April D. Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer of The SVE Firm, leads a comprehensive consulting entity that collaborates closely with clients to achieve positive outcomes in the face of complex challenges. The name of the firm, The SVE Firm (SVE), reflects its unwavering commitment to Strategy, Vision, and Execution, which form the foundation of all its operations. With over a decade of experience in strategic planning, sports marketing, branding, event management, sponsorship activation, NCAA compliance, business development, and nonprofit management, April is renowned as an independent businesswoman with a knack for inventive problem-solving and strategic creativity. Her extensive network allows her to provide innovative solutions to her clients, earning her the nickname “the fixer.” Guided by April’s astute leadership, the firm is dedicated to supporting its clients with integrity, excellence, teamwork, and top-tier customer service. The majority of the firm’s clientele consists of former professional athletes seeking to enhance their brand, expand their networks, navigate NCAA compliance, curate memorable events, and diversify their foundation funding portfolio.

Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree has an impressive and storied career as a higher education leader with more than 30 years in diverse roles. She made history in 2008 when she became the first female to hold the permanent title of the Director of Athletics at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Her experiences as a college student-athlete, coach, and administrator lend her success as one of the longest-tenured athletic directors in NCCU history. As a result of her hard work and support, an endowed scholarship was established in her name at NCCU; The Ingrid Wicker McCree Legacy Endowed Scholarship Fund. Ingrid is a member of four Halls of Fame as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator– C.E. Jordan High School Hall of Fame, NCCU Alex Rivera Hall of Fame, John B. McLendon Hall of Fame (CIAA), and the George Washington University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Ingrid led NCCU’s successful reclassification from NCAA Division I to Division I FCS membership, which included developing and implementing the first long-range strategic plan for the transition. Upon her retirement, Ingrid oversaw the development of a new strategic plan, Era of Excellence, 2020-2025. Ingrid has also served in various leadership positions on local, regional and national boards, including the Durham Sports Commission, the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame, FCS Football Regional Ranking Committee, and NCAA Division II Volleyball Committee, NCAA Research committee, and most recently the NCAA Division I Council.

Ingrid is a John C. Maxwell Certified team member and holds certifications in DEIB, Workplace Conflict Resolution, and is a certified facilitator of the 360 Leadership Assessment by the Center for Creative Leadership. She earned her undergraduate degree in criminal justice from George Washington University, a master’s degree in recreation resources administration, and a doctorate in higher education administration from North Carolina State University.

Jennifer Lynne Williams is a distinguished sports leader known for her transformative impact. On May 25, 2021, she was proudly announced as the Chief Development Officer for the USA Basketball Foundation, a role that exemplifies her commitment to cultivating a culture of excellence and progress within the realm of basketball.

In this capacity, she drives the comprehensive growth of the USA Basketball Foundation, pioneering an inclusive fundraising platform. Her efforts support diverse national team programs, youth development initiatives, and innovative programs spotlighting women and fostering social responsibility.

Notably, on July 20, 2022, Williams etched history by securing a monumental $3.5 million donation from the Tull Family Foundation. This landmark contribution stands as the largest gift to the USA Basketball Foundation since its inception in 2019, marking her prowess in resource mobilization.

With a distinguished career marked by groundbreaking achievements, Williams has consistently elevated the organizations she’s been a part of. Named as the director of intercollegiate athletics at Alabama State University (ASU) on October 10, 2018, she had previously served as the university’s interim athletic director and deputy athletic director, driving remarkable success during her tenure. While serving at ASU, the Hornets experienced an unprecedented 43 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, three consecutive commissioner cups, and two conference academic awards for the highest GPA, all under her leadership.

Williams’ journey also saw her contribute significantly to North Carolina A&T State University, where she served as the associate athletic director for development and executive director of the Aggie Athletic Foundation from 2012 to 2016. Her pivotal role oversaw all giving initiatives for athletics, and she was instrumental in the institution receiving recognition as a model booster organization by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

In addition to the abovementioned positions, Williams also worked at DePaul University as the assistant director of development for athletics and worked in development and marketing for Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators).

