Sista to Sista is a co-curricular leadership development program designed to foster a sense of connectedness amongst Black female collegiate athletes at Texas A&M University. Over the course of one academic year, participants will attend 6 workshops that focus on creating cultural excellence by expanding leadership, social, and life skills in accordance with the CHAMPS Life Skills program. Created in 2009, our mission is to cultivate a welcoming campus environment for Black female collegiate athletes by enabling experiences that enhance personal and professional foundations, promote holistic development, and encourage life-long learning. Through the use of innovative co-curricular activities, experiential learning, critical reflection, and discussion; our goal is to enhance leadership skills to promote the building of champions.

Bios:

Dr. Akilah R. Carter-Francique is currently an Assistant Professor in Health and Kinesiology at Texas A&M University. A former collegiate athlete, she is the co-founder, researcher, and facilitator of the Sista to Sista Program.

Born and raised in Topeka, Kansas to James and Constance Carter, she credits her success to their nurturing hand and belief in education. Dr. Carter holds a Ph.D. in Sport Studies from the University of Georgia. Her research, teaching, and service has focused on race, gender, and sport in the American context. Her works have been presented in diverse arenas to include sport studies, which consist of sport sociology, recreational sports, and sport and physical activity. In 2004, she earned her Master of Science degree in Kinesiology - Exercise Science from the University of Georgia. While in 2000, Carter earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science and Psychology from the University of Houston.

Ms. Deniece Dortch is currently pursuing her doctorate in Higher Education at Columbia University. A former program director at Texas A&M University, she focused on university wide initiatives to retain students of color and women. With nearly ten years of experiences in Student Affairs, she is the co-founder, curriculum designer, and facilitator of the Sista to Sista Program.
Ms. Dortch has a Master of Arts in Intercultural Service, Diversity Leadership and Management from the School for International Training's Graduate Institute in Vermont.