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Welcome to the 2026 Black Student-Athlete Summit!
Type: Student-Athletes Only clear filter
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Thursday, May 21
 

10:34am PDT

Pro Day Session 1
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:34am - 10:49am PDT
Be in the Room
If you're serious about your next step, Pro Day is a must. Dive into professional development and career exposure opportunities that put you face-to-face with leaders across industries. There will be two Pro Day sessions, this is your first opportunity to choose the rooms that best align with your interests and goals. Choose wisely, be intentional, and make every moment count.


Thursday May 21, 2026 10:34am - 10:49am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

10:35am PDT

Business Development | Sales
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #281
Every major deal starts with a conversation, but closing it takes strategy. These former  student-athletes have built careers around driving revenue, generating new business,  and brokering partnerships that create real value on both sides of the table. From cold  outreach to contract close, they understand the full sales cycle and know how to turn  relationships into results. If you want to learn how to identify opportunity, build a  pipeline, and get paid to grow a business, this is your room. 






Speakers
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #281

10:35am PDT

Executive Leadership
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #110
These are not just leaders; they are the ones who set the direction. They have climbed  from entry-level to corner office, built teams, made hard calls, and led organizations  through change. If you have ever thought about what it looks like to run something, this  room is your blueprint. Come learn what it actually takes to lead from the front. 





Speakers
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

10:35am PDT

Marketing | Brand | Social
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #142
Brands do not build themselves. Behind every campaign, every viral moment, and every collab that made you stop scrolling is a team of strategists, storytellers, and cultural  translators who made it happen. These former student-athletes are running marketing  departments, building brand identities, and shaping the way companies show up in the  world. If you have ever wondered how brands actually reach people, this room has the  answers. 




Speakers
avatar for Nailah Waterfield

Nailah Waterfield

Excel Sports

avatar for Chloé Kerr

Chloé Kerr

Sr. Principal, Communications, Nike

avatar for Kwaku Frimpong

Kwaku Frimpong

Global Integrated Marketing Manager, Meta

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #142

10:35am PDT

Medical | Healthcare | Law Room 242
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #242
The best athletes in the world invest in their bodies. The professionals in this room have invested in understanding them. They survived the MCAT, pushed through medical  school, and are now building careers at the intersection of performance and care. This  is the science of keeping humans at their best. If health, wellness, or the human body  has ever fascinated you, this room is calling your name. 





Speakers
avatar for Iben King

Iben King

Pre-Medical Programing Coordinator, Sneakers To Scrubs
I am a 27-year-old from the South Side of Chicago. Even though my upbringing was in a big city, my values and morals are rooted in the Deep South. My mother is from Alabama and my pops is from Georgia. I have 2 older brothers who also played college football, however I was the only... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Richard Jarvis

Dr. Richard Jarvis

University of Tennessee

avatar for Tiana Woolridge

Tiana Woolridge

Sports Medicine Physician, Hospital for Special Surgery
Sports medicine, medical careers, community service
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #242

10:35am PDT

Podcasting | Content Creation
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #184
Your phone is a studio. Your story is the product. Content creation is no longer a side  hustle; it is a full-time career with real money, real influence, and real staying power.  These former student-athletes have figured out how to turn their perspectives into  platforms. Whether they are hosting shows, building audiences, or getting paid to post,  they have mastered the craft of showing up and standing out. Come find out how to do  the same. 


Speakers
avatar for Justin Riley

Justin Riley

Founder and Lead Consultant, Abundant Soulutions

avatar for Ese Ighedosa

Ese Ighedosa

Apple, Inc.

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #184

10:35am PDT

Sneakers | Apparel Industry
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #243
The culture starts here. From the shoes on your feet to the jersey on your back, these  former student-athletes are the ones deciding what drops next, what goes on shelves,  and what the world wears. The sneakers and apparel industry sits at the intersection of  sport, fashion, and culture, and these professionals are operating at the center of all  three. Pull up. 



Speakers
avatar for Garren Strong

Garren Strong

Founder, CRCL OF WNNRS

avatar for Cedric Hudson

Cedric Hudson

Fabletics

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #243

10:35am PDT

Sports Professionals: Leagues | Teams | Universities
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #175
You love the game, but what happens when the game is over? The sports industry does not stop when the final buzzer sounds. There is an entire world of professionals working inside leagues, teams, and universities every single day. These former student-athletes  made the transition from competing to operating, and they are here to show you exactly  how they did it.


Speakers
avatar for DeLaina Sarden

DeLaina Sarden

Parker Executive Search

avatar for Cory Higgins

Cory Higgins

Brooklyn Nets

avatar for Shea Dawson

Shea Dawson

Overtime Elite

OJ

Orlando Johnson

Washington State
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

10:35am PDT

Startup | Entrepreneurship
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #282
Building a company is a decision you make every day. These former student-athletes  have raised capital, managed burn rates, hired and fired, and figured out how to turn an  idea into something that generates real revenue. They have failed, pivoted, and learned  things no MBA program teaches. This room gets into the actual mechanics of building. If you are serious about starting something, come get the unfiltered version. 








