A Chat in the Garden with Monique AJ Smith

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.

Dr. Danielle Lynch assumed the role of Director of Athletics at Haverford College in March of 2022. Lynch brings more than 20 years of experience in college coaching and athletics administration to Haverford and is a respected professional within the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Lynch joined the staff at Haverford from Susquehanna University, where she served as Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance. In this role, she was the primary NCAA compliance officer for 22 varsity sports teams as well as the athletics designee for inclusion and diversity (ADID) and the university's deputy Title IX coordinator. She is also a trained facilitator for the NCAA's OneTeam program, which promotes inclusion and equity for the LGBTQ+ community within Division III athletics, and oversaw the day-to-day administration of the men's and women's lacrosse, men's and women's swimming and diving, and softball programs.Prior to her work at Susquehanna, Lynch was in a leadership role as the senior woman administrator, athletics coordinator, student-athlete welfare coordinator, Title IX committee chair, Student Athlete Advisory Commitee (SAAC) advisor, athletics designee for inclusion and diversity at Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, Pa.Lynch balanced these numerous administrative and leadership duties while maintaining her role as a head coach for the men's and women's track & field and cross country teams for the Nittany Lions, a program she started. Lynch built that program into a formidable unit, coaching six All-Americans and the school's first national champion during an eight-season tenure at the helm.Her career began at the United States Military Academy (West Point) where she was an assistant track and field coach for sprints and hurdles. Two years later she then moved on to a similar role with Bucknell University. At Bucknell, she was the first-assistant track and field coach, helping to instruct more than 20 school record holders and 30 Patriot League champions over eight years.Having earned her Bachelor of Arts in geography and anthropology from Rutgers University and her Master of Science in Education from Bucknell in 2010, Lynch earned her Doctorate in Lifelong Learning in Adult Education from Pennsylvannia State University in 2024. Her research focus is exploring the lived experiences of Black male professional athletes during ongoing social justice movements. 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.

CC Clark is a financial literacy educator, speaker, and founder of The Prosperity League, where the mission is simple: Play. Brand. Profit. With over 17 years of experience teaching business, marketing, and entrepreneurship, CC has impacted thousands of students inside the classroom and beyond. A former Division I basketball player at Samford University, she knows firsthand the challenges of being a student-athlete with little financial knowledge. That experience drives her passion for teaching young people how to manage money, build businesses, and leverage opportunities like NIL to create long-term success.CC blends her background as a teacher, coach, and entrepreneur to make financial literacy relatable, fun, and practical. She has developed curriculums, workbooks, and coaching programs used by schools and families, and her YouTube show and podcast give young athletes and entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories. Known as the “cool teacher” who makes real-world lessons stick, CC’s mission is to help students and parents build financial independence, create lasting wealth, and brand beyond the game.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. Dr. Jessica R. Murfree, Assistant Professor at University of North Carolina 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.

In May 2025, Patrick Mashuda, Associate Vice President for Athletics and Compliance, announced the appointment of Sherry Lewis as the new head coach of the Chowan University women's flag football team. Lewis will lead the Hawks in the launch of the university's inaugural women's flag football program, set to begin competition in the Spring of 2026.She will also serve as the Head Coach for Men's and Women's Cross Country. An alumna of Chowan University, Lewis returns to campus with a background in athletics, recreation, and leadership. She began her academic journey at Richard Bland College, where she earned an Associate of Science degree in Liberal Arts in 2011. She then transferred to Chowan University, earning her bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Sport Studies and Coaching in 2014, followed by a master's degree in Sports Management from Virginia State University in 2017."We welcome Sherry back to campus and are excited to have her lead us into our flag football era," stated Patrick Mashuda, Associate Vice President for Athletics and Compliance. "Sherry's personal and professional beliefs align perfectly with our athletic department mission of teaching, serving, and competing."She recently served as assistant women's basketball coach at Richard Bland College, where she oversaw recruiting, game strategy, player development, and academic support. Her professional experience also includes leadership roles with Richmond Parks and Recreation and Prince George County Parks and Recreation, where she was instrumental in planning youth and adult athletic programs, managing facilities and event operations, and mentoring young athletes.In addition to her coaching and recreation department experiences, Lewis serves as an adjunct instructor with the Sport Studies Department at Virginia State University. She has taught several courses including officiating and flag football."Having Sherry back is a blessing for our department," stated Meredith Long, Deputy Athletic Director. "As a former two-sport student-athlete at Chowan she understands the landscape and the university well. We look forward to seeing how the experiences she gained while she has been in the field since she graduated will be applied here at Chowan."  Lewis was a member of the Chowan Hawks women's bowling team and the inaugural season of women's lacrosse (2013). In addition to her work in athletics, Lewis has over a decade of service in the United States Army as a Transportation Management Coordinator. Her military background has equipped her with invaluable skills in logistics, operations management, team coordination, and 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.

