In 2022, I was selected to be a part of the NFL HBCU Experienceship Program, which went on from October until April, 2023. During this program, I connected with several professionals in the sports and entertainment industry, as they poured onto us members and gave much needed advice, as we continue to seek a career in the industry. My experience was one for the books and I am forever grateful to have been part of such an great experience, with quality people who has a similar vision as myself.

One of my favorite parts about this Experienceship Program, was when we were given mentors. The mentor I was assigned to is Jasmine James. She previously served as the Director of Inclusion and Belonging for the Carolina Panthers, and now is the Chief of Staff for the Houston Dynamo Football Club. I truly enjoyed learning from her and other skilled professionals, as they gave me the confidence I needed to keep going and they encouraged me to stay on the track I am going. I also got to tour the Carolina Panthers facility and office, which led me to networking with staff members from their Media team, video, PR, and others as well.

The Experienceship Program assisted us members with a trip to Atlanta, to attend the NFL HBCU Careers in Football Forum. I enjoyed the forum and I walked away with a ton of knowledge and a journal full of many gems. A big portion of the program consisted of members being put into groups to discuss how to implement Flag football into the Olympics. I was part of a team called the Chosen Ones and my role was the Research Lead. It was truly a pleasure working on our project for months and getting to know one another more. One of our main targets for our presentation was to create a book bag, similar to the bag used for the New Balance Nationals, which would be given to members who would potentially play in our Flag Football League. We also wanted to find ways to make the game well diverse for years to come. To present our presentations, we were invited to the NFL Headquarters in New York and displayed our work in front of NFL staff members.