Dillard to celebrate National Girls & Women In Sports Day Feb. 9

NEW ORLEANS (DU) – Dillard University will launch its second annual “So You Want a Career in Athletics” program in conjunction with National Girls and Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) on Saturday, Feb. 9 prior to the Lady Bleu Devils basketball game against Edward Waters College.

“This year is special for the Dillard community as we celebrate 150 years of excellence and heritage. Dillard University has produced powerful women leaders throughout history and I am honored to be in position to extend that legacy by developing the next generation of women leaders,” said Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes, Dillard University’s athletic director.

Dr. Barnes is Louisiana’s only female college athletic director, and will host the event for the second year in a row. The event which will feature a number of established sports professionals, including Jashell Mitchell, NFL Manager of Diversity and Inclusion, Tricia Lowe, Vice President of Sales, Greater New Orleans Sport Foundation and WGNO sports reporter Karen Loftus. Local women athletic administrators, Dr. Ashley Baker, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, Xavier University of Louisiana and Founder of Women in Sport Forum, Kirsten Elleby, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, University of New Orleans and Carolina Panthers social media coordinator Astasia Williams will also be in attendance.

Interactive breakout sessions by industry professionals in broadcasting, journalism, community sports and non-profits will give participants a snapshot of the opportunities that exist in athletics.  After lunch and closing remarks, participants will have the opportunity to shadow Dr. Barnes to get a behind the scenes look at game day responsibilities for a college athletic director.  The women’s game is scheduled to start at 3 pm and partiipants will be acknowledged at halftime.

Enrollment is open to girls ages 13-18 (grades 8-12) and registration closes on Sunday, February 3. A limited number of spots are available for female college students interested.  Register at earliest convenience to ensure a spot.  If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Barnes at kbarnes@dillard.edu or 504-816-4752.

About National Girls & Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019 marks the 33nd Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). The 2019 theme is “Lead Her Forward.” NGWSD is a time to celebrate the extraordinary achievements in girls and women’s sports and the positive influence athletic participation brings to their lives. NGWSD recognizes the ongoing effort towards equality and access for women in sports and the nation’s commitment to expand sport and participation opportunities for all girls and future generations.

National Girls &Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite female athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.

In 1987, NGWSD also served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of female athletes, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.

NGWSD is celebrated annually across all 50 states with community-based events, award ceremonies and other celebratory activities.

Presenters and Panelists for NGWSD
Tiffany Aidoo, Program Coordinator, Laureus Foundation USA
Dr. Ashley Baker, Associate Athletic Director/Senior Women’s Administrator, Xavier (La.)
Allana Barefield, Rhoden Fellow at ESPN’s The Undefeated
Kirsten Elleby, Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Enrichment/Senior Women’s Administrator, University of New Orleans
Alexia Fortenberry, Assistant XC/Track & Field Coach, Dillard University
Krissica Harper, Educator/Coach
Karen Loftus, Sports Reporter, WGNO
Tricia Lowe, Vice President of Sales, Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
Loretta Martin, Associate Head Women’s Basketball & Volleyball Coach, Dillard University
Jashell Mitchell, Manager Diversity and Inclusion, NFL
Alisha Moore, Chief Customer Experience, Girl Scouts Louisiana East
Mayra Pineda, President & CEO, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Stephanie Sharpe, Assistant Coach for Athletic Performance Tarleton State University, NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow
Nancy Sikobe, Head Volleyball Coach, Dillard University
Monique A.J. Smith, CEO, Seeds of Empowerment, LLC and Host of “A Chat in the Garden”
Astasia Williams, Social Media Content Coordinator, NFL Carolina Panthers

Click here to register – REGISTER NOW
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Additional Information
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019
Time: 9:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Location: Dillard University, Student Union Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom, 2601 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70122
Fee: $50.00 per participant (includes two meals, game day ticket, and swag bag); Scholarships are available.

Schedule (Tentative)
Saturday, February 9, 2019
9:30-10 a.m. Registration and Breakfast
10-10:10 a.m. Welcome
10:10-10:20 a.m. Opening Speaker
10:20-10:25 a.m. Transition to Interactive Breakout Session 1
10:25-11:05 a.m. Interactive Breakout Session 1
11:05-11:10 a.m. Transition to Interactive Breakout Session 2
11:10-12:05 p.m. Interactive Breakout Session 2
12:05-12:10 p.m. Transition to Luncheon/Closing Panel
12:10-12:40 p.m. Luncheon
12:40-1 p.m.  Closing Remarks
1-2 p.m.  Transition to Gymnasium for Behind the Scenes tour
3-5 p.m.  Dillard Lady Bleu Devils vs. Edward Waters College