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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we reached out to Victoria Pena, Assistant Coach and Director of Women’s Basketball Operations at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Discover how her heritage has shaped her journey and what this month means to her. ⬇️ How has your Hispanic Heritage influenced your identity and coaching career? My Hispanic heritage has influenced my identity and coaching career tremendously. Being a Hispanic female coaching in college athletics, I know that I am one of the very few in this field and I take much pride in that-- it holds me to the highest standards so that we can see more people like me in this field. What aspects of your culture are you most proud of, and how do you incorporate them into your daily life? I think family is very important in our culture and that's how I like to treat the people I work with every day. The community. Welcome everyone with open arms and a smile. Why do you believe it's important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in your community or industry? I believe it's important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in my community and industry because it's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the generational impact of our families' hard work and sacrifices, but also a time to recognize how much more work there is to be done for Hispanics to earn opportunities. How can we better support and uplift Hispanic voices in our field? Continue to recognize Hispanic figures in sports. Seeing more Hispanic representation in coaching at the collegiate and professional level is incredibly inspiring. #HispanicHeritageMonth #WeINSPIRE

Introducing. . . LatinosinSports.com! 🎉 Why are we launching this, you ask? Because it's time to rewrite the playbook and redefine the game. 📖⚽ What started last Fall with our inaugural Latinos in Sports series is now becoming a full-fledged, year-round showcase focused on the power of Latinos in the global sports industry. Powered by Hispanic Executive and ImpactX Sports Group led by Xavier Gutierrez, Latinos in Sports is a multipronged platform driving a new narrative on the impact of Latinos in one of the most exciting industries today. Because sports isn't just about what happens on the field—it's about the stories, the strategies, and the sheer determination that drive success. And Latinos? We're at the forefront of it all. 💪 From the boardrooms to the locker rooms, our community is making waves, breaking barriers, and leaving a lasting legacy. But this isn't just about celebrating the present—it's also about empowering the future. 🌟 By shining a spotlight on the incredible achievements of Latinos in sports, we're inspiring the next generation of leaders, trailblazers, and game-changers. So buckle up, because we're just getting started. 💥 Join us at LatinosinSports.com and be part of the movement that's changing the game for good. 🔗 Visit our site: https://hubs.la/Q02sfqGd0 🔗 Read the announcement: https://hubs.la/Q02sfsDp0 #LatinosInSports #GameChanger #BigReveal

⚽️ Black History Month: Time for Reflection and Action in Football 🖤 As we celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, it’s crucial to shine a light on the current representation of Black, Asian & Mixed heritage (BAM) individuals officiating in English football. Despite the strides we’ve made, the numbers tell a different story. 🚨 Total referees: 37,248 🔹 BAM Officials: 3,537 (9.4%) 🔹 Female Officials: 3,139 (8.4%) 🔹 BAM Females: 243 (0.7%) 🔹 Male Officials: 34,109 (91.6%) 🔹 BAM Males: 3,294 (8.7%) When we look at the professional game, the gaps widen further: ⚽️ Male BAM Representation: 6% ⚽️ Female BAM Representation: 1% These figures are a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done. Representation matters—not just in the stands, but on the field, in the boardrooms, and in every aspect of our beautiful game. 💬 We must continue pushing for change, creating pathways for future generations, and ensuring that the game truly reflects the diversity and talent of those who love it. 🏟️💪 #DiversityInFootball #BlackHistoryMonth2024 #InclusionMatters #RepresentationMatters #ChangeTheGame

Today marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month! The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.”

My latest piece on Latino/as and Sports.

