Monique A.J. Smith

CEO, Seeds of Empowerment, LLC

Significance in Athletics and Sports Magazine™️

I am a leadership Strategist for Athletic Departments/Sport Organizations and Individuals who wish to Advance in Athletic Administration or Sports Management Careers. I served on several NCAA committees and National boards that addressed trends in Athletics, such as mascots, bowling, conference realignments and women Leadership opportunities. I believe my ability to forecast the landscape of athletics for my previous employers and current clients has kept me relevant and employed. For a decade now, I have hosted an internationally known podcast called A Chat in the Garden where I interview Black Women in Athletic Administration and Sports Management Careers. I taught Sports Management courses at Hampton University and Old Dominion University. Most recently became the publisher of the Magazine "Significance in Athletics and Sports" that all 6 issues maybe found on Amazon.

I have been promoting Head to Speech on my media platforms and social media contacts and magazine.

I have served on several boards including National Association of Collegiate Women in Athletic Administration (now called Women Leaders in Sports) Black Women in Sports Foundation, the Honda Committee, Girls on the Run South Hampton Roads. I was Director of Governance for the CIAA and served the Board of Directors via creating agenda, creating strategic plans, and execution. I have had run my for profit consultancy full-time for a decade.

The board's role is to guide the staff to meet and supersede marketplace trends in the specific sectors. In 2023, Boards are recognizes to be disruptive (different or provide diversification) is to be ahead of Market. I believe "Head to Speech" is just that a different "Way to quickly and safely get back on the playing field after a brain injury". But because it is so knew, education is needed.

I wasn't aware of the concussion and speech pathology component until speaking to Dr. Pope. This needs to get more "air time". Especially the "prehab" to expedite the return to play portion. Strategic partners in communicating the effectiveness of this method would be key.

I have served on several NCAA committees and this was something that was examined. The method was a rotation of needs, for example if a representative from a region wasn't on the board, when the call for nominations went out, this was expressed, same for race, sex, title, coach versus administrator etc.

Lena Dubensky Masri

I am a speech-language pathologist clinical fellow. I received my MBA from the University of Denver and my M.S., CSD from New York University. Before pursuing high education, I worked in collegiate and professional sports, in sales, corporate partnerships, and business analytics. Now, I am merging my career with my education by focusing on executive dysfunction and cognitive-communication disorders as a speech-language pathologist. I am thrilled to be a part of Head to Speech, an organization that speaks directly to my passions.

 Head to Speech Ambassador, January 2023-present PATH Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor, November 2006-present Keynote Speaker at Head to Speech Summit in April 2023 Committee Member, PATH Intl DEI Committee, July 2020-present

I was previously the Director of Corporate Relations for an AHL hockey team in Syracuse, NY where I managed over 100 accounts and a budget of $1.5M. I have been involved with non-profits in the equine therapy world since the age of 18 and have held various volunteer positions over the last 15 years, including event organizing, development coordinator, and volunteer manager.

I believe a director needs to be empathetic, understanding, encouraging, and self-motivating. As a therapeutic horseback riding instructor, I am able to quickly put individuals at ease in new, unnerving situations. As a speech-language pathologist, I have learned how to counsel individuals in highly emotional states. I am forward-thinking and believe in looking at a one year, five year, and ten year plan for organizations to ensure longevity.

Athletes are taking a more holistic approach to their health these days, and that includes brain health. This is a positive change for the sports industry and Head to Speech is perfectly positioned to address this need. The challenge is that athletes are unaware of available services and that SLPs can work on cognition.

I serve on the DEI Committee for PATH Intl. and we often discuss ways to broaden the diversity and inclusion across the board. It is imperative to hear from a variety of voices, especially in fields that typically look a certain way, like speech pathology. By including people on the board from different generations, different backgrounds, and unique points of view, the board of directors can enhance Head to Speech's diversity. 