Speakers
avatar for Ashten Smith-Gooden

Ashten Smith-Gooden

Co-Founder/COO, Swish Cultures

avatar for Patrick Christopher

Patrick Christopher

SLOAN and BENNETT

avatar for Kerhyl Gantt

Kerhyl Gantt

Bible Club Fine Jewlery

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #282

10:35am PDT

Talent Representation | Agent
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
Room #141
Behind every great athlete is someone in their corner who negotiated the deal,  protected the brand, and mapped out the next move. These former student-athletes are  the ones doing exactly that. From contract negotiations to endorsement deals, they are  the architects behind the scenes. If you have ever wanted to be the person in the room  where it happens, this is where you start. 



Speakers
avatar for Dominique Price

Dominique Price

Scharf Banks Marmor LLC

avatar for Elise Gordon

Elise Gordon

Eternal Honour LLC

avatar for Troy Payne

Troy Payne

Equity Sports

avatar for Nailah Waterfield

Nailah Waterfield

Excel Sports

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 11:25am PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

10:35am PDT

Law | Legal | Attorney: DLA Piper Leaders Lounge
Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #241
Powerful lawyers: may we know them, may we be them, may we never need them. Law isn't just for the litigators. Your favorite brands, teams, and organizations need them too. If a career in law has ever crossed your mind, if you're just curious, run, don't walk to this room because the path to law school starts now. How many times should I take the LSAT? Is law school debt worth it? What happens if I fail the bar? Is it anything like the shows, and why does everyone keep talking about billable hours?! If you have the questions, they have the answers,(for a fee).

DLA Piper is seeking exceptional student athletes wishing to pursue a career in the legal profession. We believe that student athletes have what it takes to succeed in law school and as lawyers - discipline, focus, resilience, and leadership. Our goal is to support the next generation of successful lawyers by providing opportunities to students who might otherwise not have considered a career in law.

Visit the DLA Piper sponsor page for a link to the scholarship application.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Esan

Samuel Esan

Partner, DLA Piper

avatar for Ahimsa Hodari

Ahimsa Hodari

Associate, DLA Piper
I ran track at Stanford and then went onto get a master's from the Harvard Kennedy School (both Public Policy). Post grad school, I worked for about 15 years before going to law school, which I completed while working full-time at Apple. I'd love to chat with folks who are considering... Read More →
avatar for Chas Hamilton

Chas Hamilton

Of Counsel, DLA Piper
(1) I love all sports. Talk to me about your favorite sport to watch live.

(2) I love the movies. Talk to me about your favorite movie and what you're looking forward to seeing in the theater this year.
avatar for Ashley Hughes Austin

Ashley Hughes Austin

Manger, Talent Development & Performance, DLA Piper

Thursday May 21, 2026 10:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #241

11:34am PDT

Pro Day Session 2
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:34am - 12:24pm PDT
Be in the Room
This is your second opportunity to tap into Pro Day, make it count. Continue exploring professional development and career exposure sessions designed to connect you with leaders and opportunities across industries. Choose a new room that aligns with your goals and challenges you to think bigger. Stay engaged, be intentional, and finish strong.
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:34am - 12:24pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center University of Oregon - 1515 Agate St, Eugene, OR 97403

11:35am PDT

Business Development | Sales
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #281
Every major deal starts with a conversation, but closing it takes strategy. These former  student-athletes have built careers around driving revenue, generating new business,  and brokering partnerships that create real value on both sides of the table. From cold  outreach to contract close, they understand the full sales cycle and know how to turn  relationships into results. If you want to learn how to identify opportunity, build a  pipeline, and get paid to grow a business, this is your room. 






Speakers
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #281

11:35am PDT

Executive Leadership
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #110
These are not just leaders; they are the ones who set the direction. They have climbed  from entry-level to corner office, built teams, made hard calls, and led organizations  through change. If you have ever thought about what it looks like to run something, this  room is your blueprint. Come learn what it actually takes to lead from the front. 





Speakers
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #110

11:35am PDT

Marketing | Brand | Social
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #142
Brands do not build themselves. Behind every campaign, every viral moment, and every collab that made you stop scrolling is a team of strategists, storytellers, and cultural  translators who made it happen. These former student-athletes are running marketing  departments, building brand identities, and shaping the way companies show up in the  world. If you have ever wondered how brands actually reach people, this room has the  answers. 




Speakers
avatar for Charlie Jim-George

Charlie Jim-George

VP, Strategy Director

avatar for Kwaku Frimpong

Kwaku Frimpong

Global Integrated Marketing Manager, Meta

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #142

11:35am PDT

Medical | Healthcare
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #242
The best athletes in the world invest in their bodies. The professionals in this room have invested in understanding them. They survived the MCAT, pushed through medical  school, and are now building careers at the intersection of performance and care. This  is the science of keeping humans at their best. If health, wellness, or the human body  has ever fascinated you, this room is calling your name. 





