A Chat in the Garden with Monique AJ Smith

Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree is a transformational leader and innovative strategist whoseinfluence extends across higher education, sports tourism, amateur, and professional sports.With more than 30 years of leadership experience, Dr. Wicker McCree has built a distinguishedcareer as a student-athlete, coach, educator, athletics administrator, and executive leader. In2008, she made history as the first woman to hold the permanent position of Director of Athleticsat North Carolina Central University (NCCU). During her 14-year tenure, she successfullyguided NCCU’s transition from NCAA Division II to NCAA Division I Football ChampionshipSubdivision (FCS), leading the development and implementation of the university’s firstcomprehensive strategic plan for reclassification.Under her leadership, NCCU Athletics experienced unprecedented growth and success. Thedepartment increased its operating budget from $2 million to $15 million, increased fundraisingby 65% during her final five years, and enhanced academic achievement with student-athletesachieving a cumulative GPA above 3.0 and an APR of 984. Competitive successes included fourMEAC Men’s Basketball Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances, a MEACFootball Championship and Celebration Bowl appearance, and the 2014 HBCU Men’s TennisNational Championship. She also led major facility enhancements, including football stadiumrenovations, arena upgrades, and new technology investments. Her leadership experienceincludes service on the NCAA Division I Council, NCAA Research Committee, NCAA DivisionII Volleyball Committee, FCS Football Regional Ranking Committee, North Carolina SportsHall of Fame Board, Durham Sports Commission Board, and the Local Organizing Committeefor the 2029 World University Games.Today, Dr. Wicker McCree serves as Founder and CEO of WM Leadership & Legacy Coaching,LLC, helping leaders and organizations strengthen strategy, leadership capacity, andorganizational effectiveness. She also serves as Senior Associate Director at the Duke SportsSciences Institute, advancing strategic initiatives, community engagement, and innovative sportsperformance programming. A highly respected consultant and advisor, she serves as VicePresident of The PICTOR Group, President-Elect of WeCOACH, Chief Operating Officer ofAdvancing Beyond in Sports (ABIS), and as an NCAA Peer Reviewer for institutionstransitioning to Division I membership.An accomplished global ambassador for sport and education, Dr. Wicker McCree hasrepresented the United States internationally. As a member of North Carolina’s World UniversityGames Bid Committee, she presented strategic elements of the state’s bid for the 2027 WorldUniversity Games to the International University Sports Federation (FISU) in Brussels, Belgium.She also volunteered with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee during the 2024Paris Olympic Games and created international experiences for HBCU volleyball student-athletes and coaches through opportunities in Europe, the Caribbean, and Southern Africa.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 13. Seasons 1 - 12 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 10, August 2023. Brandy Gresham was Assistant Director of Athletic Counseling and is now Assistant Director of Performance Psychology and Wellness Services at University of Michigan Athletics.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 13. Seasons 1 - 12 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Shauniece Steele serves as the Athletic Director at Walnut Hills High School in Cincinnati,where she leads one of Ohio’s premier high schools. A passionate advocate for education-basedathletics, she is committed to creating an environment where student-athletes develop as leaders,competitors, and individuals through meaningful relationships, high expectations, andtransformational experiences.A proud Walnut Hills High School graduate (Class of 2010), Shauniece embraced everyopportunity as a student, lettering in volleyball, indoor track, and outdoor track while helpingcapture multiple state and national championships. She was also actively involved in theMarching Blue & Gold, student government, and numerous student organizations. She continuedher academic and athletic career at the University of Akron on academic and athletic scholarships, earning Academic Honor Roll recognition and contributing to the 2013 Mid-American Conference Championship Track & Field team. Her leadership extended beyond athletics through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and the National Pan-Hellenic Council, where she served in executive leadership roles that further shaped her commitment to servant leadership and student development.After serving in several roles throughout Cincinnati Public Schools, Shauniece returned to heralma mater with a passion for providing student-athletes the same life-changing opportunitiesthat shaped her own journey. A lifelong learner, she earned a Master of Science in SportAdministration from the University of Cincinnati and holds the RAA, RMAA, CAA, and CMAAprofessional certifications through the National Interscholastic Athletic AdministratorsAssociation. An active leader in athletic administration at the regional and state levels, she hasbeen recognized with the SWOADA Middle School Athletic Director of the Year Award, theSWOADA Citation Award, and the OIAAA Bruce D. Brown Award for outstanding leadershipand service.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 13. Seasons 1 - 12 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 5, November 2018. Deandra Duggans was formerly with the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Aces. She recently accepted a position with the National Women's Soccer League as Vice President, Chief Business Officer.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Known as a gamechanger, and an inceptionist, Vanessa is perhaps one of the best engagementmarketers in the arena today. She cut her professional teeth working her way up ladders to serve asDirector of Corporate Communications, Events and Marketing for the U.S. arm of the largest watchcompany in the world, the premier engagement jeweler in the US, and the largest Jewish Community Center on the Eastern Seaboard.Companies charged her with strategic counsel and she defines her sphere as a combination ofengagement marketing with public and community relations accounted for. Among her mostprestigious accomplishments were product placement partnerships with motion picture studios, propmasters and stylists resulting in tripling the volume of global sales. Producing multi-media stories with high profile titles including the 2004 Athens Olympics Story for the Today Show, Roland Garros Tennis Coverage, and a 30 Minute Segment for Fine Living shot entirely in Switzerland as well as 5 separate luxury brand’s introductions to the U.S. market.Vanessa’s creativity allows for hands on relationship marketing as she connects like-minds for strategic wins counting on a treasure of life experiences to differentiate her from the ordinary. Her ability to create and implement concepts is complete with execution that only comes from a practiced professional. She is well versed in all aspects customer engagement and retention and has been honored with the Industry Events of the Year Award given by Accessories Magazine, 2003.As an entrepreneur she launched VMedia LLC to create and execute “Events with Purpose”. Her first event The North Atlantic Volleyball Showcase (NAVS) was a combine created to take on the mission of providing high school volleyball players with the opportunity to obtain scholarships by exhibiting their skills in front of college coaches - it has facilitated $32.5 million scholarships dollars to date.She launched NYC Liberty Games in partnership with NYC Mayor David Bloomberg an internationaldestination tournament that saw participation from China, Canada and Israel. Currently, she is the founder and driving force behind Sports Fan Nation (SFN), a SaaS enterprise focused on revolutionizing the live event, fan engagement experience. Vanessa's personal and professional experience particularly in the sports industry has given her a keen insight into the needs of both the fan and the organizations. SFN seeks to provide a digital sponsorship platform to monetize personal broadcasting and User Generated Content on behalf of an organization.Vanessa also acts as a community volunteer as the AAU volleyball chairwoman for the NY Metro Region of the US. She is the mother of three children, who all excelled athletically to play collegiate sports, one of whom has won 2 NCAA Championships, was a US National Team athlete and played volleyball professionally all over the world.