Dana Monique Bryant

Speech Language Pathologist

The Neuro SLP (Parker Bryant Consulting, LLC)

MedBridge Education Affiliate, Amazon Affiliate

Dana M. Bryant is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with 10+ years of experience working with individuals with neurological disorders. She currently works in an Outpatient Clinic in Northern Virginia serving military men and women with Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) or history of stroke(s). There, she is part of an interdisciplinary team using evidence based practices to treat patients in both individual and group sessions. Specific expertise areas include Cognitive Communication Intervention, Motivational Interviewing, FUNctional and Person Centered Care, Return to School/Return to Work, and topics specific to Mild TBI.

ASHA Certification & Membership, NBASLH Membership; Brain Injury Association of America Membership; VA/DoD SLP Working Group Member; VA/DoD Working Group on Auditory Processing Member, ASHA Convention 2024 Acquired Cognitive Communication Disorders Committee Member; NBASLH Medical SLP Committee; ASHA Special Interest Group (SIG) 2: Neurogenic Communication Disorders Member; Brain Injury Association of Virginia Member; Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Diversity Committee Co-Chair

SPECIALITY AREAS: I specialize in Cognitive Communication Disorders including the promotion of person centered assessment and treatment of such. I create digital products that host webinars that help other SLPs deliver the best care for those who have neurological changes, including motivational interviewing, collaborative goal setting, and identification of functional and person centered therapy activities. LICENSURE/MEMBERSHIP: I am licensed by the state of Virginia as well as by ASHA. I have previous licensure to administer Lee Silverman Voice Therapy to those who need it. I have sat on several committees at my job (see details above) and I also currently hold membership on committees within NBASLH and within ASHA (see above). MENTORSHIP/LEADERSHIP: I have served as an ASHA S.T.E.P Mentor for 2 years and I have 2+ years experience in graduate level clinician supervision (Vanderbilt University Dept of Communication Sciences & Disorders). Please see above for all the leadership positions I currently hold. PRESENTATIONS/PUBLICATIONS: I have been a guest lecturer for several conferences, graduate level courses, and student led organization meetings. Most recently, I was selected has the Brain Injury Association of America Fall 2023 Carolyn Rocchio Caregiver Series' Guest Speaker where I presented on "Collaborative Goal Setting". I have co-authored a publication in Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine entitled "Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing and Aphasia--Exploring Unilateral Forced Nostril Breathing as an Adjunct To Aphasia Treatment: A Case Series” and I have contributed to a recent paper in Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research entitled "Central Auditory Processing Dysfunction in Service Members and Veterans: Treatment Considerations and Strategies". FINANCE: As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, I served as Treasurer for the Nu Delta Chapter in 2010, managing funds and helping to identify profit increasing activities.

I believe the most important leadership competencies is open-mindedness, resourcefulness, and collaboration. It is impossible to reach any goals without these three things. No one person can do everything on their own. It takes a good leader to listen attentively to others, be open-minded about solutions to problems, tap into different resources, and collaborate for the greater good. I have been able to do that with the leadership positions I have held (see above) and I hope to continue to do that if selected for a Board of Directors position at Head To Speech.

In 3-5 years, Head to Speech can continue to promote brain health through community events, continue to teach young athletes about concussion early on through guest lectures at sports camps and sports practices, and equip more professionals to know the signs and symptoms of concussion and next steps through a bigger online presence.

I am an African American woman from the South who is very familiar with sports, particularly football due to the huge college football presence in Alabama. I know about health literacy and know how to market information to target populations. Being a Black woman helps me as does my experience on the DEI Committee at my job.

Rev. Cedric Alexnader, EA, NTPI Fellow®

I help Head to Speech fulfill its mission by contributing financially to the task, goals, and objectives and provide my wise counsel gained through over 30 years of academic achievement and professional experience.

I have also raised budgets and met every obligation as both Pastor and Presiding Elder over the last 17 or so years, using various methods common to religious nonprofit organizations.

I’m passionate about leveraging my expertise to educate students in financial planning as an Adjunct Professor. Having built a successful clergy tax practice and served as an Episcopal District accountant in a major denominational church, I’m especially adept at teaching all aspects of clergy tax management and traditional financial planning.

Seeing Dr. Pope's dreams and visions come to fruition through the fulfillment of Head to Speech's mission, goals, and objectives motivate me to invest my time, talent, and treasury as an active member of its Board of Directors to make them a reality.