Speakers
avatar for Iben King

Iben King

Pre-Medical Programing Coordinator, Sneakers To Scrubs
I am a 27-year-old from the South Side of Chicago. Even though my upbringing was in a big city, my values and morals are rooted in the Deep South. My mother is from Alabama and my pops is from Georgia. I have 2 older brothers who also played college football, however I was the only... Read More →
avatar for Tiana Woolridge

Tiana Woolridge

Sports Medicine Physician, Hospital for Special Surgery
Sports medicine, medical careers, community service
avatar for Dr. Richard Jarvis

Dr. Richard Jarvis

University of Tennessee

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #242

11:35am PDT

Podcasting | Content Creation
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #184
Your phone is a studio. Your story is the product. Content creation is no longer a side  hustle; it is a full-time career with real money, real influence, and real staying power.  These former student-athletes have figured out how to turn their perspectives into  platforms. Whether they are hosting shows, building audiences, or getting paid to post,  they have mastered the craft of showing up and standing out. Come find out how to do  the same. 


Speakers
avatar for Justin Riley

Justin Riley

Founder and Lead Consultant, Abundant Soulutions

avatar for Ese Ighedosa

Ese Ighedosa

Apple, Inc.

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #184

11:35am PDT

Sneakers | Apparel Industry
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #243
The culture starts here. From the shoes on your feet to the jersey on your back, these  former student-athletes are the ones deciding what drops next, what goes on shelves,  and what the world wears. The sneakers and apparel industry sits at the intersection of  sport, fashion, and culture, and these professionals are operating at the center of all  three. Pull up. 



Speakers
avatar for Garren Strong

Garren Strong

Founder, CRCL OF WNNRS

avatar for Cedric Hudson

Cedric Hudson

Fabletics

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #243

11:35am PDT

Sports Professionals | Leagues | Teams | Universities
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #175
You love the game, but what happens when the game is over? The sports industry does not stop when the final buzzer sounds. There is an entire world of professionals working inside leagues, teams, and universities every single day. These former student-athletes  made the transition from competing to operating, and they are here to show you exactly  how they did it.


Speakers
avatar for DeLaina Sarden

DeLaina Sarden

Parker Executive Search

avatar for Cory Higgins

Cory Higgins

Brooklyn Nets

avatar for Shea Dawson

Shea Dawson

Overtime Elite

OJ

Orlando Johnson

Washington State
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #175

11:35am PDT

Startup | Entrepreneurship
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #282
Building a company is a decision you make every day. These former student-athletes  have raised capital, managed burn rates, hired and fired, and figured out how to turn an  idea into something that generates real revenue. They have failed, pivoted, and learned  things no MBA program teaches. This room gets into the actual mechanics of building. If you are serious about starting something, come get the unfiltered version. 








Speakers
avatar for Ashten Smith-Gooden

Ashten Smith-Gooden

Co-Founder/COO, Swish Cultures

avatar for Patrick Christopher

Patrick Christopher

SLOAN and BENNETT

avatar for Kerhyl Gantt

Kerhyl Gantt

Bible Club Fine Jewlery

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #282

11:35am PDT

Talent Representation | Agent
Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
Room #141
Behind every great athlete is someone in their corner who negotiated the deal,  protected the brand, and mapped out the next move. These former student-athletes are  the ones doing exactly that. From contract negotiations to endorsement deals, they are  the architects behind the scenes. If you have ever wanted to be the person in the room  where it happens, this is where you start. 



Speakers
avatar for Dominique Price

Dominique Price

Scharf Banks Marmor LLC

avatar for Elise Gordon

Elise Gordon

Eternal Honour LLC

avatar for Troy Payne

Troy Payne

Equity Sports

avatar for Nailah Waterfield

Nailah Waterfield

Excel Sports

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:35am - 12:25pm PDT
The William W. Knight Law Center - Room #141

1:30pm PDT

The Collective with Dr. Devin Walker
Thursday May 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
The Collective with Dr. Walker is an intentional, student-athlete-centered space designed to foster open dialogue, reflection, and community. Led by Dr. Walker, this session creates a supportive environment for meaningful conversations around personal growth, shared experiences, and navigating challenges both on and off the field.



Speakers
Thursday May 21, 2026 1:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403

3:30pm PDT

THE SUMMIT SHOW: When It's Your Teammate
Thursday May 21, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Join fellow student-athletes at Matthew Knight Arena for a focused and honest discussion on opioid, alcohol, marijuana, and distracted-driving addiction. This session is designed to help you better understand the realities your teammates may face and how to respond with awareness and support. Together, we’ll explore how to build stronger, healthier team environments. Show up for your team.


Speakers
RJ

Raymond Jackson

The Khyree Jackson Foundation

avatar for Stacey Stewart

Stacey Stewart

CEO, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
Stacey D. Stewart is the Chief Executive Officer of Mothers Against Drunk Driving
(MADD), where she leads the organization’s transformation to eliminate
impaired driving through innovation, advocacy, prevention education, and
cross-sector partnerships.
Since joining MADD in 2023, s... Read More →
EJ

Ebbony Jackson

The Khyree Jackson Foundation
Thursday May 21, 2026 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Matthew Knight Arena University of Oregon - 1390 Villard St, Eugene, OR 97403
 
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