Walk With TFB

During this episode, George talks to us about NFL globalization.

Commonly known as "George on Sports," George is a Sport and Lifestyle Personality, Creator, Host & Former UK Running Back.

During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes.

A United Kingdom native, Lucy is a returning guest to the Walk With TFB Podcast. During her first appearance, we learned more about her story, career experiences, and moments that led her to create Athlete Futures Abroad (AFA) in 2022.

During this walk, Tim shares why Walk With TFB is THE Internationalization and Athletics Podcast.

Discussion points:

• Reflecting on "This Ain't Normal" TimTalk episode
• Reason for the year long hiatus
• NFL Academy, NBA Academy, NFL London Game
• What to expect from Season 6
• Call for podcast guests

During this walk, Timi explains what it means to be a British-Nigerian playing American football.

Born in London and from Nigerian descent, Timi played global football (soccer) his entire life. After watching Super Bowl LVI between the Rams and Bengals, he became intrigued with the sport.

His mom's encouragement was the final push. Timi decided to pivot away from soccer and learn American football.

During this walk, Tim shares why Walk With TFB isn't just another podcast, business, or community.

Discussion points:

• Thanks community for continuing to stand and walk with Tim throughout evolution of Walk With TFB
• Overviews recent trips to London, Paris, and Casablanca
• Recaps "The Next 90" recap!
• Highlights Walk With TFB's unique gifts
• 2024 Internationalization and Athletics Summit

During this walk, Maria Jose (MJ) talks to us about the Pittsburgh Steelers international content strategy.

An Honduras native, MJ graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU). While at TCU, she became enamored with American football and was eager to work in sport. Soon after her first football game, she secured her first internship with TCU athletics and the rest was history.

MJ currently serves as the International Content Manager for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In her role, she is responsible for contributing to the Steelers' global expansion strategy through engagement on social platforms. Through the NFL's International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) program, the Steelers have marketing rights in Mexico, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.

Discussion points include:

• Detailing the role of an NFL international content manager
• Strategy to attract and engage global Steelers fan base
• NFL's International Home Marketing Areas (IHMA) program
• American football globalization and community engagement
• Favorite international content and experiences
• College sport globalization and future directions

NFL globalization does not happen by osmosis. Humans dictate what happens and how it happens.

During this walk, Amari shares how we can support NCAA Native America college athletes.

During this walk, Dr. Jessica Murfree speaks to us about how sport can be used as a tool to understand climate change.

During this walk, Tatyana shares why Saudi Arabia has earned a seat at the global sport table.

During this walk, Lucy shares why education abroad is for all athletes.

During this walk, Jasmine teaches us all about digital communities.

A former college athlete and McNair scholar, Jasmine is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on Black digital cultures, online dating, and sports.

• What are the key markers of "Black Twitter?"
• What are the experiences of Black women on dating apps?
• Why should digital studies be including in NIL education, especially Black college athletes?!
• What in the world is Black digital world building?!

During this episode, Stephanie explains how Ubuntu captures her life.

A Louisiana native, she attended Loyola University New Orleans and later earned her master's degree in student affairs from Texas State University.

She is a currently a doctoral candidate at Prairie View A&M University who is in her season of preparation, planning, and service.

During this walk, Lo explains why she stays true to the game, to herself, and to Black women.

Lauren Dreher ("Bigggg Lo") is a star in the sports industry. Born and raised in the 803, Lo started playing basketball at a young age and her passion for the game has never faded.

Lo is a member of The Committee Sports Group - a group of women’s basketball enthusiasts committed to covering the game and sharing stories at both the college and professional levels.

Every Tuesday evening, you can find Lo on The Committee's Twitter Spaces discussing recent events in the women's game and often addressing the nuances of intersectionality as they relate to different storylines. Lo is also an co-host for the WNBA’s official Twitter Spaces for the 2023 season alongside Ari Chambers, Monica McNutt, and Mark Schindler.

During the 2023 Women's Final Four weekend, Lo participated in a Playa Society pop-up that also featured rising sports media creator, B. Terrell and Notre Dame's star point guard, Olivia Miles.

During this walk, Tim launches the scheduling book for Walk With TFB, LLC.

