Walk With TFB

During this walk, Dr. Willis tells us why it's more than personal.

A Mississippi native, Dr. Willis started his higher education journey as a student-athlete at Pearl River Community College before transferring and earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He later went on to earn his Master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and PhD from William Carey College

His experiences in education span across several functional areas including but limited to nutrition and wellness, academic affairs, athletics, career counseling, and student advocacy. Each of these roles uniquely prepared Dr. Willis to learn and lead, as he now serves as the Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University.

No matter the role, he has continued to prioritize meeting students where they are. If you haven’t seen his content on Twitter, then there is a great chance you have seen him playing sand volleyball with students, roaming around Target with a fresh cut, or talking to Southeastern family and friends on The Dean’s Corner.

He's dope and he does great work. Let's walk!

Dr. Willis Twitter: @drgabewillis

Dr. Willis Instagram: @dr_gabewillis

Connect with Dr. Willis on LinkedIn!

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Dr. Lacee' tells us why she is the global leader in assists.

A Texas native and boy mama, Lacee' stayed in-state and earned her bachelor’s degree while competing as a college athlete at Rice University. She went on to earn her Master’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University before finishing her formal educational career with a PhD from Northcentral University.

Throughout her career, Lacee' has redefined what it means to be a “jack of all trades and master of none.” From Westbrook Senior High School to Purdue University - everywhere she’s been, Lacee' has made a significant impact in both human lives and in the environment in which she lived. She continues to change the game in international spaces, currently serving as the Manager for Basketball Advancement with the Toronto Raptors.

If you know her, you love her and already know what to expect. If you don't know her, get your pen and paper out and get ready for these #LCJGems

Season 4! Let's walk!

Dr. Lacee's Twitter: @MRScoachlacee

Dr. Lacee's LinkedIn

Dr. Lacee's Business: AceD Executive Coaching and Consulting, LLC

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Trajuan tells us how he always gon be figure it out.

A California native, Trajuan was a standout high school football athlete and ranked as one of the top running backs in his class. His athletic prowess and commitment to academics led him to Cal Berkeley, where he competed as a college athlete for two years before transferring to the University of New Mexico. While at UNM, he played football and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. en route to earning his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism. After working in news for a couple years, he returned to UNM and earned his Master’s degree in Sport Administration.

This guest has meaningful experience in higher education. He is a father, former coach, and current academic counselor and student-athlete development coordinator at the University of New Orleans. Coupled with his life journey and belief in the power of education, in 2020 he partnered with New Mexico’s African American Student Services office to start the Trajuan Briggs Community IMPACT scholarship that would provide financial assistance to undergrad students at the institution. Since its inception, he has awarded more than $2,000 in scholarship money.

He is ALL ABOUT IMPACT! But more importantly,

He is strong. He is able. He is himself.

And he is learning how to Invest in himself, while also sharing with others.

Give to the Trajuan Briggs Community IMPACT Scholarship!

Trajuan's IG: @trajuan_briggs

Trajuan's Twitter: @Tra_Briggs

Podcast Twitter and IG: @WalkWithTFB

During this walk, Ahmad tells us why it's mandatory to center diversity, equity, and inclusion in career readiness work.

A New Jersey native, Ahmad earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Studies from Ithaca College. While at Ithaca, he was a walk-on basketball college athlete, Club Basketball President, pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and was involved with the Brothers for Brothers student organization. The price went up after earned his master’s degree from Ithaca College while also working in Residence Life, Emerging Scholars, Academic, and Professional Leaders Program and serving as the graduate assistant for the men’s basketball program.

Ahmad went on to serve as the Student-Athlete Experience Intern at Colby College, a position made possible through the NCAA Women and Ethnic Minorities Grant. While at Colby, he revamped the first-year college athlete program, restructured the essential documents for inclusion and leadership, and led comprehensive programming focusing on the holistic development of all college athletes. His experiences led him to Chicago State University and then Northwestern University, where he currently serves as the Assistant Director of Career Enhancement and Employer Relations.

His entire career has been dedicated to focusing on diversity and inclusion for college athletes, and that includes career readiness.

He’s one of the pioneers in all of higher education in this arena and I am elated we get to walk with him today.

Ahmad's IG: @a.boyd_1

Ahmad's Twitter: @_AhmadB_

During this walk, Maya and Kelly tell us how Black businesses are radical acts of defiance.

Born and raised in New Jersey as childhood friends, they left their hometown to attend college in the City of Brotherly Love. Though they studied and earned degrees in engineering and marketing respectively, their time in Philadelphia grew their love for plants, plant life, and plant care.

Maya and Kelly firmly believe that the process of buying and caring for plants should be a personalized experience - one that big box stores do not adequately provide. In Spring 2020, they chose to create deVINE Plantery - a Black women owned plant store whose goal is to make plant care a part of your self-care ritual.

Drake has turned his birthday into a lifestyle. And these women are on a similar mission to turn plant care into a lifestyle as well.

Instagram: @devine.plantery

Facebook: /devineplantery

Crowdfunding: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/devine-plantery-retail-store

Podcast IG and Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website