INDIANAPOLIS - The NCAA Division II office and Women’s Leaders in College Sports granted each conference multiple allotted individual memberships and participation in the NCAA Division II Governance Academy.
The NCAA Division II office and Women Leaders staff led the program, which took place virtually on Tuesday, September 22. The program featured a presentation from multigenerational workplace expert, Lindsey Pollack. It also provided the opportunity for grant recipients to learn about NCAA Division II Governance and committee service.
Five individuals from the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, including one student-athlete were able to participate. Jordan Reineke, a senior on the women’s lacrosse team at Findlay, took part in Tuesday’s virtual academy.
“I had the pleasure of attending the Division II Governance Academy. I enjoyed listening to people from across the country talk about what their schools are doing regarding student wellness and community outreach and how they are continuing these efforts despite the global pandemic,” said Reineke. “It was an amazing experience to meet so many women leaders, such as coaches, athletic trainers, athletic directors, and student-athletes who all have great ideas to not only improve their student-athletes’ lives, but NCAA Division II in general.”
Liz Wacienga (Kentucky Wesleyan, Director of Athletic Communications/SWA), Lynn Ulatowski (Ursuline, FAR), Tuesday Hunt (Trevecca Nazarene, Head Athletic Trainer), and Holly Grober (Great Midwest, Operations and Media Coordinator) were the four remaining individuals selected from the conference.
“It is a privilege to be selected to represent the Great Midwest Athletic Conference on the national level. The Division II Governance Academy has already provided me with great resources in mentoring and leadership, as well as information on the governance structure of Division II,” said Wacienga. “During our first webinar, we had the opportunity to hear from Lindsey Pollak, author of “The Remix”. For the first time in US history, we have 5 generations in the workplace. She opened my eyes to the differences of these generations and how they interact together. I was able to take away strategies and ideas on how to succeed and lead in the multigenerational workplace.”
“Perhaps the biggest benefit thus far has been the opportunity to connect with women across the nation in Division II. I have met so many empowering women that will continue to inspire and motivate me on a daily basis. In October we will also have the chance to attend the virtual convention for Women Leaders in College Sports. I have had the date marked on my calendar for weeks now and I can’t wait to meet and learn from more women that work in collegiate athletics,” concluded Wacienga.
Division II grant recipients received a one-year Women Leaders in College Sports membership inclusive of base level access to Women Leaders X, which will be held October 11 and 12, 2020. Women Leaders X features keynote speakers Robin Roberts, Carla Harris, Muffet McGraw, and Brené Brown.
Women Leaders in College Sports is the premier leadership organization that develops, connects, and advances women working in college sports and beyond. Women Leaders takes a pro-active role in advancing women into positions of influence and powerfully shapes the landscape of women leaders.