Williams’ accolades and honors reflect her unwavering dedication to serving others and her positive impact on the sports industry. In 2018, she was named the Women Leaders in College Sports Division I (FCS) Executive of the Year. North Carolina Central University (NCCU) also recognized her as a 40-under-40 Class of 2016 honoree, celebrating her accomplishments across various domains.

A former athlete herself, Williams excelled as a four-year letterman and two-year captain in women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her professional career began as a reporter for the Tar Heel Sports Network and production assistant for Fox Sports South.

Hailing from Detroit, MI, Williams holds a bachelor’s degree with a double major in journalism and African American history from North Carolina and a master’s degree in athletic administration from NCCU, where she graduated magna cum laude.

Her impact also extends to leadership positions; she was appointed to the NCAA Division I Council in 2018, where she actively participated on the Football Oversight Committee. She also held executive committee roles with the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD), Women Leaders in College Sports Board of Directors, NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, Black AD Alliance, and the Black Coaches United Board of Directors.

Currently residing in Colorado Springs, CO, Williams finds her strength and support in her family – her husband, Valdez; daughter, Harper; and son, Jackson.

Williams’ journey stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to propelling the world of sports forward, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for nothing short of excellence. Her innovative leadership remains instrumental in shaping the field of sports administration and forging paths in development that set new standards for the industry.

Kristin is a growth-driven executive coach, speaker, and trainer recognized for guiding high-performing individuals to achieve clarity, take action, and move toward their vision with efficiency. With almost 20 years of leadership, coaching, and training experience, she built a business that ranked in the top 1% of her former company and continues to help scale organizations through strategic communication, leadership development, and high-impact coaching. Her expertise in Perceptual Intelligence and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) supports entrepreneurs and C-suite executives, delivering measurable outcomes that expand over time.

As a Senior Partner and executive coach with Novus Global, Kristin is known for unlocking potential by identifying blind spots and empowering individuals to explore what they are capable of. She has partnered with leaders across Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, and professional sports teams and leagues, producing transformative results in leadership effectiveness and personal growth.

Holding a Master’s Degree in Sport Management and beginning her career in sports advertising, Kristin now leads the Novus Global Sport division. She lives in Raleigh, NC, with her husband and three children.

Lexi Mickens is known for being a community leader.

Currently, she is the Founder of Run It Back, a 501C3 non-profit providing free access to basketball for student athletes and adults, connecting previous student athletes to current student athletes through a 26 week curated curriculum and helping adults break out of the labor and services industry by offering mock interviews, resume reviews and speed networking opportunities with corporate professionals. In just 3 years the organization has over 3,000 members and is operating in 17 states.

The non-profit has collaborated with EastBay, RedBull, Snipes, Jordan, DrinkBarcode, Ultragame and more.

Lexi got her start in sports at a young age, playing basketball since the age of 5 and continued her love for the game by playing Division I basketball at Wagner College. She then had a chance to work for every professional sports team in New York including the New York Knicks, New York Liberty, New York Mets, New York Jets, New York Rangers and the US Open – focusing on event production and community based events. She has also served as an on court coach for the NBPA.

Outside of her philanthropic work, she has spent the last 6 years working for Salesforce, where she contributed to the Real Estate Team, Philanthropy Team, Mergers and Acquisitions Team and Employee Success.

Dr. Markesha McWilliams Henderson is Assistant Dean of the School of Business at Clark Atlanta University. As the school’s development officer, she oversees fundraising and partnership efforts. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Sports and Entertainment concentration, leading academic initiatives in sports and entertainment.

Dr. Henderson presents a unique combination of experiences to inform her work at the intersection of higher education and athletics. As a practitioner, she has held senior roles in all three divisions of the NCAA, including Director of Communications for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and Assistant Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, and Director of Athletics at Agnes Scott College. She has extended her leadership and expertise to many organizations including commissioned research for the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and currently serves as Dean of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute.

Dr. Henderson earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Journalism and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin, where she was an All-American Track and Field Athlete and National Champion. She also holds a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Georgia State University and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. She resides in Mableton, GA with her husband Derrick and two children Derrick II, and William III (Deuce and Trey).

