Thompson, Sasu-Twum Making Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives with CoSIDA

GREENWOOD, Ind. - The University of Delaware Athletics Communications and Creative Services department has had two members selected to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship program in partnership with the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics.

Associate Athletics Director of Communications and Creative Services Denise Thompson was named a co-chair of the program, while Nicole Sasu-Twum, an assistant director of communications and creative services, was chosen as an inaugural member of the fellowship.

"The program is quite the undertaking, and Denise has done a tremendous job getting the program off the ground," said Senior Associate Athletics Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Chris Brown. "Additionally, Nicole was one of only 16 administrators selected to be a part of the inaugural class. I am appreciative of Denise and Nicole for their commitment to DEI."

Thompson earned the 2021 CoSIDA President Award for her work in the Racial & Social Justice Initiative programming as lead planner and co-chair. Introduced in the 2014-15 academic year, the award recipient is selected by the reigning CoSIDA President. The award serves to honor exemplary volunteer service and leadership within the organization's committee structure in support of programs that benefit CoSIDA members.

"I'm extremely excited about CoSIDA's partnership with the Knight Commission to form the inaugural CoSIDA Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship class," said Thompson. "This unique opportunity provides athletics communications professionals education on leadership, diversity and inclusion, empowerment, and more. Learning from a wide range of industry leaders, it is the goal of the Racial and Social Justice Initiative that all participants become effective champions for diversity and inclusion!"

Sasu-Twum was one of 16 CoSIDA members selected in the inaugural class. Selections were based on ethnicity, gender, age/experience, divisional representation, HBCU representation and senior-level administrative representation.

The fellowship program was designed to encourage a greater understanding of how those in athletics communications offices at all levels can become effective champions for diversity, equity and inclusion in college athletics. The new initiative began February 10 with the first of six virtual presentations and culminate at the 2022 CoSIDA Convention with a class recognition ceremony. Each presentation will focus on a broad-based concept with an overview of the issues, to pinpoint concerns and areas of improvement and provide tools and knowledge for participants to better engage with and be a champion for diversity and inclusion at their institution.

Sessions will focus on leadership, mentorship, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and insights into how athletics communicators can educate and empower student-athletes to use their voices and platforms to bring attention to diversity issues. The program faculty will include highly regarded thought leaders from within college athletics and outside the industry.

To learn more about the CoSIDA Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship program click HERE.

University of Delaware Athletics

Thompson, Sasu-Twum Making Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives with CoSIDA

Related News

Related Videos