As someone who was part of the small percentage—2.9% circa 1999—of Black athletes playing NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer, I know the challenges of being part of an underrepresented group. It’s not just about competing; it’s about overcoming barriers, facing racism, and defying stereotypes in spaces where you’re often overlooked. Breaking through in these environments tests your resilience and your belief in what you bring to the table. It’s a constant reminder that #representationmatters and that paving the way for others starts with having the courage to step forward, even when the odds are stacked against you. While Black women have made significant strides in sports, particularly in basketball and track and field, there are still areas where representation could be stronger, such as softball. This young woman’s journey is not just about her making the team; it’s about overcoming barriers—her triumph is personal to me. It’s about defying odds and rewriting narratives. Let’s celebrate her success, her courage, and the path she’s blazing for future women in sports! Interested in learning more?  I discuss my journey as a college student-athlete with Shari Tucker on the episode "From the Courts to the Culture" on my podcast, The Culture We Speak. Hear more about our respective experiences as Black, female NCAA Division I student-athletes here: https://lnkd.in/gdJfWCFF #BreakingBarriers #RepresentationMatters #UnderrepresentedVoices #Resilience #Trailblazer #NorthwesternWildcats #WomensSoccer #TitleIX #Northwestern #studentathlete #theculturewespeak

Celebrating Latino History Month is more than reflecting on the past—it's also about recognizing the bright future ahead. Latinos make up nearly 20% of the US population, but are still underrepresented in leadership. Like many of my incredible Latino peers, I see this month as an opportunity to share our stories and elevate the voices of those making waves today. In addition, I'd like to spotlight some of the amazing emerging Latino leaders who deserve to have their stories heard. - Did you know that the lead for Marketing for the Spiderman franchise, among others in gaming is a latino? Meet Jayme Figueroa - Did you know that a Latina is making waves in athlete representation in basketball? Meet Stephanie Mejia - Do you love the social media behind Ryan Reynold's company Maximum Effort? Meet the lead behind it all, Julian Gamboa - Did you know the Oakley brand is led by an incredible (and very stylish) Latino? Meet Bruno Garcia - Do you love the NBA? A Latina is behind all partnerships for an NBA team- Meet Alma Angeles-Parvaz - Do you love DoorDash influencer strategy? Meet the man with a dream, Adam Ornelas These are leaders that deserve a spotlight. As you plan the rest of your month—or the next—keep these trailblazers in mind. Their impact is just beginning. Who are others to keep in mind?

As we celebrate UK Black History Month, I found this article written by @jayharris from The Athletic deeply thought-provoking. I am a passionate football fan and in the past I've had many important conversations with my son who played professional football about personal growth, success, and the importance of knowing and embracing who you are #blackmaninthegame. These discussions have been crucial, particularly in a landscape where players are sometimes unfairly diminished by stereotypes. The statistics shared are a stark reminder of the disparities that still exist: in 2021, 34% of players in the EFL (English Football League) and 43% of PremierLeague Home players were Black. Yet, when it comes to discussions around intelligence, 62.6% of praise went to lighter-skinned players, while 63.3% of criticism targeted those with darker complexions. It’s also troubling to see the lack of representation in leadership-Nuno Espírito Santo and Darren Moore are the only Black managers in England’s top four divisions, and Deji Davies remains the only Black boardroom member at a top-flight club. Conversation around race and equity in football is still ongoing. This article highlights the urgent need for change, not just on the pitch but in every aspect of the sport—from management to boardrooms. It’s a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still much work to do to ensure that talent is recognized and rewarded fairly, regardless of race. The path forward requires continued dialogue, accountability, and a commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. #BlackHistoryMonth #ReclaimingNarratives #UKBlackHistoryMonth #DiversityInFootball #InclusionMatters #RacialEquity #FootballForAll #RepresentationMatters #EqualityInSports #BlackExcellence #BreakingBarriers https://lnkd.in/ekwegDnm

Do you know the difference between Latino and Hispanic? ❓ As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, ETS Product Operations Associate and UNIDOS Business Resource Group member @Maria de Lourdes Brochado, breaks down the key distinction between these two important terms. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the incredible diversity within the Hispanic community. 🌎 Stay tuned for additional stories from our UNIDOS group throughout the month! Did you know the difference? Share your thoughts below, and let’s continue this important conversation together. 💬 #HispanicHeritageMonth #ETS #LatinoVsHispanic #DiversityMatters #UNIDOS