As an innovative Founder, esteemed Career Basketball Coach, and former Professional Basketball Player, Marquetta “Coach Q” Dickens has devoted her 16-year career to fostering growth and development in value-aligned environments. Dickens is steadfast in her mission to generate opportunities that nurture personal growth and empower individuals to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

Dickens is the driving force behind Freedom Org, a Community Development Corporation committed to devising comprehensive, holistic solutions for traditionally under-resourced areas. Guided by her commitment to living faithfully and upholding her family’s legacy of societal transformation, she founded the organization to foster economic development, equitable educational alternatives, agricultural independence, and the preservation of heritage within these communities.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, her educational background lays a strong foundation for her work. Additionally, Dickens earned a Master’s degree in Student Affairs & College Counseling. This advanced education not only underscores her belief in the importance of education but also shapes her coaching-centric leadership style.

Throughout her career, Dickens has applied her developmental approach predominantly in the sports sphere. As a career basketball coach and therapist, her leadership style – characterized by positivity, determination, and an ethos of hard work aligns seamlessly with her community endeavors. Dickens’ experience as a Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Assistant Director of Athletics has enabled her to cultivate emerging leaders both on and off the court at esteemed educational institutions, including William Peace University, College of St. Elizabeth, Community College of Philadelphia, Monmouth University, and North Carolina Central University.

As Chair of the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee, Dickens has utilized her influential voice to boost Leadership Development, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in sports. And her dedicated involvement in the NCAA panel, ‘Growing the Game: Women’s Basketball in the Spotlight, ‘and Program Director for Own Your Energy further reinforces her unwavering commitment to this cause.

Dickens’ journey from professional basketball player to respected community leader has propelled those around her, equipping individuals with valuable skills and fostering environments ripe for impact. Her dynamic approach to societal innovation, complemented by her extensive professional experience and firmly rooted values, allows her to constantly create spaces for leaders to unleash their potential and make a difference in their communities. As Dickens strides into the future, her vision remains resolute: a world where everyone is empowered to carve their own path to greatness.

Nanna Rivers, is a big ball of ENERGY, love, light and peace. Physically, Nanna shows up in the world as a mother, life partner, friend, CEO of Own Your Energy and Nanna Rivers Coaching, Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, Certified Professional Coach, Reiki Master Teacher, Meditation Teacher, Speaker, Women’s Basketball Hall Of Famer, European Professional Basketball Champion, Division 1 Women’s Basketball Collegiate Coach, NC State Women’s Basketball Player, and a NCAA Division 1 Basketball Referee.

Nanna attended NCState University and was a women’s basketball 4 year letter winner under the Legendary Coach Kay Yow. Afterwards, she went on to play professional basketball in Europe for 5 years. Shortly after playing, she decided to continue to give back to the game as a Division 1 basketball coach and a
NCAA Division 1 basketball referee, under the likes of Anne Donovan and Charlene Curtis.

Nanna realized that something was missing from sports. In every sector of the game the focus was majorly on the physical game and the mental, emotional, spiritual and cellular level of the game were hardly ever discussed in depth.

Certified since 2013 in Coaching and as an Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC). These certifications revealed to Nanna that the sports world needed a holistic journey.

Now, Nanna is the CEO of OWN YOUR ENERGY where they provide a variety of services that holistically supports their clients mental, emotional and physically health. They promote mastering self awareness to effectively leverage energy leadership. Ultimately, they equip you to win in the game of life.

Terrance Jones was named Southern Connecticut State University’s seventh Director of Athletics & Recreation in December 2023. Entering his fourth academic year in 2026-27, Jones guided the Owls to a successful 2025-26 season that saw the Owls capture eight Northeast 10 Conference Championships and two NCAA Regional Championships.

2025-26 also saw 12 Owls earn All-American honors and a pair of NCAA “firsts” as gymnastics featured a student-athlete on the national stage for the first time in 29 years and women’s lacrosse secured a NCAA Regional At-Large bid for the first in program history. In addition, Jones has been a driving force in the support of Southern Connecticut’s 13 club sports teams as well as recreation and intramural programs. 

Academically, Jones has directed Southern’s 500-plus student-athletes to academic excellence as 70% of student-athletes carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00-or-higher.

