Navigating Your Future and the Keys to College Admissions

Elroy Pinks – Director/CEO
University of California, Santa Barbara - Archer Greenwood Consulting
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This exclusive workshop, led by UC admissions expert and current Director of the Office of Black Student Development, Elroy Pinks,  will provide scholars with the skills to discover their true passion and to navigate the University Admissions process, including writing a “winning” personal insight essays.

Entrepreneurship, New Media and Independent Video Production within the Sports Industry

Guest Speaker: Brandon James – Owner & Creative Director
C2R Productions, Inc.

​Professional athletes like LeBron James and Alonzo Ball are taking it upon themselves to hire professionals to produce their own content to enhance their brand via television, social media and the world wide web.  Companies such as Nike and Under Armour are following suit to promote their products on a grassroots level.  Mr. Brandon James will provide scholars with his blueprint on what it took to start C2R Productions and create opportunities to produce video content for the likes of C.C. Sabathia, formally of the New York Yankees and former NBA great, Antawn Jamison.  Mr. James will also provide the scholars with an opportunity to get behind the camera and on the editing bay to produce their own video content.

Working in Sales for a Professional Franchise

Kat Calderon – Sales Executive
Los Angeles Clippers

Kat Calderon will provide you with some insights on how the sales team at the LA Clippers bring in the cash by providing top notch services through their ticket sales, sponsorships and marketing campaigns.

Collegiate Athletics, Name, Image and Likeness

Bobby Thompson - Associate Athletic Director, Administration and Student Success
Loyola Marymount Athletics

Have you ever thought about a career In college athletics?  Or maybe you've asked yourself how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion plays a role in Name, Image and Likeness.  Bobby Thompson will definitely provide you with some insights on how LMU Athletics operate.

How to Provide Public and Community Relations for a Professional Athlete and Teams

Angela LaChica – CEO
LaChica Sports & Entertainment Group
So you just read an article on Twitter about your favorite player doing great things in the community.  Or you probably saw the latest news on ESPN about your favorite team and their efforts working closely with a charity that was produced by a sports and entertainment company.  Well, this is all part of the “umbrella” of Public and Community Relations. Angela LaChica will teach scholars the techniques of coordinating the flow of information and generating public interest of your future sports client or professional team partner.  ​

Sports Agents & Team Operations

Damon Jones – Vice President, Assistant GM 
Los Angeles Dodgers Baseball Club

Josh Beaurgard-Bell – Basketball Agent, 
Wasserman

Have you ever wanted to know what it took to be a successful sports agent?  Maybe learn how a professional sports franchise is ran?  Well, Mr. Damon Jones and Josh Beaurgard-Bell will take you on a journey of their experience as a sports agents/attorney as well as their current role with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Wasserman respectively.  From negotiating marketing and sponsorship deals to signing top NFL, Major League Baseball  and NBA players.  After this workshop, scholars will be sure to know exactly how their favorite team and sports agents operate from behind the scenes.

The Professional Athlete - From the Hardwood to a Sports Television Analyst and NBA Assistant General Manager

Antawn Jamison – 17 Year NBA Great and Director of Player Personnel, Washington Wizards
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​​This exclusive workshop will provide you with an opportunity to discuss all aspects of what it takes to be a professional athlete and beyond with Mr. Antawn Jamison.  From picking his agent to negotiate his player contract, to even learning the offensive playbook of a NBA team.  How about the process of preparing for life after basketball?...you'll get all that and more in an intimate conversation with Antawn Jamison.

The NBA Executive

Trevor Bukstein – Former Assistant General Manager
Phoenix Suns

​Have you ever wondered what the job duties are of a NBA executive?  Well, Trevor Bukstein takes scholar through the day to day life of being an Assistant General Manager of a NBA franchise.  He covers the player development aspect of his position as well as what it takes to negotiate multi-million dollar contracts on behalf of the Phoenix Suns.

New Media and Sponsorship in Professional Sports

Ivan Hudson – Sr. Coordinator, Digital Partnerships
Chicago Bulls
Have you navigated the social media platforms of your favorite professional teams and players? Ivan will walk you through a day in a life in his position with the Chicago Bulls where he works with corporate sponsors as well as social media platforms such Instagram and Tik Tok.

Opening Session: Positioned for Success – Maximizing Your Experience at the Sports Industry Academy

Led by LaDonte King Vice President of Student Success, Launch Student Success

LaDonte King will set the tone for the Sports Industry Academy with an energizing and empowering opening session that prepares scholars to fully take advantage of the opportunities ahead. With over 18 years of experience in student success, academic development, and curriculum design, LaDonte brings a dynamic and relatable approach to helping students unlock their potential.

This kickoff workshop will help scholars clarify their “why,” align their personal and professional goals with the week’s programming, and sharpen the mindset and habits needed to grow as leaders in the sports industry. Known for his humor, heart, and deep commitment to student success, LaDonte will inspire scholars to be intentional, engaged, and purpose-driven from day one.

By the end of this session, students will leave focused, motivated, and ready to absorb the knowledge, mentorship, and experiences that the Sports Industry Academy has to offer.

Workshop: Inside College Athletics – Branding, Media, and Making Your Mark

Led by Kristen Keller, Associate Athletic Director for Sports Brands and Communications, USC Athletics

Kristen Keller brings a powerhouse blend of experience, energy, and insight to the Sports Industry Academy. As the Associate Athletic Director for Sports Brands and Communications at USC, Kristen leads the charge in managing media strategy and brand identity for one of the nation’s most prominent athletic departments—serving as the primary media contact for USC men’s basketball.