Dr. Carlitta M. Moore

Assistant Dean for DEIB - College of Nursing & Health Professions; Clinical Education Coordinator/Assistant Professor - Master of Athletic Training

Arkansas State University

American Association of Blacks in Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, National Athletic Trainers' Association and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Carlitta Moore has served in the role of the Clinical Education Coordinator/Assistant Professor for the Master of Athletic Training Program at Arkansas State University, as well as the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the College of Nursing and Health Professions. During her time at A-State, she has served as the current National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee (EDAC) District Six Representative, Chair of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association (SWATA) EDAC and the past Chair/member of the Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association (AATA) Diversity and Inclusion Committee. At Arkansas State University, she is the Faculty Association President and President of the Black Faculty and Staff Association. Dr. Moore also on Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) Board of Commissioners, and the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) Board of Directors and completed the AABHE Leadership and Mentoring Institute in 2017. Previously Dr. Moore served as the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Medicine and Head Athletic Trainer at Fayetteville State University, and was the first African-American female Head Athletic Trainer at Fayetteville State. She was the 2016 Staff Employee of the Year, Young Philanthropist of the Year and served as Ms. FSU Alumni 2015-2016. During her time Dr. Moore was the President of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Athletic Trainers’ Association and a contributing member of the CIAA Management Council. She also completed her service with the UNC System Staff Assembly in the Chair-Elect position prior to relocating. She matriculated at Fayetteville State obtaining her B.S. degree in Biology, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. She received her MS from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga where her major was Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Athletic Training. Dr. Moore commits her service as a member of the Community Health Education Foundation (CHEF) in Jonesboro, AR, and a Diamond Life Member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Carlitta attends New Genesis Fresh Start Ministries in Fayetteville, NC and is a member of the Women’s Ministry.

As chair of the executive board for my sorority, I was the nominations chair during the election period. I've also assisted my institution with curriculum development and implementation of the Diversity and Sensitivity portion within the University's Leadership Development Program. This program is designed to provide new, current, and aspiring campus leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively lead and advance within the university. The program will culminate with a certificate and will ideally allow for pathways to promotion and key leadership positions for participants.

Currently serving on two national boards, I engage utilizing the three D's. Duty of care, duty of loyalty and duty of obedience. Serving in such positions one has the responsibility to look beyond themselves and put what is best for the organization first. I ensure to remain informed as to be diligent in my decision making as well as minimize and foresee any potential risk the organization may face.

Developing career pathways to pipeline HBCUs will incorporate a combination of understanding the unique needs of the culture, engaging stakeholder and creating strategic partnerships. As an athletic trainer, we have the same struggle of having programs at HBCUs as SLP. Head to Speech may be able to utilize interprofessional collaborations to increase the awareness of sports concussions and their residual affects.

In enhancing Head to Speech's diversity and inclusion goals I would want to determine and/or establish clear and measurable objectives and timeline for us to achieve said goals. Further, developing inclusive recruiting packages in order to identify opportunities to engage and partner with the organization. The board members should also undergo diversity and inclusion training to promote and ensure cultural competence, awareness of unconscious biases while being intentional for positive chance, and to understand the importance of valuing diverse perspectives.

