USA Weightlifting - HBCU Mentorship Program

 

This program is an administrative lead initiative with a focus on exposing HBCU students to the administrative and governance side of sports organizations in the Olympic movement.

 

Our hope is to create new advocates for the sport of weightlifting on HBCU campus’s as well as improve the awareness of NGB positions so improve inclusivity at the highest levels of our sport.

 

This program is based on the academic year and is open to any HBCU student or university for application.

 

Our program is kicking off with two Texas Southern University students for the fall semester.

 

If you are interested in applying for the fall 2021 semester please email your resume and cover letter to usaw@usaweightlifting.org.

 

Previous Mentees:

 

Fall 2020

 

Hector Flores, Marketing  - Texas Southern University

Lucretia King, Membership/events - Texas Southern University

 

Spring 2021

 

Charity Jones, PT - Hampton University

"One in a lifetime experience! Forever grateful to Suzy for setting up this opportunity. HBCU students rarely have these types of opportunities and it's amazing that Suzy reached out to multiple HBCUs to give us this opportunity. I learned a lot during my time and met a lot of great people. I was able to participate in the events by refereeing and being an assistant marshal! Also, I got to shadow the doctors, athletic trainers and the chiropractor. USAW has affected me in numerous ways including changing my career path! 10/10, I will be recommending this to others."  

 

Grace Hughes, PT Hampton University

"My experience with Suzy and everyone I was able to meet at USAW was amazing and honestly life changing. It truly made me get confirmation about my career in Physical Therapy, being able to watch everyone on the medical staff in action and help the athletes feel better so they can compete in the sport that they love was moving and I can only hope that I get to make the same impact as they do one day. Getting to work along side you was amazing your drive, strength and passion for USAW was inspiring and I hope I get to work with you again in the future. Thank you so much again for this opportunity."

 

Julius Ogunde, PT, Hampton University

"I loved my experience at National Championship week! If I had to sum up my experience in a quote I’d say, 'Even if you’re not an athlete, the experience working at USA Weightlifting makes you appreciate the sport and the dedication of the individuals that partake in it.' ” 

 

Lanece Carpenter, Outreach, Hampton University

"The USAW Mentorship Program was very eye opening and engaging. It allowed me to connect with professionals in the sport industry and learning more about Olympic governing bodies."

 

Ana Krstic, Marketing, Hampton University