as they built their professional networks with fellow attendees and NESCAC administrators and coaches who offered insight into their institutions and careers.

"The NESCAC Future Leaders Forum was by far one of the most refreshing and enlightening forums I have attended. I gained a lot of insight from experienced professionals and young professionals like myself. The forum was well organized, packed with valuable information, and emulated an open/honest vibe," said Chanelle Melton, Bridgewater State University Manager of Diversity, Inclusion & Compliance. "I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate in the forum. I will definitely share this opportunity with other professionals from my conference."

Tufts University President Anthony Monaco kicked off the event by welcoming the group to the campus. He encouraged participants to use their time to learn, grow, and establish new connections while highlighting the commitment to diversity shared by the NESCAC Presidents.

Anthony Andino, Christine Bright, and Ethan Barron of the Center for Healing & Justice through Sports shared presentations on how trauma and increased stressors impact individual performance and mental health, and how these stressors can be alleviated daily. Dr. Tiffany Jones, founder of X-Factor Performance, focused on how emotions and needs impact thoughts and individual and team leadership.

Jenny Rearick, the founder of Fit To Speak, spoke with the group about practical interview communication skills which can be applied and practiced through daily communication. Members of the NESCAC Coaches of Color group provided insight and considerations based on their career paths. Jenny Rearick and the panelists teamed up to have the participants put the morning's information into practice utilizing their current résumés.

Elise Ederle, Johns Hopkins University Assistant Director of Business Operations & Marketing, shared, "As someone who is very new to the field of collegiate athletics, attending the Future Leaders Forum not only introduced me to skills that I can directly take back to my current job, but also personal and professional skills that will help me take the next step in my career. It was great to meet and connect with people from different institutions – I got advice from current administrators on my job and career path and learned from other participants about their experiences in collegiate athletics."

"The NESCAC is dedicated to providing opportunities for coaches and administrators from underrepresented populations, and the past three NESCAC Future Leaders Forums have underscored this commitment," said NESCAC Executive Director Andrea Savage. "It was uplifting and encouraging to meet and engage with these young professionals who are investing in their own development. We were pleased to provide this experience for participants to enhance their skill sets, build their networks, and prepare for their futures." 

In April 2023, the Future Leaders Forum was highlighted by the NCAA's Diversity Spotlight Initiative which recognizes and promotes outstanding diversity development projects, programming and initiatives occurring on Division III campuses and in conference offices. Each month an institution or conference is identified by the selection committee to be featured on the DIII webpage and in the DIII Monthly Update.