Key Affiliations:
Arkansas Athletic Trainers’ Association
Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association
National Athletic Trainers Association
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education - Board of Commissioners
National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA)
American Association of Blacks in Higher Education
Association of Schools Advancing Health Profession (ASAHP)
Arkansas Council for Women in Higher Education
Arkansas State University’s Women’s Leadership
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Executive Committee for Education Policy & Procedures Programming
Journal: Significance in Athletics and Sport
Journal: The Journal of Higher Education Management (JHEM)
Journal: American Association of Blacks in Higher Education (AABHE) International, National and Regional Presentations Developing Safe Spaces and Cultural Competence utilizing Socratic Methods Equity & Inclusion Beyond the Classroom: Perceptions of the University Administrator An Exploration into University Administrator’s Perceptions of Student Athletes with Diverse Sexual Identities Overcoming the Imposter Phenomenon and Transitioning into Clinical Practice Learned forum Relating to Your Patient: Implicit Bias Revelations: Revealing the Experiences of Blacks in Higher Education Pre-Symposium Meet & Greet and Critical Issues Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Addressing Implicit Bias & Microaggressions Concussion Tools Finding the missing puzzle piece: Integration of Work & Life What about me? How to develop Work-Life Integration “The Road to Learning to Lead with Grace: the journey to becoming an extraordinary leader” Book: Black Women’s Formal and Informal Ways of Leadership: Actualizing the Vision of a More Equitable Workplace “Mentorship: A Full Circle Affect” Book: Excellence in Black Leadership: A Time For Critical Reflection Cultural Competency in the Athletic Training Room Healthcare Students Perceptions of Hybrid Learning in the Midst of Twin Pandemics Moving Towards Inclusion of Student-Athletes with Diverse Sexual Identities: Perceptions of University Administrators

Montiono Whitted

LMT/CPT/CEO

Whitted Wellness

Sports Therapist and Athletic Trainer with over 20 years in the field

I am a highly experienced sports therapist and athletic trainer with over 20 years of professional expertise. Over the course of my career, I have worked with athletes at all levels, ranging from peewee to professional and even Olympic athletes. Currently, I am serving as the head athletic trainer for St. Frances Academy, providing specialized care and therapy to the school's athletes. I am best known for my dedication to improving performance, preventing injuries, and facilitating optimal recovery for athletes. In addition to my role at St. Frances Academy, I am also the proud owner of Whitted Wellness Sports Therapy. Through my business, we offer a wide range of services tailored to the specific needs of athletes. My extensive experience enables them to provide personalized treatment plans and rehabilitation techniques that optimize athletic performance. I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in sports therapy and frequently attends seminars and workshops to expand their knowledge. I believe myself to be highly respected in the field and have built a strong reputation for my exceptional skills and ability to effectively connect with athletes.

I have partnered with the head of the organization in reading opportunities to research and obtain data on athletes of all levels. My staff and I have participated and been a part of the Head to Speech Summit of 2023 in creating more awareness in brain health.

Education for Board: being a CEO of a sports therapy business my knowledge of athletes in how they function and move. My understanding of sports at all levels can also help with understanding athletes.

To be a director, I find it important for the individual to have the following attributes: wisdom, hands-on experience, passion for the cause, and/or a connection (s) with the area and network involved.
My hands-on experience comes from being in the field for just over 20 years allowing me to meet and network with various athletes, medical providers and even teams at all levels. Being in this field for that amount of time, I have gained the wisdom of both old school and new innovative methods of treatment for athletes. I don't just have a pain for sports, I live for sports.

Clarity within the website on the priorities. Website activity and interaction will be easier and more successful with a clearer navigation. This is important especially for athletes who have suffered a concussion, have a more straightforward site for athletes to navigate.

I would include schools like Gallaudet University since they have contact sports also look into women's football. Women have both flag and tackle football now. Flag is also now an Olympic sport. I would also look into Prince George's County schools since they cut the budget for athletic trainers it opens a huge door to introduce a new form of player safety.

Dr. Deborah A. Finley

Partnerships for Health and Education Inc.

American Speech, Language and Hearing Association

Dr. Deborah A. Finley is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is an ASHA certified and licensed practicing speech-language pathologist. She resides in Miami, Florida and is the Founder and Executive Director of Partnerships for Health and education Inc, Interactive Communication LLC and Meridian A - Global Intellectual Knowledge LLC (a publishing company). Her community engagement activities include being on the board of several nonprofit organizations in the Miami, Florida area.and is a past participant of LEADERSHIP MONTGOMERY (MD) and a current member/facilitator of LEADERSHIP MIAMI (MIAMI, FL)).

As a long term member of ASHA (Life Member-more than 25 years), I have been a certified and licensed SLP (in 3 states) as well as the owner of a private practice, Interactive Communication, Throughout these years I have developed a wealth of experience as a practicing SLP and an adjunct professor. I have also had the experience of providing services in Nassau, Bahamas on a pro bono basis. The majority of my career has been in hospitals, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes - with a focus on swallowing disorders/dysphagia, cognitive and neurologically-related speech and language disorders.