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Lavalais enters her fourth year at Alabama State University. She currently serves as the Senior Associate Athletic Director, Chief of Staff, and Senior Woman Administrator, where she has been a driving force since 2022. Initially joining as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Experience, she quickly rose to oversee internal and strategic operations, student outcomes, and key departmental initiatives.Her leadership reflects over a decade of success in advancing student-athlete academic excellence, with programs under her direction consistently leading the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in academic performance, with student-athletes earning a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher in eight out of ten years across her tenures at Jackson State University (five consecutive years) and Alabama State University (three consecutive years). Prior to her current role, Dr. Lavalais held impactful leadership positions at Hampton University (2019–2022), where she served as Director of Athletics Academic Support & Life Skills. There, she guided student-athlete success initiatives, advised SAAC and Chi Alpha Sigma, and helped the department achieve record-setting Dean’s List recognitions. At Jackson State University (2013–2018), she served as Associate Athletic Director for Academics and Senior Woman Administrator, leading efforts that resulted in consecutive years of SWAC-leading GPAs, a 981 APR score, and an 82% graduation rate. She also created the “S.I.P. T.E.A.” mentorship series to empower professional women on campus and served as acting liaison to the President’s Office in the absence of the Athletic Director, managing the department’s daily operations.Dr. Lavalais began her career in athletics as an academic advisor at Alabama State University in 2010 and later served as Director of Academic Enhancement at Grambling State University. She has also contributed to student-athlete development as a special assistant volunteer to the AD at Baton Rouge Community College, an intern at LSU, and a volunteer Girls Basketball Coach at Marksville High School.Dr. Lavalais is a recognized leader in college athletics, honored with the 2014 N4A Professional Promise Award, the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award from Southern Arkansas University, and the 2025 SWAC Game ChangzHer Award.Her national service includes roles on the NCAA Committee on Academics, the NCAA Accelerating Academic Support Program (AASP) Selection Committee, and serves as a Circle lead for the Women Leaders in Sports Business and Administration group. She is also a certified professional through the N4A and was instrumental in securing N4A program certification for JSU’s AAEC, a ten-year certification providing a stamp of approval from the national organization. A committed educator, Dr. Lavalais is an adjunct professor at Belhaven University and Alabama State University, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in sport management, leadership, event management, ethics, and finance. Her blend of academic leadership, program innovation, and dedication to student success continues to shape the future of collegiate athletics. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration (Higher Education) from Jackson State University, a Master’s in Sports Administration from Grambling State University, and a Bachelor’s in Applied Science with a concentration in Health, Kinesiology & Recreation from Southern Arkansas University, where she was also a student-athlete and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Shani Bowens is an emerging leader in collegiate athletics with a passion for basketball operations, student-athlete development, and program administration. Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Bowens earned her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management, with minors in Marketing and Sport Sales, from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in August 2024.During her time at NIU, she served as Head Manager for the women's basketball program from 2021 to 2024 before being promoted to Graduate Assistant and Director of Basketball Operations for the 2024–25 season. In these roles, she gained extensive experience overseeing team travel, recruiting operations, compliance, game-day logistics, and the day-to-day management of a Division I basketball program.Bowens currently serves as the Administrative Assistant for the University of Wisconsin Women's Basketball program, where she supports recruiting, basketball operations, team travel, special events, and administrative initiatives. Her commitment to excellence, organization, and relationship-building has made her a valuable member of championship-caliber programs.Dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in sports, Bowens is passionate about mentoring others, creating meaningful experiences for student-athletes, and continuing to grow as a leader in collegiate athletics.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This is a replay from Season 2. Dr. Tiese Roxbury, former NCAA Executive and current Executive Director of Student Success & Retention for Bennett College, joined A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Jenae Rogers is a Partnership Marketing Activation Coordinator for the Memphis Grizzlies, specializing in the execution of integrated brand partnerships across digital, in-arena, and community platforms. She leads the coordination and delivery of partnership activations, ensuring each campaign aligns with strategic objectives and delivers measurable value.In her role, she manages campaign implementation, oversees partner deliverables, and collaborates cross-functionally to bring creative concepts to life while maintaining strong partner relationships.She earned a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Recreation Management from Temple University, Class of 2023, and a Master of Science in Sport and Leisure Studies from the University of Memphis, Class of 2025.Jenae's experience includes internships with the Center for Athletic Academic Services (CAAS) at the University of Memphis and as an Undergraduate Enrollment Intern within Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism, and Hospitality Management. She also interned with the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, supporting Corporate Sales and Premium Services.She is passionate about elevating partner brands, enhancing fan engagement, and executing high-impact marketing programs in fast-paced, results-driven environments.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

LaKendra Phillips – Footwear Designer I Ole Miss Alum I Former Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player I Sister in SoleLaKendra Phillips is a rising talent in the world of footwear design, known for her unwavering dedication, creative spirit, and tireless drive to break boundaries in a competitive industry. With a deep passion for women's basketball footwear and a commitment to innovation, LaKendra has made her mark by fusing storytelling, performance, and style into every design she creates.A proud alumna of several prestigious programs, LaKendra has completed multiple courses. From hands-on experience at the Shoe Surgeon Academy to earning her place as an esteemed SOLEcial Studies alumna (special thanks to Sean Williams), LaKendra has continually invested in her craft. She expanded her knowledge through the F.I.T. x Yellowbrick Sneaker Essentials program, the New Balance x PLC Women's Basketball Masterclass at Pensole Lewis College in Detroit, and most recently added Product Development at Lasell University to her growing list of credentials. Currently, she is enrolled in the Sole Design Masterclass by DeFne Yalkut — deepening her sole skills and learning professional sole design from concept to factory-ready — further solidifying her position as a forward-thinking force in women's performance footwear.Her journey is a testament to what can be achieved through a blend of passion, perseverance, and hard work. By day, she operates as a Distribution Supervisor; by night, she transforms into the creative force behind her designs. She dared to dream big—and backed those dreams with hard work, late nights, and a refusal to settle. A proud member of the Sisters in Sole community and an inspiring creative whose innovative designs and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned her growing recognition. Though her journey is still unfolding, her impact is already being felt. With every step forward, she continues to carve a space for herself in an ever-evolving industry.Guided by the wisdom and support of her mentors, Krystal Fortune Gonzalez of Empower Her Sole LLC and Sean Williams of SOLEcial Studies. LaKendra moves with purpose and confidence while envisioning the future of women's basketball footwear. She stands as a bold example of what it means to lead with vision, heart, and purpose — and we can't wait to see what she does next.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 4 (Oct 2017). Dr. Monique Carroll was Associate AD for External Operations at Chicago State University at the time of this interview. She is currently Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics for Chicago State.