In this session, Kristen will pull back the curtain on collegiate athletics, sharing what it takes to build, protect, and promote a sports brand in today’s fast-moving digital landscape. Drawing from her leadership roles at UC Santa Barbara and several Illinois institutions, she’ll break down real-life strategies behind media relations, social media campaigns, and storytelling in sports. Kristen’s career trajectory—from student-athlete to national award-winning communicator—also offers students a unique look at career pathways in sports communications, digital strategy, and branding.

Whether you’re interested in sports media, college athletics, or just want to learn how to tell your story with confidence, this session is packed with insight and inspiration from someone who has built brands at every level.

Workshop: Purpose, Public Affairs, and the Power of Representation in Sports

Led by Morris Thomas,  Manager of Public Affairs, Southern California Golf Association (SCGA)

Morris Thomas opens the door to an often-overlooked corner of the sports industry: civic leadership, public affairs, and community impact. In this inspiring session, Morris shares his journey from Stockton, California to the Southern California Golf Association, where he builds programs that create access, equity, and opportunity for underrepresented communities through the game of golf.

His workshop will challenge scholars to rethink what’s possible—both in terms of career paths and personal purpose. Drawing from his experience in nonprofit partnerships, public engagement, and program development, Morris will explore how sports can be a powerful tool for social change and how students can leverage their own stories and strengths to make a difference in any part of the industry.

For students who’ve ever felt like their background wasn’t traditional enough for this field, Morris offers something powerful: proof that there’s not just room for them—but a need for their voice. His session will leave scholars grounded in purpose, equipped with new perspective, and ready to lead with authenticity.

Host Site: Wasserman – Exploring Careers in Sports Representation, Business Affairs, and Athlete Services

With Alanna Hernandez, EVP of Business Affairs & Operations; Alexa Rios, Athlete Coordinator; Josh Beauregard-Bell, NBA Agent; and additional Wasserman Executives

As part of our Los Angeles industry visit, scholars will step into the world of one of the most powerful agencies in global sports and entertainment—Wasserman. This exclusive opportunity gives students a first-hand look into how elite athletes are represented, branded, and supported across every stage of their careers.

Our hosts include some of Wasserman’s most respected leaders:

• Alanna Hernandez, Executive Vice President of Business Affairs & Operations, manages the legal strategy and day-to-day operations for Wasserman’s Team Sports division. She leads complex contract negotiations, oversees key M&A activity, and ensures talent agreements align with current industry trends—from NIL to inclusion riders. A founding member of Wasserman’s DEI Council, Alanna is committed to equity and mentorship in sports business.

• Alexa Rios, Athlete Coordinator for the Action Sports division, handles high-level administrative operations for top executives, including client proposals, social reporting, and athlete support services. Alexa brings a fresh, purpose-driven voice to the athlete management space and is passionate about lifting others as she grows in the field.

• Josh Beauregard-Bell, NBA Agent and key figure within Wasserman’s basketball division, will provide scholars with insight into the world of player representation, brand partnerships, and what it takes to succeed as an agent representing professional athletes at the highest level.

Scholars will also meet additional Wasserman executives across departments, gaining insight into career pathways in legal affairs, talent representation, marketing, communications, and operations. From business strategy to client service, this visit is a behind-the-scenes look at how elite athletes are supported by world-class teams—and a chance for students to see themselves as future leaders in this space.

Workshop: Mastering Your Mindset – The Key to Personal, Academic, and Career Success

Led by Gerard Vargas, Co-Founder, Legacy Mastery Academy

As the culminating workshop of the Sports Industry Academy, Gerard Vargas will bring the week full circle with a powerful session designed to help scholars internalize and activate everything they’ve learned. Throughout the week, scholars have explored the business of sports, met top industry professionals, and mapped out their academic and career goals. Now, it’s time to focus inward—on the mindset it takes to make those goals a reality.

In this engaging and reflective closing session, Gerard will guide scholars through practical strategies to strengthen their mindset, develop high-performance habits, and overcome the mental barriers that hold many students back. Drawing from decades of experience coaching educators and transforming school cultures, Gerard will equip students with tools to lead with confidence, stay grounded in their purpose, and show up as their best selves—in the classroom, in the workplace, and in life.

This workshop is more than just a conclusion—it’s a launching point. Scholars will leave inspired, focused, and mentally prepared to take the next step on their journey.

Workshop: Dream Without Limits – Personal Branding & Career Exploration

Led by Jamila Chambers, Executive Director, Hameetman Career Center, Occidental College

In this empowering and reflective session, Jamila Chambers will guide Sports Industry Academy scholars through a journey of self-discovery, career clarity, and authentic personal branding. Drawing on her 25+ years of cross-industry experience—from Fortune 500 companies to higher education—Jamila brings a rare blend of corporate insight, motivational coaching, and transformative leadership.

This workshop will challenge students to think beyond titles and job descriptions, encouraging them to identify their unique gifts, values, and purpose. Scholars will learn how to build a personal brand rooted in who they are—not just what they do—while gaining tools to explore career pathways that align with their vision and strengths.

Through interactive activities, storytelling, and coaching moments, Jamila will help students move from confusion to clarity, and from potential to purpose. Whether you're still figuring it all out or ready to take your next big step, this session will help you begin to "create a life without limits."