Socially, Jones has pushed SCSU’s programs to continue the practice of engaging the community. In 2025-26, the Owls combined for over 50 community engagement activities including Girls & Women In Sports Day, Take Back The Night, SCSU Campus Clean Up, Trunk or Treat, the Read Aloud program with Barack Obama Elementary School as well as assisting with the annual freshman move-in at the start of the academic year.

Jones was also instrumental in the expansion of partnerships, sponsorship and fundraising in 2025-26. Southern secured benchmark corporate sponsorship success in addition to fundraising ventures – including the first-ever Car Raffle that netted over $100,000. In total, Southern raised over $430,000 in 2025-26. In addition, Jones also negotiated a partnership with CT United, a MLS Next Pro organization entering its inaugural season, that will train at Jess Dow Field and James Moore Field House. In 2025, he resurrected the SCSU Athletics Hall of Fame, hosting the first induction ceremony since 2018 at The Vue in Hamden, Conn. Jones has also been instrumental in restructuring the Hall of Fame committee for future recognition events.

Jones also oversaw several facility enhancements. In 2025-26, Jess Dow Field was outfitted with a state-of-the-art video board through a partnership with Digital Scoreboards, LLC. In addition, Jones coordinated efforts in the renaming of the Jess Dow Field Press Box to the Rob Parker Press Box. In 2026-27, Jones will launch the dedication of a new video board in the Hutchinson Natatorium dedicated posthumously to late head coach Tim Quill. In addition, Jones will also coordinate the installation of a new indoor track at James Moore Field House as well as upgrades to the sports medicine room and strength & conditioning room. 

In 2024-25, Southern was also honored with the 2025 NCAA/MOAA Award for Diversity & Inclusion at the NCAA National Convention. The award recognizes and celebrates one school  per division for initiatives, policies and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the intercollegiate athletics community.

Jones came to New Haven from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. where he held the title of Assistant Athletic Director for External Operations and Stadium Management since 2022. At Jackson State, Jones hosted a variety of responsibilities in support of the Tigers including revenue generation, fundraising, stadium operations and the installation of a new ticket system that resulted in a 40% increase in ticket and game day revenue in the first year. Additionally, Jones devoted time to constant engagement of the Tigers’ fan base to stimulate revenue generation and made multiple appearances across various media platforms in advocacy of JSU’s revenue generation goals.

Prior to his time at Jackson State, Jones served as the Deputy Director of Athletics at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Ala. At ASU, he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the department, served as the departmental liaison with the external partners, and was charged with the development of revenue generation and sports oversight. He monitored and assisted in managing budgets for various sports and provided hands-on leadership to the ASU External Operations Units and University Development, respectively. He also managed human resource operations of the department and conducted head coaching and staffing searches for the Hornet sports programs.

During his tenure, ASU won 43 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships, three consecutive commissioner cups, and two conference academic awards for highest GPA.

Jones also served in leadership roles at North Carolina Central University as the Associate Athletic Director of Marketing & Promotions and Delaware State University as the Assistant Marketing Director. At both institutions, Jones served on the Senior Leadership Team to implement marketing strategy, enhance fan experience as well as sponsorship, development, external operations, student spirit groups, brand enhancement and special events.
Jones is extensively involved in several professional sports organizations including the National Association of Athletics Development Directors (NAADD), National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA), National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). He is also a graduate of the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcombe Leadership Institute and a recipient of the NACDA U Senior Administrator Grant. He has participated in the TopConnect AD seminar in 2021 and the NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar. In 2020, he was recognized by North Carolina Central University as an inductee into the 40 Under 40 Alumni Association. In 2025-26, he also became a certified mental health first responder.

Jones graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s in recreation/sports management and a master’s in public administration from North Carolina Central University and is currently in the process of completing a doctoral degree in education leadership from Delaware State University.

Danielle Pulliam is a leader and educator passionate about uncovering what’s possible in others and the world around her. She enjoys taking the seed of an idea, bringing it to life, and galvanizing people around a shared vision. She currently serves as an Associate Athletic Director at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads initiatives focused on leadership development, student-athlete success and championing a culture of connection and belonging. She also serves as an adjunct professor, combining her professional experience with her passion for education to develop the next generation of leaders. Pulliam holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Global Sport Leadership and is a former Division I women’s basketball student-athlete. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, listening to music, traveling, and discovering a good craft beer.