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 8 (April 2022). Toni-Ann Derby was Assistant Director, Championships, Sport Operations and Governance for the West Coast Conference when this interview aired. She is currently Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Chief of Staff at Austin Peay State University.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Ashley Danielle is the Founder and Executive Director of ABC Sports Foundation, which provides nonprofit creation, program management, branding, PR, and event logistics services to high school, collegiate and current and former professional athletes, supporting them in making an impact in their communities.  She is also the newest member of the HPSS Department as an Associate Professor and a graduate of Tennessee State University.As a Nashville native, her career spans professional dance, including roles as a Nashville Predators dancer and Titans Cheerleader. With over a decade in the sports industry, Ashley has worked with organizations like ESPN Radio and A3 Athletics, excelling in community relations and marketing.Holding a law degree and a Master’s in Sport Management from TSU, she leverages her expertise in marketing strategies, event management, and fan engagement to shape a dynamic career bridging arts and sports.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay. Dr. Jolisa Williams, former Asst. AD of Media Relations and current Interim VP of Athletics & Recreation for Bowie State University, joins A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Vanessa Hale is a Certified Athletic Trainer who has been certified since July 2020 and is in her fifth year as a clinician.Originally from Los Angeles California, Vanessa’s interest in athletic training began in high school. She attended Culver City High School all four years and graduated in June 2012. Vanessa started her tenure as a student aide her sophomore year working with football and track & field. After graduating, she attended the University of Oregon at the start of her college career.Vanessa transferred to Howard University in August 2014, after two years at the University of Oregon. During her three and a half years at Howard, she worked with football, track & field, and men's & women's tennis on occasion, as a student athletic trainer. She graduated from Howard with a B.S. in Human Performance December 2017. After graduating, Vanessa began her Master’s program at the University of Houston in June 2018. During her time in the program, she worked with UH football and men’s basketball. In addition, she expanded her experience to volleyball, baseball, and men's & women's soccer through a year-round clinical rotation at the University of St. Thomas (Houston).  Rice football and surgical observation were notable experiences through other clinical rotations.  After graduating with a Master’s in Athletic Training in May 2020, she faced some of the challenges COVID-19 presented among athletics. Her first position as a certified athletic trainer was with Clark Atlanta University as the Associate Athletic Trainer in August 2021. Her tenure at CAU included working primarily with football, men's and women's basketball, and softball. During her second year she restarted the student aide program. After three years and a '23-'24 MBB conference championship, she left as the Associate Head Athletic Trainer to continue her journey as the Head Football Athletic Trainer at Norfolk State University in July 2024. In her current role, Vanessa has revitalized the student aide program at NSU and helped reshape the Sports Medicine department as a whole. She also holds Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), and Functional Dry Needling Level 1 (FDN1) certifications, along with her national certification and state licensure. She looks to further her knowledge though obtaining certifications in manual therapy and performance enhancement.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 2. At the time of the interview, Angie Torain was Deputy AD at Immaculate Word. She went on to become the Athletics Director at University of Chicago. She is currently the Senior Business Development Executive for Teamworks.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 3. Dr. Melody Webb, Director of Athletics for Norfolk State University, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 3 (April 2017). Neema Connor, Former UMES Athletics Administrator and Current MEAC Associate Commissioner, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Mercedes Erhahon Vice President of Sales of the RESWealthy Team and a nationally recognized Real Estate Advisor known for guiding high-performing professionals—including athletes, entertainers, and business leaders—through strategic real estate decisions that support long-term stability, ownership, and legacy.She is recognized as one of the top 1% of Black real estate agents in the country and serves as Director of the REALTIST Magazine for the California Association of Real Estate Brokers (CAREB), where she leads conversations with athletes, entertainers, and leaders who are using real estate to build wealth, develop communities, and create lasting impact.She also serves on several California Association of REALTORS® committees, including Fair Housing, Local Government Policy, and Professional Standards.At the core of her work is a commitment to advocacy, access, and accountability. Mercedes is passionate about helping her clients move intentionally in real estate—whether purchasing a home, expanding a portfolio, or exploring opportunities in community development and affordable housing.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 2. Dr. Adrianne Swinney, former Athletic Administrator for UConn, now Assistant Professor at Jackson State University, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Kiara Wyche is a purpose-driven entrepreneur, creative visionary, and the CEO and Founder ofKiara Kreates—a brand built on passion, resilience, and meaningful connection. Her journey is atestament to perseverance, having overcome personal hardships, including homelessness andlife transitions, while rising into leadership and entrepreneurship with unwavering faith anddetermination.Fueled by a deep passion for creativity and service, Kiara has transformed her natural artistictalent into a thriving business that specializes in customized keepsakes, sports memorabilia,and memorial pieces. Her work goes beyond products—she creates experiences that honorlife’s milestones, celebrate achievements, and provide comfort in times of loss.With a strong strategic mindset and an innate ability to connect with others, Kiara has grownKiara Kreates into a trusted and impactful brand. Her background working with individuals withautism and developmental needs reflects her compassion, adaptability, and people-firstapproach—qualities that are woven into every aspect of her business.Rooted in faith and driven by purpose, Kiara Wyche continues to turn adversity into impact,building not just a business, but a legacy centered on creativity, healing, and empowerment.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Sheri Riley is a sought-after global speaker, Founder and President of Exponential Living andserves on the Advisory Board for the Women’s Premier Basketball Association (WPBA). She isthe recipient of an Honorary Doctorate and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award. She isa founding member of John Maxwell’s global Maxwell Leadership Certified Team and memberof Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.With over three decades of experience, Sheri's clients include The Coca-Cola Company, JPMorgan Chase, NBA, Seattle Storm, Texas A&M Women’s Basketball, and the Chicago Bears.She is an award-winning author of Exponential Living® - Stop Spending 100% of Your Time on10% of Who You Are, which was nominated for an NAACP Image Awards and won severalglobal book awards. Her expertise has been featured in NPR, Essence, and Newsweek.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Danielle N. Johnson, known as “Coach Danielle,” is a leadership strategist, author, speaker, andformer women’s basketball coach and athletic administrator with over three decades of experience in education and athletics. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, and currently based in Dallas, Texas, she has served in high-level coaching, athletic administration, and educational leadership roles.As the founder of Coach Danielle Wins LLC, she delivers impactful coaching, training, and speaking experiences that help individuals and organizations build momentum and lead with purpose. In December 2024, she added “author” to her accomplishments with the release of Power Forward, a book that embodies her signature philosophy of purpose, resilience, and leadership.Building on a foundation of excellence, Coach Danielle’s career spans nearly 30 years acrossclassroom instruction, varsity high school athletics, collegiate basketball, and athletic administration. A former collegiate athlete, she understands leadership from the inside out, both as a competitor and as a coach. Her career is marked by championship success at every level, including a High School State Championship as a basketball player and a College National Championship as an athletic administrator, along with numerous professional honors such as Coach of the Year and other leadership awards. Known for her ability to motivate, develop, and inspire high-performing teams, Coach Danielle instills discipline, confidence, and resilience in those she leads. Her success is rooted in grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to growth.She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids,Michigan, and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from ConcordiaUniversity in Ann Arbor, Michigan, while proudly crediting her Detroit roots and pedigree as hergreatest preparation, earning her a Ph.D. in the School of Life.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from season 3. Alexxis Hutchinson, Owner of Simply Sporty Chic, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Mercedes Himmons begins her third with the Southern Sports Medicine staff in the 2025-26 academic year. She will serve as the primary contact for gymnastics, volleyball and women's track & field. Prior to arriving at Southern, Dr. Mercedes was an assistant athletic trainer at California University of PA (Cal U). She provided healthcare to the women’s basketball and women’s soccer teams.  Dr. Mercedes was the athletic trainer for the 2022-23 Women’s Basketball PSAC Champion team.  Himmons earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Cal U in 2010 and 2011, respectively. While at Cal U, she worked with the volleyball team in 2008 that advanced to the national quarterfinals of the NCAA Tournament. The previous year, she completed an internship with Thomas Jefferson High School (PA) when the Jaguars won the PIAA football state championship. Before returning to Cal U, Himmons spent time at Arcadia and Gwynedd Mercy, which are both NCAA Division III schools outside of Philadelphia. At Gwynedd Mercy, she served as the primary contact for the women’s soccer, cross country, track & field, women’s lacrosse, and cheerleading teams. Himmons was the head athletic trainer at Arcadia after spending time with the men’s soccer, swimming, and women’s lacrosse teams. She worked with the women’s lacrosse team in 2014 when it captured the conference title to earn its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Himmons is a Corrective Exercise Specialist and a Performance Enhancement Specialist through NASM. Himmons has been certified since 2011, is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), serves as the District 2 Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee Representative, and volunteers with the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society (PATS). She also serves on the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunities, and Impact. Dr. Himmons is in the 2025 Cohort for the NCAA Division II Athletic Directors Association Mentoring Program. She completed her doctorate degree from Robert Morris in Instructional Management and Leadership. Her research interests include minority student-athlete retention, diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in athletic training and higher education, and higher education retention.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Rolynda Contee is a pillar of the Baltimore sports community, a Hall of Fame athlete, and a trailblazing administrator. Her commitment to the youth of Baltimore began in 2002, when she started her tenure as a Physical Education teacher for Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPSS). For over two decades, she has been a consistent force in the lives of thousands of students, fostering a culture of health and discipline.A firm believer in professional growth, Contee earned the prestigious Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) national credential in 2023. She further solidified her expertise by completing her Master’s degree in Sports Administration in 2024, standing as one of the most qualified athletic leaders in the region.Contee’s journey is rooted at Baltimore City College ("The Castle on the Hill"), where she first rose to prominence as an elite student-athlete. Her talent earned her a scholarship to Virginia State University (VSU), where she became a defining figure for the Trojans.During her collegiate career, she had the distinct honor of playing for the late Peggy Davis, a legendary coach and athletic director whose mentorship helped shape Contee’s own path in leadership. Under Coach Davis, Contee led the VSU Trojans to a CIAA Women’s Basketball Championship victory in 2002, an achievement that earned her plenty of athletic awards. Her enduring impact was formally immortalized in 2023 when she was inducted into the Virginia State University Athletics Hall of Fame.Before moving into the front office, Contee established a legendary coaching pedigree. Leading programs in Basketball, Softball, and Volleyball, she remarkably secured championships in all three sports, proving her ability to develop talent across different competitive arenas.In 2017, after a long and decorated coaching career, Contee made history at her alma mater by becoming the first Black female Athletic Director in the history of Baltimore City College. Under her leadership, the department has reached unprecedented heights. In 2022, she was named Athletic Director of the Year, a recognition of her masterful management of 24 varsity teams and the prestigious City-Poly rivalry. Her administrative tenure has seen the capture of 5 State Championships and 4 Regional Titles in various sports.Contee is a visionary for inclusion and organization. She is responsible for establishing the first and only sanctioned Field Hockey team in the Baltimore City, expanding opportunities for young women in Baltimore. Her influence extends further as the District 9 (Baltimore City) Representative for Basketball, where she is responsible for creating schedules and planning major events for the entire district.In 2024, she successfully "bridged the gap" by bringing together BCPSS and CIAA athletic directors to create a recruitment pipeline for local talent and leadership. This year, she continues that legacy by hosting the First High School Athletic Summit for BCPSS and the CIAA, a premier platform for professional development and scholarship opportunities for the next generation of leaders.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Tabitha Monroe joined Claflin University in February 2026 as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics, bringing extensive experience in athletic administration, compliance, and operational leadership. She plays a key role in advancing Claflin’s athletics programs while supporting institutional compliance and the holistic development of student-athletes.Monroe most recently served as Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) at Shaw University, where she was a member of the department’s senior leadership team. In this role, she provided strategic oversight of NCAA compliance, supported departmental governance, and led initiatives focused on student-athlete welfare across all sports.Prior to her appointment as Associate Athletic Director, Monroe served as Special Administrative Assistant to the Athletic Director, managing daily departmental operations, including budget coordination, team travel, compliance support, and serving as Director of Operations for all sports.A native of Jacksonboro, South Carolina, Monroe began her tenure at Shaw University in 2020 as a Graduate Assistant for the men’s basketball program, where she supported team operations, player development, and game preparation while pursuing her graduate studies.Her career in collegiate athletics began at South Carolina State University, where she served as Head Manager for the men’s basketball program from 2018 to 2020, overseeing team logistics, equipment operations, and facility management.Monroe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Pre-Law) with a minor in Spanish from South Carolina State University and a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership from Shaw University.