Discussion Points

During this walk, we speak with Dr. Scott Brooks about the future of global sport. Dr. Scott N. Brooks is Director of the Global Sport Institute at ASU, and associate professor of Sociology with the School of Social and Family Dynamics, an academic unit of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. Discussion Points

• Unique perspective as an academic and sociologist working in athletics
• Sport and social entrepreneurship & innovation
• Programming, research, and initiatives from Global Sport Institute at ASU
• Sport for development, peace, and social impact
• Sport apparel crossover partnerships
• Interest in replicating the NCAA model in non-U.S. countries
• Consumer engagement behavior in sports

During this walk, we discuss all things diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice across global sport.

Discussion Points

• Gender equality initiatives in Australia
• Increasing number of women and racially diverse talent in Major League Baseball (MLB)
• LGBTQ+ inclusion in global sports, including college athletics
• Government funding focusing on inclusion, equity, and justice programming in athletics
• Similarities and differences between DEI conversations/programming in U.S. and Australia

Panelists

During this walk, we discuss all things player development. Truly a global conversation, panelists will speak from their lived experiences as well as from their professional roles and responsibilities.

Discussion Points:

• NFL International Football Development
• Player development at the NBA Africa Academy and within the Global South
• Future of player development across professional and collegiate sports
• Decentering Western ways of knowing in player development programming
• Increasing non-male representation in player development roles

During this walk, Tonija and Tim set the tone and direction for what you can expect throughout Internationalization and Athletics Summit.

Tonija Hope is the Director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. She is also a PhD candidate in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program at Howard.

Discussion points include but are not limited to:

• Comprehensive Interantionalization
• Internationalization at HBCUs
• Black Internationalism
• Black Internationalization Framework
• Influx of international student athletes in U.S. higher education
• NCAA athletics competing in non-U.S. countries
• International student sense of belonging

During this walk, Tim discusses life updates, information about the upcoming Internationalization and Athletics Summit, how you can support Walk With TFB moving forward.

During this walk, Illya explains why he is committed to being an ingredient that changes the trajectory of one's life. 

Former P&G executive, current minister, entrepreneur, and doctoral student. This episode is special as it is Part 1 of the Season 4 Finale where Tim interviews his dad, Illya Thomas. 

During this walk, Taylor exudes what it means live and work with grace under pressure. 

A Texas native, Taylor grew up in the streets of Missouri City before moving to Austin where she earned her Bachelor’s in Broadcast Journalism and Political Communications from The University of Texas. While at UT, she was inducted into several honor societies, pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and served as a Gateway Scholars Mentor. Taylor was also a Emma Bowen Foundation Scholar, an experience that both prepared her for and accelerated her in her industry.

Taylor is a video journalist who has worked for networks such as ESPN, The Washington Post, ABC, and currently The New York Times. She has worked in several functional areas of journalism including breaking news, travel, food, and politics. She approaches journalism with creativity and her work has been shared on local, national, and international levels. In 2019, she began her parallel career and side hustle as an adjunct lecturer and has taught both at Howard University and New York University.

I’ve learned so much from Taylor over the last few years. Her experiences cannot be imitated and her commitment to producing power content that actually means something to the viewer is contagious.

Grace under pressure. Let's walk! 

Taylor's IG: @itstater

Taylor's Twitter: @_TaylorNTurner

During this walk, Chidinma "Chid Suzan" Azubuike tells us to stop qualifying what we know. 

Originally born and raised in Nigeria, Chid Suzan moved to Canada where she is taking the country by storm as a younger millennial disrupter, content creator, and city builder.

Similar to Walk With TFB, she started her own platform and podcast in 2020 entitled “But What Do I Know?”

She insists that we longer hide behind the phrase "But What Do I Know?". Instead, she is dedicated to helping us are confirm our knowledge, share our experiences and learn from ourselves as well as each other.

You can tap into this platform and join the journey to self discovery as well as overcoming self doubt through learning, unlearning, healing and laughter

"But What Do I Know? (BWDIK) Instagram: @bwdikpodcast

During this walk, Ahmad tells us why it's mandatory to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in career readiness work. 

A New Jersey native, Ahmad earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Studies from Ithaca College. While at Ithaca, he was a walk-on basketball college athlete, Club Basketball President, pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and was involved with the Brothers for Brothers student organization. The price went up after earned his master’s degree from Ithaca College while also working in Residence Life, Emerging Scholars, Academic, and Professional Leaders Program and serving as the graduate assistant for the men’s basketball program.