Born and raised in North Babylon, New York, my early life was defined by a strong sense of community, hard work, and purpose. These values not only influenced her path in athletics and fitness but also became the foundation for a dynamic and evolving career in higher education, particularly within the realm of collegiate athletics. After high school I enrolled at Temple University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Exercise Science in 2009. While at Temple, I viewed kinesiology not just as a field of study but as a toolkit for helping athletes fine-tune their performance and better understand their bodies. After obtaining my degree, I spent four years (2010–2014) working as a health fitness professional with the Health Fitness Corporation, where I helped a broad demographic from working professionals to recreational athletes set and achieve health-related goals. For seven years, I worked with Mo’ Motion, Inc., a youth basketball organization in New York City dedicated to developing young athletes through skill-building, fitness, and leadership. As a basketball coach I managed training sessions for boys and girls aged five through sixteen. I combined technical drills with strength and conditioning practices, offering athletes a well-rounded foundation in physical development. In 2016, I took on a pivotal role that marked the beginning of my journey in collegiate athletics: I was appointed Assistant Director of Facility Operations in Columbia University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education. It was a transition from the private fitness world into university recreation and athletics an environment that allowed me to merge administrative management with my passion for sports. In this role, I was responsible for a complex array of duties, including supervising the recreation facility, managing inventory and upkeep of fitness equipment, training staff, tracking payroll, and ensuring the operational readiness of athletic venues for events. This position offered me a broad, behind-the-scenes look at university athletics, exposing me to the unique challenges faced by student-athletes and athletic staff alike. In 2020, I was named Assistant Director of Enrichment Services at Columbia. In this role, my focus shifted from operational logistics to student support a shift that aligned perfectly with my long-standing commitment to mentorship and development. Working within Columbia’s Success Through Well-Being initiative, I played a vital role in supporting student-athletes holistically, addressing their needs not just in competition, but in their academic, emotional, and career journeys. I became a trusted advisor to many within the athletics community, offering personalized career guidance and helping athletes navigate life beyond sport. In July 2022, just two years after my initial appointment, I was promoted to Director of Enrichment Services & Career Development. The expanded title signified not just a change in name, but a deepening of responsibility. Now leading career development initiatives, I collaborated closely with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, organizes professional development programming, and serves as a key facilitator in helping athletes build pathways into careers, internships, and graduate education.Further exemplifying my commitment to fostering inclusive athletic communities, I joined Columbia’s We Roar Together initiative, a university-wide effort committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in athletics. As co-chair of the Hiring, Retention, and Engagement Subcommittee, I helped shape hiring practices and cultivated environments in which staff and student-athletes from all backgrounds could thrive. I continued to pursue academic growth by enrolling in graduate school at Teachers College, Columbia University, one of the nation’s top institutions for education and social science.In May 2025, I earned a Master’s degree in Sociology and Organizational Psychology, a program that deepened my understanding of human dynamics, leadership, and systems of organizational change. My graduate work further supports my professional mission: creating environments and programs that empower student-athletes not just to compete, but to lead, heal, grow, and pursue excellence in every domain of their lives.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 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.