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 1. At the time of this interview, Danielle was Associate Commissioner of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. She is currently Commissioner of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Born and raised in Jackson, MS, Sonja Stamps' passion for sports ignited at the tender age of five, influenced by her close bond with her father and a few years later, for her admiration for pioneering sports broadcaster Jayne Kennedy. As a self-proclaimed "daddy's girl," Sonja was inspired by Jayne's groundbreaking achievements as one of the first female sports broadcasters and the first African American woman in that role.This inspiration led Sonja to pursue her Masters in Sports Administration, from Belhaven University. Sonja was a part of Belhaven’s Sports Administration charter class (Class of 2014) and from there, she established "She Say, She Say Sports Podcast," a platform offering a unique perspective on sports from a woman's point of view. The platform highlights women and men’s involvement in sports, both as participants and coaches, aiming to provide insightful commentary and coverage.Some of Sonja's podcast guest have included: Mahmoud Abdul Rauf, AKA Chris Jackson, 2X NBA Champion Lindsey Hunter, 2X WNBA Champion Yolanda Moore, Fred Smoot, Audie Norris, Terry Cummings, Lewis Tillman, Olympians Savante’ Stringfellow and Bianca Knight and the list goes on. Sonja feels that being able to Interview some of her sport heroes, is a deeply rewarding experience that combines personal excitement with professional responsibility. Sonja also feels being able to engage with athletes she’s long admired, offers unique insights into their journeys, challenges, and achievements.Sonja and She Say, She Say Sports, exemplifies a deep commitment to community engagement through various impactful initiatives. Beyond her sports media platform, she actively contributes to societal well-being by organizing events such as Shelter Beats: A Day Party with a Purpose for the unhoused, book bag giveaways, and voter registration drives.Beyond her work in sports media, Sonja is a professional singer and has a band called Sonja Stamps, featuring Love’s Groove. Sonja also was a star performer for the 2011 NBA Champions, Dallas Mavericks for 14 seasons, singing the National Anthem. Through "She Say, She Say Sports," Sonja continues to break barriers and amplify women's voices in the sports industry, providing a platform that celebrates and discusses women's roles and achievements in sports.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Courtney Washington was named Associate Athletic Director for Compliance at Chicago State University on November 1, 2024.She comes to Chicago State after serving as the Associate Athletic Director of Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator at Shaw University where she oversaw compliance operations, guiding coaches and staff in navigating NCAA, CIAA, and institutional regulations. She is an experienced athletic compliance professional with a comprehensive background in NCAA rules, eligibility certification, and student-athlete support with previous stops at Texas A&M Commerce, Alcorn State, Memphis, Delta State and Auburn University at Montgomery.Washington plays a crucial role in coordinating with admissions, financial aid, and the registrar’s office to ensure student-athlete eligibility and financial aid compliance. She is skilled in policy implementation, budget management, and strategic planning. A native of Cleveland, Miss., Washington holds a Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Education in Sport Management from Auburn University at Montgomery. Washington is also a member of the National Association for Athletics Compliance & National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals. She is an avid writer and researcher.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Fachaitte (fuh-shay) Kinslow is a senior athletics administrator, compliance leader, andformer counselor with more than two decades of experience advancing equity, academic success,and holistic development for student-athletes. Raised on a multigenerational farm in Dover,Oklahoma, she brings a values-driven, service-oriented leadership approach shaped by familylegacy, education, and faith.Dr. Kinslow currently serves as Associate Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Leader, andCompliance Administrator at Texas A&M University–Texarkana. In this role, she overseesathletics compliance and governance, conducts rules education for coaches and staff, coordinatesrequired departmental reporting, and supports Title IX, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.Her responsibilities also include sport supervision, student-athlete welfare, academiccoordination, drug testing administration, departmental budgeting support, professionaldevelopment programming, and assisting the Athletic Director with strategic operations.Before her current appointment, Dr. Kinslow served in senior athletics leadership roles at anLangston University, where she led compliance operations, academic advising, and department-wide initiatives supporting women in sports and student-athlete success. Earlier in her career, sheworked extensively as a school and collegiate counselor and therapist, providing academicadvising, mental health services, and substance abuse counseling across K–12, junior college,and higher education settings. These experiences deeply informed her leadership philosophy andcommitment to student-athlete well-being.Dr. Kinslow’s early career included sports marketing and media internships, including work withthe University of Oklahoma. While serving as an academic counselor at the junior college level,she identified systemic barriers preventing student-athletes from progressing academically. Inresponse, she helped design and implement structured advising and monitoring programs thatimproved graduation rates and clarified academic pathways for athletes.Building on this work, she founded Winning Edge, a sports consulting initiative focused onacademic preparedness, leadership development, mental toughness, and career assessment forstudent-athletes and their families. The program emphasized early intervention, parent education,and long-term planning—principles that continue to shape her administrative leadership today.At the national level, Dr. Kinslow is widely engaged in intercollegiate athletics governance andleadership development. She serves as the inaugural Chair of the NAIA Senior WomanLeaders Association, a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council, and has heldleadership or advisory roles with the NAIA RISE (Respect, Inclusivity, Support, Education)initiative, the Learning Disabilities Advisory Committee, and multiple compliance-focusedcommittees. She is also the founder of the conference-wide initiative “We Belong Here:Celebrating Women in Sports,” which promotes visibility, equity, and leadership opportunitiesfor women in athletics.In 2025, Dr. Kinslow earned her Doctor of Education in Sports Management (LeadershipConcentration) from the United States Sports University. Her scholarship examines leadershipaccountability, institutional responsibility, and the lived experiences of student-athletes withinintercollegiate athletics. She is a graduate of the MOAA Rising Star Program and a recipient ofnumerous national honors, scholarships, and leadership recognitions.A breast cancer survivor who has navigated significant personal loss, Dr. Kinslow bringsempathy, resilience, and authenticity to her leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys writing,reading, watching football, basketball, and baseball, and spending time with her family on thefarm. She grounds her leadership in faith and purpose, guided by Jeremiah 29:11, and believeseffective leadership is defined not by position alone, but by stewardship, preparation, and theability to create space for others to thrive.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Tara M. Collins is a Retired United States Navy Chief Petty Officer. She has over 20 years’experience in the sports industry. Her experience began as a command football & basketballcoach, then evolved into becoming an agent advisor. Dr. Collins’s educational backgroundincludes an earned PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports Managementand Leadership (Northcentral University). She researched and defended her dissertation titled“Understanding the Psychological Journeys of African-American Football Players from HighSchool to the NFL and the Player-Agent Relationship”. In addition, she has a Master of Sciencein Sports Management (American Military University) and Master of Business Administration(Columbia Southern University). Along with a Bachelor of Business Administration and twoAssociate degrees.Since retiring from the Navy, Dr. Collins has emerged herself even more into the industry byexploring research topics involving sports agents, college programs, NFL quarterbacks, andsports & society.Dr. Collins is an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University, Southern New HampshireUniversity, and Holy Family University teaching in the Sport Management programs. She hastransitioned into the position of Athletic Consulting with Discovery Sports Management, LLC.Dr. Collins, in junction with Discovery Sports Management, LLC will be launching ‘TheGameplan’ in a few months from now. Finally, Dr. Collins is the proud mother of a Navy Sailor,Ty and Texas Southern University graduate Troy, who is a Special Education Teacher.

