Written by Bailey Sherrill - Executive Assistant to the CEO & Board of Regents
Charlotte, NC – Today, in the inner city of Charlotte, the women of the NJCAA National Office staff sat at a roundtable coffee chat to celebrate International Women's Day. But this wasn't just any coffee date. It was a happy hour event hosted by Charlotte's own CIAA and the national non-profit organization known as Women Leaders in College Sports.
The event brought together a diverse collection of women working in Charlotte-based college athletic conferences, colleges, and non-profits. Together, we shared mission statements, established community, and applauded each other's organizational achievements. Beignets and coffee were just an added bonus.
In that same spirit, we, the women of the NJCAA National Office, would like to extend the invitation to all women across the Association who wear the NJCAA logo. We're honored to carry on the legacies of the Association's past female student-athletes – including greats such as Rose Obunaga, Crystal Bustos, Katie Sowers, and Veronica Campbell-Brown – as well as the ones currently competing on the 2-year collegiate athletics stage.
After all, our Association has paved the way for women in collegiate sports since the enactment of Title IX in 1972. We were the first athletic association to host a women's national championship in 1975; the first to hire a female CEO – Ms. Mary Ellen Leicht; and, today, commend all of the female coaches, athletes, and administrators who make up the NJCAA.
We challenge all females – across the Association – to reach out and show appreciation for the others that work beside them daily. May we uplift, push, and pursue excellence on fields, courts, ranges, and alleys together.