Ahmad went on to serve as the Student-Athlete Experience Intern at Colby College, a position made possible through the NCAA Women and Ethnic Minorities Grant. While at Colby, he revamped the first-year college athlete program, restructured the essential documents for inclusion and leadership, and led comprehensive programming focusing on the holistic development of all college athletes. His experiences led him to Chicago State University and then Northwestern University, where he currently serves as the Assistant Director of Career Enhancement and Employer Relations.

His entire career has been dedicated to focusing on diversity and inclusion for college athletes, and that includes career readiness.

He’s one of the pioneers in all of higher education in this arena and I am elated we get to walk with him today.

During this walk, Chelsea tells us how she plans on getting her ROI from her doctoral experience. 

An Atlanta suburb native, future Dr. Chelsea completed her undergraduate experience at the University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor’s in History. She then worked for the College Advising Corps, a Chapel-Hill based non-profit whose mission is to increase the number of historically underrepresented, low-income, first-generation college and high school students who enter and complete higher education. While an advisor, she worked with a high school who had a STEM pathway program which further prepared her to lead and create change at Iowa State University. While in Ames, she created a program series for women in STEM focused on how to support them academically, professionally, and socially. But she was getting started.

Future Dr. Chelsea is currently a doctoral candidate in the Education Leadership, Policy, and Human Development program at North Carolina State University. Her research focuses on Black women in STEM, Black women graduate students, and diversity, equity, and inclusion education and training. She is also a graduate research and teaching assistant, Vice President of Black graduate student association, and academic mentor for college athletes.

She’s a Black woman addicted to airline miles. She’s a podcaster and influencer. And she is one of my most inspiring, motivational peer mentors who asks us the follow questions…

If STEM is the future, why isn’t it serving everyone interested? If it’s not serving all those interested, how will STEM truly expand the future?

Through the Southern Region of Education Board fellowship, she is tackling this issue head on and I am excited we get to learn with her today.

During this walk, Trajuan tells us how he always gon be figure it out. 

A California native, Trajuan was a standout high school football athlete and ranked as one of the top running backs in his class. His athletic prowess and commitment to academics led him to Cal Berkeley, where he competed as a college athlete for two years before transferring to the University of New Mexico. While at UNM, he played football and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. en route to earning his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism. After working in news for a couple years, he returned to UNM and earned his Master’s degree in Sport Administration.

This guest has meaningful experience in higher education. He is a father, former coach, and current academic counselor and student-athlete development coordinator at the University of New Orleans. Coupled with his life journey and belief in the power of education, in 2020 he partnered with New Mexico’s African American Student Services office to start the Trajuan Briggs Community IMPACT scholarship that would provide financial assistance to undergrad students at the institution. Since its inception, he has awarded more than $2,000 in scholarship money.

He is ALL ABOUT IMPACT! But more importantly,

He is strong. He is able. He is himself.

And he is learning how to Invest in himself, while also sharing with others.

Today we are walking with a trilingual professional, international education leader, and doctoral student.

A District of Columbia native, Tonija moved to St. Paul (MN) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Macalester College. After graduating, she moved to South Africa where she worked alongside University of Cape Town faculty to develop strategies that would encourage exchange among international and South African students. She later returned to DC and earned her master’s degree in Tourism Administration with a focus on International Education from George Washington University.

She currently carries out this mission in her role as the Director of the Ralph J. Bunch International Affairs Center at Howard University. As director, provides guidance and direction towards comprehensive internationalization. She also administers four programs dedicated to increasing the representation of systemically marginalized and historically underrepresented communities in foreign service and development. When she’s not working as the director, she is completing her doctoral coursework in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program at Howard.

A quick google search will reveal that she is THE leader in preparing students of color for global leadership and is an active in addressing racism in international education.

Her social media will remind you of #HowardForward, #StudyAbroadSoBlack, #WorldDomination.

But she always leave us with one question: If HBCUs were born out of a movement towards justice, what should international education look like at HBCUs?

Let's walk and talk about it! 

During this walk, Dr. Shirley discusses how his letterman jacket influenced his career decision making. 

A Texas native, Dr. Shirley stayed in-state and earned his Bachelor’s degree the one and only Paul Quinn College. While at Paul Quinn, he became highly engaged in student affairs work - having served the Vice President of SGA, Homecoming King, and Orientation Team leader. However, Dr. Shirley's most influential experience came as a proud initiate of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

After earning his master’s and doctorate degrees, he spent more than 15 years working as a student affairs professional - most notably in the Fraternity and Sorority Life functional area. But in May 2021 - he pivoted out of higher education into Ed Tech where he now serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader.