This episode is a replay from Season 8. Sonja Stills, MEAC Commissioner, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 7. Kimberly Davis, National Hockey League Executive, joined Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Alfreda Hagans-Sanchez is the Assistant Director of Compliance at Duke University. She recently joined the Blue Devil family in December of 2023. Prior to Duke, Alfreda had stops at SFA as the Director of Compliance & Risk Mitigation, The University of North Carolina Greensboro, Virginia Commonwealth University and Longwood University.Alfreda has spent over a decade in Division I college athletics as a former multi-sport Track and Field and Cross-Country athlete, NCAA Compliance Administrator and Track and Field and Cross-Country coach. She graduated from Campbell University with a degree in Business Administration in Accounting and later graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a master’s degree in Sport Leadership.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Ruby A. Jackson is a scientist and a creative.  A native of Chester, Pennsylvania, Ruby is a former track and field athlete, coach, and Seton Hall University graduate with a B.S. in Biochemistry. Ruby holds coaching certifications as a USATF Level 2 Coach and a USAW Level 1 Coach.  She has traveled to India to coach track and field, providing Long Term Athletic Development Plans for athletes.  One of the athletes Coach Ruby worked with went on to represent her country in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games.  Ruby resides in North Carolina, and has shifted from coaching to media.  She is the founder of RunWell Media, LLC.  A media company that helps women leaders in sport build purpose driven brands through photography and videography services.  Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Letisha Engracia Cardoso Brown (she/her/hers) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Cincinnati where she is also an affiliate of the Africana Studies and Women’s, Gender, Sexuality Studies programs. Dr. Brown is a Black feminist, interdisciplinary scholar who researches the lived realities of Blackgirlwomen in sport, media, education, and girlhood.Dr. Brown’s academic scholarship can be found in outlets including the Sociology of Sport Journal, Communication & Sport, Girlhood Studies, and Race & Social Problems. Her first book, Say Her Name; Centering Black Feminism and Black Women in Sport (March 2025) is the first Black feminist text in the Rutgers University Press series on Critical Issues in Sport.In addition to her academic scholarship, Dr. Brown also has an active public presence, including writing freelance articles for First & Pen, and engaging actively on social media platforms including BlueSky, Instagram, and Threads.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 10. Natalie Graves, Founder NAT Sports Directory & Natalie Graves Athletic Counseling LLC and Author, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

In honor of Martina's retirement, this episode is a replay from Season 6. Martina Ballen, Senior Associate AD for Human Resources & CFO at UNC Chapel Hill, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Zara Northover is an 2008 Jamaican Olympian in the shot put, speaker, and founder of Moving in Faith, a global empowerment brand that inspires people to persevere with courage, identity, and bold purpose. From class president and team captain to Olympian, corporate athlete, and now servant leader and advocate, Zara’s life has been defined by faith, resilience, and an unwavering belief in God’s timing.She has fearlessly stood up to race discrimination and retaliation in the workplace, representing herself Pro Se and currently awaiting a decision from the Michigan Supreme Court. Her powerful journey is captured in her forthcoming book, The Cost of Justice, which offers a raw look into the price of truth, integrity, and self-advocacy.A Hall of Fame inductee at Northeastern University and a master’s graduate in Sports Management from Eastern Michigan, Zara has led, trained, and inspired people in communities, across companies and educational institutions. Through Moving in Faith, her apparel and accessories serve as wearable affirmations; reminders to never give up.Zara continues to follow God’s call speaking, writing, advocating, and trusting that patience in the process leads to longevity in the game. She moves with boldness, obedience, and divine strategy always #MovingInFaith.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

As the founder and owner of BallHers Choice Sports, Maria LaChelle Barber is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment through sports. With a vision to create a platform that celebrates female athletes and provides opportunities for growth, Barber has established herself as a trailblazer in her community.In 2023, Barber turned her vision into reality by founding BallHers Choice Sports Initiative, LLC. The organization aims to provide a platform for female athletes to thrive, connect with resources, and access opportunities for growth. Through BallHers Choice, Barber has created a community that fosters empowerment, confidence, and leadership among women and girls.In addition to BallHers Choice Sports, Barber is also the founder of Let Her Be Sports Collaborative, her nonprofit entity that furthers her desire to eliminate barriers to success and bring together female athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to share knowledge, resources, and experiences. This creates a network of support and mentorship that helps women navigate the sports industry while increasing visibility.Barber's work has had a profound impact on women and girls in the sports community. Through her organizations, she provides opportunities for the little girl inside to come outside and play in a safe environment.  access to training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This support enables female athletes to develop their skills, build their confidence, and pursue their passions.Through her work, she challenges stereotypes and promotes a culture of inclusivity and respect. She partners with local organizations, schools, and businesses to create programs and initiatives that support female athletes. These partnerships provide opportunities for women and girls to get involved in sports, develop their skills, and build their confidence.As she steps into the direction of those who have gone before her, Barber’s dedication to women's empowerment through sports has created a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of leaders, change-makers, and individuals committed to promoting visibility and giving access to those who are often overlooked.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Lachauna Edwards is a sports and business attorney with over twelve years of experience spanning education law, business, and intellectual property. As the co-founder of Black Sports Moms, she leads a national movement dedicated to educating and empowering mothers of athletes to navigate the business of NIL and sports. Through dynamic workshops, conferences, and partnerships, she’s helping families transform their knowledge into power, bridging the gap between athletic talent and long-term legacy.A proud HBCU graduate, Lachauna earned her B.A. from Clark Atlanta University and her J.D. from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. She is a proud wife and mother of three, so when she’s not working, you’ll find her on the sideline cheering for her son’s football and baseball teams and inspiring other sports moms to do the same.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) appointed Jacqueline “Jackie” Gordon Duvall as its new Director of Athletics, effective August 18, 2025. An experienced leader in athletic administration, she provides leadership and general oversight of the district’s athletic programs and activities.Mrs. Gordon Duvall holds a Master of Science in Child and Family Studies and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Western Kentucky University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Informational Studies from the University of Kentucky.Her recent professional roles include Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Kentucky State University (KSU) and Director of Athletics, Equity & Extended Learning at Frankfort Independent Schools. At KSU, she supervised and oversaw men's and co-ed sports programs and coaching staff, assisting with the university’s intercollegiate athletics program to develop quality, competitive teams while supporting the educational goals of student-athletes. She managed personnel, budgetary, facility, and equipment resources, developed policies and procedures, and served as a Compliance Officer for NCAA rules and Title IX implementation. She also acted as a liaison with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and assisted the Director of Athletics with initiatives and evaluations.Mrs. Gordon Duvall's accomplishments also include being a graduate of the NCAA Division II Athletic Director Association Mentoring Program, an inductee into the Kentucky Track and CrossCountry Association 2020 Hall of Fame, and