My related educational experience has been obtaining an educational Leadership certificate during the time I served as the ESE District-wide Instructional Supervisor at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (Miami, FL) for 4 ESE programs: Speech and Language, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, Visually Impaired and Deaf Blind for 8 years. I am presently on the board of the Center for Family and Child Enrichment (CFCE), the Miami-Dade County Health Services Advisory Committee (responsible for the Early Head Start and Head Start programs) and the Overtown Youth Center Parent Advisory Committee.

My competencies include a decades long experience in the CSD field. It includes my pursuit of expanding my educational, research and business skill in a variety of professional environments. This includes teaching, as an adjunct at several colleges/universities such as Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland Graduate School, Temple University and Florida International University (FIU). My tenure at FIU was under the tenure of Dr. Noma Anderson and Dr. Lemmietta McNeilly (ASHA's Chief Staff Officer). My teaching experiences at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland Graduate School focused on courses in Graphic and Imaging Systems, Artificial Intelligence (computer simulation), and Expert Systems. These courses of study were directly related to my doctoral dissertation focused on the relationship between SLP clinical training and computer simulation testing. Finally, I am the founder of Partnerships for Health and Education Inc, a nonprofit focused on health literacy, patients right's and advocacy for quality healthcare policies at the Federal, State and local levels.

Overall, and consistent with the strategic priorities are first and formats "quality, ethical, and research-based services to consumers. As a practicing SLP and a clinical private practitioner, my sense of strategic planning includes attention to professional development on a consistent basis. This PD should include the major areas of clinical practice: knowledge of speech/language/hearing disorders, research advancements, marketing, ethical practices, business management, and consumer rights.

Acknowledgement of the balance required when factoring in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is essential. To best reflect diversity it would be my hope that HEAD TO SPEECH would realize the need to match the diversity of the consumers and professionals it serves. This attention tends to require participation with organizations and networks which also highlight DEIB.Overall, this should allow the utilization of "Best Practices" as the organization maintains its fiduciary responsibilities and professional service delivery.

Dr. JaQuinda Jackson

Trauma Psycho Clinician

Jackson Consultings, LLC

Hello, I am a trauma informed therapist in private practice in South Carolina. I offer virtual healing groups for helping professionals and athletes in order to increase positive emotional health through mental performance skills. I have curated a personal self awareness burnout assessment that individuals are able to utilize in order to assess personal emotional health daily. I believe in the importance of mental health and brain wellness in order to promote healthy living and personal wellness. My most prized claim to fame is being married to my best friend and being a mother to her two boys.

I am a trauma therapist that works with athletes, I have been in the filed for over 8 years. I have also done collaborative work with speech pathologist in treating trauma.

I currently run a private practice of 3 clinicians and 2 interns. Along with being a trauma therapist, I provided trauma informed training to schools and organizations. I am a huge advocate within my community in order to bring awareness and understanding around trauma work by utilizing various preventative methods. At the heart of my work is to advocate for all people, by normalizing conversations around mental health as well as identifying access through key stakeholders.

If provide with this opportunity to serve, leadership skills that I possess is being team leader, understanding the impact of the work in which we do by serving others. The upmost importance in understanding and committing to the mission of Head to Speech. I have previous experience on being on a board in which there was a leadership change in which it became difficulty however I was able to re-communicate the mission to ensure that it was not lost while identifying key leaders to interview for the leadership role.

I believe one of the most important issues for me is the overall brain health. These conversations are more than just for the athlete, they are for the coaches, parents, and athletic supports. In bringing awareness to the overall brain health will increase conversation as well as ensure health beyond the organization in that now family and supports can spread the message of brain health. It also ensures that conversations around mental health are being discussed thus increasing awareness of preventive measures for both brain health and mental health.

I believe that Head to Speech could enhance diversity and inclusion goals with doing outreach and collaborative work across all sectors.