In addition to his work experiences, Dr. Shirley is also a founding member of The BlaQBerry View.  The BlaQBerry View is a platform with 5 vastly different queer men who gather for discussions centered on array of topics including but not limited to racism, colorism, sex, and dating.

I met this dude almost when I was in graduate school by divine intervention. Over the last 5 years, we have MANY unfiltered conversations but this time we get to record it and share it with the world.

During this walk, Courtney reminds us how to be a kid again. 

An Ohio native, Courtney left the Buckeye State to attend the University of South Carolina. While at Carolina, she was an orientation leader, university ambassador, and student teacher before earning her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She went on to earn an add-on license from UNC Wilmington to work with Academically and Intellectually Gifted children.

Courtney is a self-identified educator and has worked in several public school systems in the Southeastern region of the United States. Though her primary role was teaching in traditional classroom environments, she also led literacy curriculum design, science instructional planning, and analyzed assessment data to drive academic growth. Courtney's experiences in the classroom made room for a purpose pivot into educational consulting and technology.

This guest is a Day 1 supporter, Walk With TFB sponsor, and craft beer advocate. 

Let's walk and learn! 

During this walk, Kala reminds us why it is imperative we share our story. 

A native of St. Petersburg, Kala started her educational career at the University of Memphis before transferring to Florida State University. While at FSU, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and competed on the track and field team. During the 2015 NCAA Division I Track and Field championships, my Soror shocked the world and won the 400-meter national championship out of lane 8. Yes, she’s fast and yes is a proud initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

So of course, Kala turned pro and competed as a professional athlete, representing Team USA. After a couple years, she pivoted and started running in her evolved purpose. She earned her MBA from Saint Leo University and took the digital marketing and brand strategy industry by storm. She currently works in Media and Entertainment at The Happiest Place on Earth, otherwise known as Disney!

Kala is a digital marketing professional, content enthusiast, and national champion. Most importantly, she is a friend who is committed to paying it forward through both mentorship and sponsorship. 

During this walk, Dr. Willis tells us why it's more than personal. 

A Mississippi native, Dr. Willis started his higher education journey as a student-athlete at Pearl River Community College before transferring and earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He later went on to earn his Master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and PhD from William Carey College

His experiences in education span across several functional areas including but limited to nutrition and wellness, academic affairs, athletics, career counseling, and student advocacy. Each of these roles uniquely prepared Dr. Willis to learn and lead, as he now serves as the Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University.

No matter the role, he has continued to prioritize meeting students where they are. If you haven’t seen his content on Twitter, then there is a great chance you have seen him playing sand volleyball with students, roaming around Target with a fresh cut, or talking to Southeastern family and friends on The Dean’s Corner.

He's dope and he does great work. Let's walk! 

During this walk, Dr. Goodman tells why learning should be centered with grace. 

An Oklahoma-ish native, Dr. Goodman has been a phenomenal leader since his childhood. After being named Youth of the Year (for the second time), Dr. Goodman stayed close to home and attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he earned his bachelor’s in organizational communication. While at UCO, Dr. Goodman was elected Student Body President - a role that has informs his research and his practice as a higher education and student affairs educator.

After earning his masters degree from Indiana University and working full-time for several years, Dr. Goodman moved to the DMV - where he earned his PhD in Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park. While a Terp, Dr. Goodman worked in fraternity and sorority life, undergraduate student legal aid, and was elected President of the Graduate Student Government. These positions ultimately prepared him for his next step where he now serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Goodman inspired me and reignited my curiosity and desire for learning, so it was a no brainer we had to take a walk with him on this show.

During this walk, Dr. Nef encourages us all to be courageous and find our joy. 

An Atlanta native, Dr. Nef stayed close to home and began her educational career as a college athlete at Georgia Tech. After a couple years, she transferred to Stetson University. While at Stetson where she earned both her bachelor’s and MBA while also leading the Stetson basketball program to their first NCAA March Madness appearance. An accomplishment that sealed the deal for her Hall of Fame nomination.

Dr. Nef went on to earn her PhD in Sport Management from the University of Florida and currently works at UMass Amherst as an Associate Professor and Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer. Her research and expertise is focused on intersectionality, specifically at the intersections of race, gender, and sport culture. Over the last decade, she has become a leading voice in the Sport Management industry - publishing countless articles, appearing on international news outlets, and advising the future leaders of our generation.

She’s been our silent mentor for a while now, so I’m glad we get to amplify her voice and leadership on today’s episode.