having successful experience as a Head Girls'Track & Field Coach and Assistant Girls' Basketball Coach, including leading a team to a StateChampionship Runner-Up title. Her background demonstrates successful supervisory experience in student activities and an ability to organize and manage programs as an integral part of the total educational program.Mrs. Gordon Duvall's selection directly reflects the priorities expressed by the Fayette CountyPublic Schools community in a recent input survey, as well as the desired competencies and attributes for the position. The community survey highlighted several top criteria for the newDirector of Athletics. Duvall’s experience strongly aligns with these preferences: student-centered approach to decision-making, communication with internal and external stakeholders, understanding policies and procedures, and advocacy for all schools and sports. Furthermore, Duvall exemplifies the desired competencies outlined in the selection committee’s candidate profile, including strong operations management, a visionary and innovative mindset, technical knowledge of athletics, and proficiency in conflict resolution, collaboration, public relations, and organization. Her background also demonstrates many of the sought-after attributes, such as being a team builder, approachable, competent, proactive, and collaborative.Fayette County Public Schools is confident that Jacqueline Gordon Duvall's extensive experience, commitment to student welfare, and alignment with community values will significantly enhance the district's athletic programs and support systems.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

This episode is a replay from Season 8. Zee Butler, Author, joins Monique A. J. Smith for A Chat in the Garden.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Candace Smith is in her first year at Ohio University and 18 th year overall in collegiate athletics. Smith joined the Ohio Bobcats in March 2025 as the Executive Associate Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer and serves as a member of the athletics executive leadership team, advising the Athletic Director of strategic priorities and departmental direction. Her professional oversight includes Business Operations, Human resources, Compliance and Video Broadcasting while having sport oversight of Women’s Basketball.At Akron, Smith played an instrumental role in advancing the athletic department in various capacities during her time on staff. Most recently serving as the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations, Smith was the department’s Chief Financial Officer and oversaw Human Resources, Sports Medicine, Information Technology and the departmental travel program in addition to her Business Operations oversight. As part of the senior leadership team, she assisted the Director of Athletics with strategic direction for the entire athletic department and also had sport oversight which included Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, and Track & Field/Cross Country at various times during her tenure.Prior to transitioning into administration, Smith worked as the Director of Operations for the Women’s Basketball team. During this time, she was responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, budgetary management, travel coordination and summer camps. In 2016, while serving in this position, Smith was recognized as a Goodwill Employee of Distinction honoree.Smith attended Central Michigan University earning a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. She later earned her Master of Business Administration from The University of Akron.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

From the track to the clinic, Dr. Wilsa Charles Malveaux understands peak performance inside andout. A former elite Track & Field athlete and Stanford record-holder, she trained for the SummerOlympics before turning her focus to the mental side of the game.Dr. Charles Malveaux earned her BA and MA in Psychology from Stanford University and her Medical Degree from Howard University. She completed her psychiatry residency at UCLA, where she was Chief Resident and received the prestigious SAMHSA Fellowship from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). With accolades including UCLA’s Outstanding Teaching Award, she has dedicated her career to bridging mental health, performance, and equity in sports.As a leading Sports Psychiatrist, the Sports Psychiatry Section Editor for Psychiatric Times, and a provider for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) Mental Health Directory, she helps athletes at all levels manage performance pressures, career transitions, and unexpected setbacks. She consults for the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), a professional sports league, and multiple teams and organizations. She has spoken nationally and internationally on athlete identity, injury recovery, and the stigma of mental health in diverse communities.A champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Dr. Charles Malveaux has led initiativesaddressing racial disparities in mental health and sports. She chaired a racial and social justicecommittee within an international sports psychiatry association and served on the Board of BlackPsychiatrists of America. She currently sits on the Board of Directors for the American Board ofSports and Performance Psychiatry (ABSPP) and advisory boards dedicated to community well-being.With lived experience and clinical expertise, she’s here to change the conversation on mentalhealth, performance, and equity in sports—one athlete at a time.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Dr. Darlene Moore joined KWC Panthers as the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance, Student Athletic Services and Sports Administration/ SWA in July 2025. Most recently, Dr. Moore served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance and Academic Services at Texas Woman’s University. While at TWU, Dr. Moore oversaw the compliance program which services over 200 student-athletes on a yearly basis. This position was responsible for the submission of all NCAA reports onan annual basis. Dr. Moore oversaw a comprehensive athletics academic program for 9 intercollegiate athletic sports (advising, transfer evaluation, tutoring referrals, early academic alerts and monitoring for student-athletes) resulting in an athletic departmental GPA of 3.00 or higher during the year. Her duties also included providing Student-Athlete support in the areas of retention, student-athlete concerns, gender equity and Title IX issues. Prior to her appointment at TWU, Moore served as the Interim Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance/ Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Hawaii Pacific University. Moore was responsible for the daily operation of the compliance program of 15 sports, including student-athlete eligibility certification, development of policies and procedures pertaining to enforcement of NCAA rules, delivery of rules education to coaches and staff, as well as submission of required reports to theNCAA and/or Pacific West Conference. Moore also worked with the university Title IX Coordinator to ensure a safe learning, living, and working environment at Hawaii Pacific University.Before arriving at Hawaii Pacific University, Moore served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Academic and Compliance/ Senior Woman Administrator at Albany State University from 2021-2023. In this role, Dr. Moore oversaw the daily operations of the compliance office which serviced over 300 student-athletes (11 intercollegiate athletic teams) on a yearly basis. Dr. Moore was also responsible for all athletic certifications of student-athletes in conjunction with the Registrar’s and Academic Advisement Offices. Dr. Moore also oversaw a comprehensive athletics academic program (advising, transfer evaluation, tutoring referrals, early academic alerts and monitoring for coaches) resulting in an athletic departmental GPA of 3.00 or higher every year. She also provided student-athlete welfare support in the areas of retention, student-athlete concerns, gender equity and Title IX issues. Dr. Moore was the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and advisor and was in charge of the NCAA Life Skills Initiative.At ASU, Dr. Moore was the sports administrator for 7 sports and managed the Name, Image, and Likeness monitoring initiative. She also led data collection and reporting of the NCAA Academic Performance Census (APC) and Academic Progress Rate (ASR), while leading efforts to improve statistical data. Dr. Moore also assisted with daily departmental operations in the areas of game operations and event management. Dr. Moore also oversaw external operations in she cultivated and developed relationships with external constituencies, stakeholders, and boosters. Dr. Moore had oversight of the Ram Fund/Quarterback Club Operations and assisted with fundraising efforts for the annual ASU Athletic Golf Tournament, ASU Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, and Tailgating and Vending.Prior to Albany State University, Dr. Moore served as Director of Men and Women