Terica "Teri" Peay is an emerging leader in collegiate athletics with a strong background in strategic communications, media relations, and athletic administration. With over a decade of experience across NCAA institutions, she has established herself as a results-driven professional committed to promoting student-athletes, elevating athletic brands, and fostering inclusive excellence in sports.Currently serving as the Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications at Albany State University, she leads the department’s media and public relations efforts, oversees game-day operations, and manages digital engagement across platforms. She acts as the main media liaison for all Golden Rams sports, ensuring the visibility and promotion of ASU’s student-athletes and programs. In her role, she is responsible for creating content that highlights the powerful stories of the institution’s athletic achievements, academic success, and community impact. From coordinating press coverage and managing social media strategies to training interns and student staff, Peay has established a reputation for excellence, creativity, and leadership. Her love for sports runs deep, nurtured from a young age in South Carolina, where she was raised in a family with a proud history of athletic excellence. As a standout three-sport athlete in cross country, women’s basketball, and track and field, she found joy and purpose in competition. However, after a career-ending accident and a diagnosis of Left Atrium Enlargement (LAE), her path shifted from playing the game to leading it. Although this turn was painful, it ignited a deeper passion — one that led her to discover her true calling:  telling the stories behind the game and ensuring that the athletes who live them are seen, heard, and celebrated.Peay's journey in athletics began with a strong foundation in sports management and media operations. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a concentration in Sports Management from Johnson C. Smith University in 2010, where she was recognized on the Dean's List and was an active member of Phi Epsilon Kappa. To further her academic growth, she obtained a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from the Keller Graduate School of Management in 2012. Committed to expanding her knowledge and leadership skills, she is currently enrolled in a second master’s program at Georgia Southern University, pursuing a Master of Science in Sports Management to enhance her impact in athletic administration.Her professional journey has encompassed various roles across multiple institutions. Before her current position, she worked as the Assistant Director of Athletics Media Relations at South Carolina State University, where she managed all media and statistical operations, handled social media content, and coordinated coverage for various sports. She was also briefly promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for Media and Game Coordinator. Earlier in her career, Peay gained valuable experience at Johnson C. Smith University and Onnidan, where she developed expertise in game operations, hospitality coordination, and public relations. Throughout her work at each institution, Peay has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and a student-first approach.In recognition of her leadership potential and growing influence in the field, she has been selected for multiple prestigious national fellowships and development programs. She was named a 2023 Big South Conference Future Administrators Fellow, a program designed to support the advancement of young professionals within college athletics. In 2024, she was selected for the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Diversity & Inclusion Fellowship, which highlights professionals committed to enhancing equity and representation within sports media and communication. Most recently, Peay was awarded the highly competitive NACDA Grant for the 2025 Senior Administrator Mentoring Institute, affirming her place among the next generation of senior leaders in intercollegiate athletics.These honors reflect her deep commitment to inclusive leadership, mentorship, and her broader goal of impacting collegiate athletics at a national level. Her long-term professional aspiration is to ascend to the role of athletic conference commissioner or general manager, where she aims to shape policy, foster innovation, and promote equity across institutions and student-athlete populations.Throughout her career, Peay has championed initiatives that celebrate the student-athlete experience, engage community stakeholders, and tell compelling stories that resonate far beyond the field of play. Her ability to connect strategic communication with organizational vision has made her an asset in every role she has held.Known for her collaborative spirit and passion for higher education and athletics, she continues to be a respected voice in the profession. Her leadership is grounded in integrity, lifelong learning, and a vision of sport as a powerful vehicle for opportunity, representation, and growth.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 11. Seasons 1- 10 and season 11 (through December 2025) can be found on 200plus.expert.