WASHINGTON (April 23, 2018) --- Tiana Williams, Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Sponsorship and Fan Engagement, has been selected to attend the fifth annual Learfield Minority Academy. The Academy will be held on June 11-15 in Dallas in partnership with the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). The Academy was designed to foster minority growth and development in the collegiate multimedia and sponsorship sector. Williams is one of 14 individuals from various organizations chosen to attend.
"I am extremely grateful and appreciative for the opportunity to learn and grow with such an elite group of individuals. I'm looking forward to using the skills attained from this academy to help further engage people about the Howard brand, while continuing to gain additional resources to benefit our student-athletes," said Williams. Since Williams was hired in September 2017 she has increased corporate sponsorship opportunities for the department of athletics and brought new experiences for fan engagement.
The Minority Academy Selection Committee determined final selection for the Academy which features two and a half days of classroom educational sessions dedicated to sales training, best practices and professional development. The final two days allow attendees to shadow sales staff at a Learfield Division I collegiate property, providing for ultimate engagement in the actual day-to-day operations of Learfield's multimedia rights relationships.
"I am excited and proud that Tiana has been selected for the Learfield Minority Academy. I am sure she will learn a great deal, bring back a multitude of ideas, enhance her network and represent HU in a remarkable way," exclaimed Ariel Germain, associate athletic director for external operations. "From the moment Tiana arrived, I knew we would see great things from her, whether it was her work here in Howard athletics or through the relationships she cultivates outside of Howard."
The mission of MOAA is to provide opportunities to exchange ideas, advocate increased participation and administrative opportunities for minorities in athletics. MOAA also promotes generating a sports culture that supports the values necessary to teach and learn respect for self and others. Williams is the only participant chosen this year from a historically Black college or university.
For media inquiries, contact Brittany Bell Surratt, brittany.bell@howard.edu.
About Howard University
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.
About the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association
Administered by 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. For more information on the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association, please visit www.moaaweb.com.
About Learfield
An industry leader for more than four decades, Learfield has a deep presence in the college athletics landscape nationwide. It manages the multimedia and sponsorship rights for nearly 130 collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas, and supports athletic department's at all competitive levels as title sponsor of the prestigious Learfield Directors' Cup. Learfield also provides its collegiate partners access to professional concessions and ticket sales; branding, licensing and trademark consulting; digital and social platform expertise; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue and technology systems through its affiliated companies.