Kristina Biscoe

Youth sports league, sorority committees, and alumni association

Hello! I am Kristina Biscoe, a seasoned professional with over 20 years of valuable experience in IT and public relations, specializing in strategically positioning Corporate, Private, and Federal organizations. I have a unique blend of Public Affairs, Communications, Human Resource, and Information Technology experience, which I utilize to communicate and initiate business goals and practices effectively. In my current role as a ServiceNow Software Development Ops Representative, I lead efforts in implementing ServiceNow and other applications, replacing existing IT System solutions for large corporations and organizations. I take pride in my ability to define the scope of projects, manage communications budgets, and lead client-facing meetings to present agile stages to executive stakeholders. My role also involves strategically planning, managing, approving, and editing IT communications. Parallel to my professional roles, I also engage in freelance public relations and social media management. I am skilled in establishing strategic plans promoting special events, managing fundraising campaigns, and developing strategic alliances that generate new businesses. I have successfully directed and produced televised Public Service Announcements and integrated communications products. Academically, I hold a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, a Master of Communications from Trinity University, and a Bachelor of Communication from Morgan State University. As a community leader, my volunteer experience in various sectors has equipped me with the necessary skills to engage with different audiences. My history of involvement with sports teams, schools, churches, and sororities showcases my dedication to community service, strong communication and marketing skills. I have a deep understanding of sports culture developed through extensive athleticism and volunteer work with sports teams. My volunteer work also includes organizing events, planning, and executing events such as sports clinics, camps, and leagues. In my previous role as a National Community Lead, I was responsible for volunteer initiatives for over 1,000 people. I also held various HR roles, including Recruitment & Retention Lead, Policy Manager, and Consultant. I believe in the importance of interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, decision-making, and effective communication in fulfilling the role of a director. As such, I have enhanced these skills over the years and I am ready to apply them to a Board of Directors position centered around community engagement/partnership and merchandising. In terms of strategic priorities, I consider awareness and education, recruitment and training, and partnerships as the most important issues that should be considered over the next three to five years. In conclusion, I am committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion goals within the board and facilitating them within the broader community. I look forward to bringing my skills, experiences, and passion to your team.

1. Community Engagement: My experience as a community leader and volunteer in various sectors has equipped me with the necessary skills to engage with different types of audiences. I am well-versed in connecting with people, understanding their needs, and rallying support for a common cause.

2. Marketing and Communication Skills: My history of involvement with sports teams, schools, churches, and sorority provides leverage to my strong communication skills. These skills have assisted with developing and executing marketing strategies for organizations.

I can assist with developing and implementing marketing strategies that raise awareness about the organization and the importance of speech-language in sports concussion management.

I can assist with merchandise management for creation and distribution of any branded merchandise. This can assist with fundraising and increasing the visibility of Head-to-Speech.

3. Understanding of Sports Culture: My extensive athleticism and volunteer work with sports teams offers a deep understanding of the sports culture, which is vital for creating effective partnerships and marketing strategies within the athletics community.

4. Interpersonal Skills: My volunteer work has developed strong interpersonal skills, necessary for building and maintaining partnerships.

5. Event Planning and Coordination: My volunteer work includes organizing events, planning and executing events such as sports clinics, camps, and leagues.

-I can be advocate for the inclusion of speech-language pathologists and audiologists in sports concussion protocols, using my marketing and partnership roles to influence decision makers possibly in sports and healthcare sectors.

Previous National (US & specific countries) Community Lead responsible for volunteer initiatives for over 1,000 people Nominations Committee Member HR: Recruitment & Retention Lead, Policy Manager, Consultant

I consider the following leadership competencies to be important in fulfilling a role of a director: 1. Interpersonal skills, which I accomplished by developing strong interpersonal skills and building/maintaining partnerships. 2. Strategic Thinking to understand a business, measure improvements, identify areas for growth, and make informed decisions 3. Having the ability to make tough decisions while in a tense environment. I have experience with analyzing information, considering the potential impacts, and then confidently choosing a course of action. 4. Having effective communication is also important in fulfilling the role of a director. I’ve learned to effectively listen, articulate ideas, expectations, and accept/provide feedback.