Track and Field/ Cross Country Teams, Head Women Track and Field/Cross Country Coach, Interim Senior Woman Administrator and Adjunct Health and Physical Education Instructor at Florida A&M University from 2009- 2019. While at FAMU, Dr. Moore won 10 Mid-Eastern Conference Championships (MEAC). She won 7 consecutive MEAC Cross Country Championships and set a MEAC and FAMU record with this feat. She also won 3 MEAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Moore was name MEAC Coach of the Year 10 times. Before FAMU Dr. Moore was at Albany State University, where she served two years (2007-2009) as the Assistant Track and Field/Cross Country Coach, helping lead the Golden Rams to back-to-back Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships, in cross country and track and field.Prior to her return to ASU, Dr. Moore was the FVSU Head Women Track and Field/ Cross Country Coach from 1998- 2004 in which she won 8 consecutive SIAC Championships (4 Outdoor Track and Field/ 4 Cross Country) and an 8-time SIAC Coach of the Year. During her six-year tenure as the head coach, Dr. Moore had 71 conference champions, 3 NCAA Division II South Region Athletes of the Year, 4 SIAC Track and Field Most Valuable Performers, 4 SIAC Cross Country Most Valuable Performers, 2 NCAA National Champions, 7 NCAA Runners-up, 15 Track and Field All-Americans and 2 USA National qualifiers. Her teams represented the SIAC Conference well in the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Meets by having an outstanding 8th place team finish in 2001 and a 6th place team finish in 2002. Dr. Moore's teams rewarded her well by making her one of the top premier female coaches in the Nation. She has won a total of 22 NCAA Conference Championships. Dr. Moore is an athletic Hall of Fame inductee at three Universities, Florida A&M University, Albany State University and Fort Valley State University. She is a 3-time NCAA Division II South Region Track and Field Coach of the Year. She has also been named the Georgia Female College Coach of the Year by Georgia Women Intersport Network, the National Female Track and Field Coach of the Year by the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports and the National Female Coach of the Year by the HBCU Digest. Dr. Moore is a standout middle-distance runner from Albany State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Moore received her Master of Education degree in Health/Physical Education from Georgia Southwestern State University and her Specialist of Education and her Doctor of Education degree in Teacher Leadership from Walden University. Dr. Moore is a member of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA), former member of the NCAA Division II Cross Country Committee, former member of the NCAA Division I Track and Field Committee and former member of the NCAA Division II Track and Field Committee. Dr. Moore is also a member of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators and a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Moore is married to Coach Michael D. Moore who is the former head men basketball coach at Albany State University and Fort Valley State University, and they have 3 wonderful dogs; Snow and Dinky, and Doodle.

Dr. Kyla Formey is a native of Brooklyn, New York and she graduated from Long Island Universityin 2019, where she was a four-year Division II women’s basketball player. Following graduation,Dr. Formey relocated to Virginia to continue her educational pursuits by obtaining her Doctoratein Physical Therapy from Hampton University in 2023 and Master of Science in Athletic Trainingfrom Old Dominion University in 2025.Dr. Formey embraces every chance to grow and improve by actively seeking opportunities to advance her knowledge. She obtained additional certifications which include her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Level 1 Physical Therapy and her C-Tier Telehealth Certification. Additionally, Dr. Formey will continue to honor her commitment to professional development in the Physical Therapy and Athletic Training fields by planning to complete her Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Health Level 2 and Level 3 Physical Therapy, Dry Needling Certification, Strength and Conditioning Certification, and Champion Performance Specialist Certification to ensure patients receive the best possible outcomes.Prior to accepting the role of Physical Therapist and Athletic Trainer for the women’s basketball and triathlon teams at Hampton University in 2025, she was the Sports Medicine Intern for the WNBA Connecticut Sun basketball team during the 2024 season. This opportunity provided her with elite-level clinical experience and teamwork skills to be the first dual-credentialed healthcare provider to work for Hampton University’s Sports Medicine Department.Dr. Formey is contributing to advancing evidence-based practice by conducting clinical researchon Exploring the Effects of Concussion History on Risk-Taking Behaviors in Collegiate Athletes. She presented her research study at the Mid-Athletic Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting in 2024 which was recognized with an award for excellence. Dr. Formey aspires to present her research study at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Convention and submit toa professional sports journal for publication.An active member of the community, Dr. Formey provides pro-bono medical services for professional organizations such as the Harlem Globetrotters, Yuengling Shamrock Marathon, and Virginia Beach City FC Semi-Professional Soccer Club. She is a member of multiple professional organizations including the American Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Minority Women in Sports Medicine, National Association for Black Physical Therapists, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In her free time, she loves to embark on new adventures with her family and friends.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Chamreece Diggs is a proud graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Recreation Administration and later earned her Master’s degree in Business Administration from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Chamreece, a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional, is experienced in programming, marketing, project management, facility management, staff development, public speaking, special events and advocacy.Chamreece has served on the Board of Directors and in various other roles for North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association over the last 13 years. Chamreece the Special Programs Superintendent with the City of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, managing the Active Adults, Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation, Aquatics and Youth and Teen Experience sections.She believes in enriching the field of parks and recreation through innovation, exploration, collaboration. Chamreece prides herself on being people oriented, adaptable, resourceful, and progress driven. She hopes to continue to move the parks and recreation profession forward through creative critical thinking and quality relationship building.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.

Andrea Durham is the CEO and Founder of Minority Women in Sports, a 501(c)(3) charitablefoundation dedicated to supporting and advancing the educational and professional goals ofminority women pursuing careers in the sports industry. Founded in 2020, the foundation haslaunched various programs aimed at addressing the unique challenges faced by minoritywomen in sports. Through strategic partnerships, the foundation connects aspiringprofessionals with industry leaders, offering career guidance, networking opportunities, andskills development. As the only organization of its kind, MWIS is shaping the future of diversityin sports by ensuring minority women have the resources, mentorship, and community theyneed to thrive in every arena.With a background in athletic training that spans every competitive level, Andrea continues toserve in the field as a PRN Certified Athletic Trainer. She holds a Bachelor of Science inChemistry from Tennessee State University and a Master of Science in Athletic Training fromSeton Hall University. Andrea is deeply passionate about education and professionaldevelopment, having taught courses in both kinesiology and entrepreneurship. She believes inequipping students not only with technical skills but also with the confidence, knowledge, andnetworks necessary thrive in whichever profession they choose. Her career reflects acommitment to creating opportunities where others can learn, grow, and lead. These values areat the heart of her leadership with Minority Women in Sports, Inc. and fuel her passion foradvancing equity in every arena.Join us on A Chat in the Garden with Monique A. J. Smith. Listen to our guest’s career path, her advice for others & current initiatives...A Chat in the Garden with Monique A.J. Smith, where Significance Blooms. Listen via Spreaker, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music/Audible, or www.chatinthegarden.com. This is Season 12. Seasons 1 - 11 can be found on 200plus.expert.