Empowering Women
Shining a light on the role of the Senior Woman Leaders of the NAIA
Senior Woman Leaders
Over 250 new women leaders across the country are leading NAIA athletic departments
The NAIA has passed legislation to create the role of Senior Woman Leader (SWL), a designation for the highest-ranking female in each NAIA athletics department or conference office. The purpose of the SWL designation is to promote meaningful representation of women in the leadership and management of college sports.
The SWLs of the NAIA
Senior Woman Leaders share about the roles they fill and the impact they are having on their campuses.
Natasha |
Molly Altorfer |
Bridget Barney |
Doneva Bays |
Linda Bell |
Jessica Biegert |
Melissa Blessington |
Tamasha Bolden |
Carry Brown |
Christi Cano |
Shelia Crockett |
Amanda Diley- |
Iris Dixon |
Tamika Drake |
Janet Eaton-Smith |
Jessica Garriga |
Alexis Garrison |
Natalie Graves |
Ashley Harris |
Haley Holzem |
Taylor Jennings |
Pat Kendrick |
Fachaitte Kinslow |
Eryn Leja-Martin |
Erin Lundy |
Stacy Middleton |
Hannah Miller |
Genia Montford |
Keri Nester |
Cindy Potter |
Aleesha Rabedeaux |
Tori Renda |
Tracy Rice |
Alaina Smith Walker |
Suzanne Unruh |
Karen Lee Yoder |
Natalie Young |
PODCAST
Living Life at Life U. - Belonging
Jayme Pendergast (Director of Athletics) and Ashley Flavin (Women’s Wrestling Head Coach) join host Dr. Veronica Garcia to discuss the role of athletics in finding a place to belong.
Resources for Woman Leaders
Women's History
Check out past celebrations:
2022 marked the 50th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments, the federal law that prohibits gender discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Husch Blackwell, the official law firm sponsor of the NAIA, provides a range of services related to Title IX compliance and training for higher education institutions.