In consideration to the strategic priorities, I consider the below to be the most important issues, opportunities and or challenges that should be considered over the next three-five years: 1. Awareness and Education: Despite the growing recognition of concussion-related issues, many athletes, coaches, and parents remain unaware of the connections between concussions and speech-language disorders. There is a need for continuous education and awareness campaigns and consideration/partnership with schools (secondary/collegiate levels) to include displaying videos at the beginning of the sport season, recruiting events, camps, and any major events that has the attention of athletes. 2. Recruitment and Training: As the understanding of the link between concussions and speech-language disorders grows, there will be an increased demand for trained professionals in this field. Efforts should be made to recruit and educate more speech-language pathologists and audiologists, with a focus on sports concussion management. 3. This leads to - Partnerships: Building partnerships with sports leagues, schools, and other organizations will be crucial. These partnerships can open up more opportunities for early intervention, regular screenings, and more comprehensive care for athletes. This also includes corporate partnerships.

Head to Speech board directors can enhance diversity and inclusion goals within the board and facilitate them within the broader Head to Speech community by: Visibility and Representation: The board can ensure that the organization's marketing and communication materials reflect the diversity of the Head to Speech community. This includes showcasing stories and perspectives from diverse individuals. Continue Community Outreach: The board can support community outreach initiatives that engage diverse communities. This can involve partnering with local schools, community organizations, and sports leagues, serving diverse populations. Continue to Present Diversity at the Board Level: Head to Speech can continue to ensure that its own composition reflects the diversity that the organization seeks. This includes recruiting board members of different ages, races, genders, ethnicities, geographical locations, and industry sectors.

Glenn E. Hames

Founder, My Field Goals

Throughout my career, I have been driven by the belief that education is the primary tool to foster positive change within communities. Being such an advocate for community building and leading transformative initiatives has made me a Chief Value Officer within the higher education industry and is one of the reasons why I founded the My Field Goals platform. One of my core strengths is my ability to make authentic connections and create strategic partnerships that offer value for both parties. It is my superpower that has successfully helped me throughout my professional journey. I have been fortunate to work in a career that has allowed me to nurture environments that values public programs, volunteerism, and community partnerships with private sector corporations, civic, and community foundations. I have a servant leadership management philosophy. When I am tasked to lead, I view myself as a steward of the organization who is responsible for guiding the team toward the achievement of our shared goals. This philosophy involves listening attentively, providing mentorship and guidance when needed, and creating an environment and culture that encourages personal growth and empowerment for each team member. Success often starts from the top so I’ve made a point to adopt this way of thinking from previous leaders that I’ve worked with that has led successful teams and organizations. To me, having a democratic leadership philosophy aligns with my personal beliefs that everyone involved in the mission should participate in the process. I firmly believe that when your team members feel engaged and appreciated, productivity increases and goals are achieved. I look forward to being a Head to Speech board member and will ensure that values and mission of the organization are implemented throughout the athletic community.

I am the Founder of the My Field Goals brand and host of the Field Goals for the Focused Driven Athlete podcast and our (future) learning and informational platforms and engagements. The mission behind MFG is to equip elite athletes (in HS/College) with tools and knowledge to overcome challenges and achieve remarkable success throughout their athletic journey, both on- and off-the-field or court. We fulfill our mission by partnering with industry experts, coaches, and former professional athletes to discuss tips and strategies that will set them up for success and provide an edge over their competition.

Professionally, I've worked with a couple of non-profit organizations. I was the Director of Strategic Partnerships for UNCF and a consultant for the MSRDC STEM Consortium. I understand how to fundraise and the importance to build a BOD that has the best interest of the organization and will work to fulfill the mission.

