GW Student-Athletes, Head Coach and Administrator Learn at NCAA Diversity & Inclusion Forum

Respect is embedded as one of GW Athletics' values.

The Athletics Department demands 'Respect' accordingly:

With the firm understanding that our competitive advantage is how we treat one another, I am empowered and expected to help create an inclusive and trusting environment, while listening with the intent to learn about and see one another; Sawubona ("I see you").

The South African (Zulu) word, Sawubona, has taken on additional meaning at GW, and with that in mind, women's rowing's Lara Negron, women's soccer's Alexis Williams, Head Volleyball Coach Sarah Bernson and Associate Athletics Director John Square joined fellow student-athletes and several staff members at the annual event, now in its eighth year, April 26-28 in Atlanta.

What they learned was memorable; what they'll take away will be everlasting.

Lara Negron
"I've learned so much about a lot of identities that I don't personally relate to, and I feel it's so important to learn specifically about those because their experiences are different from what you go through every day. I've learned about the LGBTQIA Community and people with disabilities, and it's so amazing to know how to support them. These are some awesome tools and skills and resources that I have gained through this incredible opportunity."

Alexis Williams
"The NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Forum was eye-opening to say the least! Each session challenged me to think more critically about how I can communicate with not only my teammates, but also my coaches and administrators. It taught me how to make every environment an inclusive one, allowing everyone to feel comfortable with being their most authentic selves. Being able to sit with like-minded student-athletes from around the country, all wanting to learn how to improve their athletic department and school atmosphere was something so powerful and inspirational. I met and had conversations with people I never thought I would, which makes this forum a one-of-a-kind experience that I hope every athlete has the chance to go to because these sessions and experiences can't be taught in a classroom setting."

Sarah Bernson
"The NCAA Inclusion Forum is a comprehensive and engaging experience, and I was proud to participate on behalf of GW Athletics. Each session provided education, but more importantly, incorporated discourse and interaction with all the participants. Over the three days, I had impactful discussions with administrators, coaches and student-athletes from across all aspects of collegiate athletics. The NCAA created a professional and welcoming environment to have intentional and critical conversations. With a strong contingent from our conference, I am grateful for the Atlantic 10 Conference for gathering us together for dinner and the opportunity to share our experiences on a league level as well."

John Square
"The NCAA 2019 Inclusion Forum was an amazing event! From start to finish, it was simply breathtaking. The education gained during this weekend will forever change the way the NCAA and its member institutions move inclusivity across the nation, bring togetherness and a sense of belonging to all. I am excited about the opportunity we have to bring to life this notion around inclusion and how it will impact our student-athletes, ensuring they feel that our culture is one that will allow them to be authentic and therefore they can and will perform better in the classroom and in competition!"

For the four representatives of GW's more than 600 individuals who proudly rep the Buff and Blue, bringing their experiences back to Foggy Bottom surely adds a competitive advantage. Sawubona indeed.

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