WASHINGTON (February 28, 2019) - Tiana Williams, Assistant Athletic Director for Corporate Sponsorships, has been selected by the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) as one of the winners of the 13th Annual Diversity Initiative Program.

"On behalf of the NAADD Executive Committee, I would like to congratulate all of our 2019 Diversity Initiative Stipend recipients," stated Jennifer Lynne Williams, director of athletics at Alabama State University. "We had a record number of applicants (69), and we are extremely excited to offer the 40 selected applicants the opportunity to enhance their career development. The Diversity Initiative Program is one that we are very proud of and we want to continue to place a strong emphasis on its importance. I am a direct benefactor of this program, and hold all that it embodies close to my heart. The selection committee has done a tremendous job of planning this year's Convention in Orlando that will include a reception recognizing our past stipend winners since 2007's inaugural class, along with this year's class."

As a recipient, Williams will be awarded a stipend to attend the 2019 NAADD Convention and Fundamentals of Athletic Development (FOAD) sessions from June 10-12 in Orlando, Florida. "I applied for this stipend to give myself more opportunities and exposure in the development field. Fundraising is an essential part of growing universities, especially HBCUs. At the convention I'm looking forward to expanding my network and learning more tools to expand Howard's net worth. Our students deserve to have as many people as possible who know how to effectively fundraise as we continue to enhance their student-athlete experience." said Tiana Williams.

Recipients represent various colleges throughout the country. The convention will connect professionals in the athletics development and fundraising world, serving as a major networking opportunity.

"Tiana is a remarkable young professional who continues to make significant strides as an athletic administrator," said Ariel Germain, Associate Director of External Relations.  "This is the second year that her hard work, personable spirit and professionalism has afforded her an opportunity for professional development."

About NAADD
NAADD is the first organization of its kind to provide educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics development and fund raising. For more information about NAADD, please visit www.naadd.com. NAADD is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 54th year. For more information on NACDA and the 17 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.

About Howard Athletics
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.