The leadership competencies that I consider to be most important are work ethic, strong communication skills, and having a democratic way of thinking and leading, As a leader, you should provide fresh ideas and offer different perspectives that will help move the organization forward to achieve their goals and mission. As Director of Strategic Partnerships for UNCF, I was able to conceptualize new ideas and create partnerships with the outlying community to raise capital, forge new partnerships that increased business and revenue, and market effectively for our organization to be viewed as an industry leader. For an example, I conceptualized our annual UNCF Knowledge Forum and Networking Reception, which became our staple event. We galvanized over 300 thought leaders that represented private industry, higher education, and federal government to sit at the table, network, and discuss areas of importance to bring about change in the HBCU/Minority Serving Institution research community. Most recently, I was appointed as a Board member for our company's Black Initiative Group (BIG) at my former company, SAS Institute. BIG's mission revolves around empowering Black employees to bring their full potential to the workplace, promoting their contributions, and inspiring the next generation of Black talent to pursue STEM careers. I was instrumental in collaborating with HR and SAS leadership to promote a more inclusive work environment and developing and strengthening relationships between SAS and Black professional networks and university associations. My approach to management and leadership centers on fostering an environment where diverse perspectives, talents, and backgrounds come together to create innovative solutions. Great achievements are rarely the work of a single individual so by breaking down silos, encouraging open dialogue, and embracing different viewpoints, as a manager, I can leverage collective intelligence from all, to develop strategies that empower the team and drive sustainable growth.

There are a lot of Head to Speech programs that invest in the well-being, personal advancement, and professional development of the student athlete. All of the issues and service offerings are important to support the student-athlete throughout their athletic journey but what stands out the most to me is investing in the HBCU student-athlete. Unfortunately, too many of these schools - including the big programs - don't have the resources to invest in their black athletes both on- and off-the-field or court the same as the majority institutions. Both programs have similar critical health related issues and mentorship opportunities that occur which will benefit the athletes. One thing that H2S has to be mindful of is that even though minority athletes play at different programs and in different divisions, often times these same athletes come from the same neighborhoods and have similar social economic statuses and background as their contemporaries. So it's important for H2S to offer professional services that will support all athletes both on- and off-the-field and court but it will be advantageous to the organization to focus on the HBCU/MSI programs. There are plenty of potential BOD members that are gateways to these programs that have professional relationships with Athletic Directors, Coaches, league/conference Commissioners and even Presidents/Chancellors. The BOD will have to use our collective resources to break through the barriers of entry to help push our agenda and educate these players. A potential strategy for HTS to consider is to develop strategic partnerships with other organizations that may currently have a footprint into these schools. Partnerships can make it easier to gain entry and push the mission. Using social media marketers, influencers, bloggers, etc. are all strategic ways to engage and build community collectives.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB):
Based upon my perspective, I believe that H2S Board Directors will be committed to driving impactful change through Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives. Drawing from my own professional background, I hold a genuine belief in the power of diversity to bring about positive transformation within the board and throughout the entire Head to Speech community because I support the advancement for all student-athletes. Within the board, I am not merely interested in theoretical discussions but in actively implementing change and I believe others do too. I view H2S Board Directors as Ambassadors that will seek opportunities to enhance diversity across various factors because sports is a diverse industry and head injuries don't discriminate. It's my aim to bring in fresh perspectives that authentically reflect the diversity within our community and the athlete. Moreover, fostering an inclusive board culture is a personal priority. I am committed to creating an environment where every board member feels valued, heard, and encouraged to contribute their unique perspective. Open communication channels will be a cornerstone, ensuring that inclusivity is not just a goal but a lived experience within the boardroom. The Board must be willing to seek feedback from our community. This approach goes beyond a one-size-fits-all model, recognizing the unique needs and perspectives that make up our community. In essence, my commitment to diversity and inclusion is not a promise but a personal conviction. Joining the Head to Speech board means actively contributing to an authentic culture that celebrates diversity and ensures a sense of belonging for everyone involved.

Jill Joseph

Speech-Language Pathologist

The Otherside Of The Rainbow Speech Therapy Services

Links, Inc. Delta Sigma Theta

Professional women's organizations fundraisers.

My ability to reach out to Professional Athletes and other professionals affiliated with sport programs.

I am an African American female that will enhance Head to Speech Board of Directors because I will bring a wealth of information and experience from working in cooperate America for Fortune 500 companies where diversity is valued.