In honor of Black History Month in February, NATA Now is highlighting some of our Black leaders at the state, district and national levels as they share insight into their volunteer journeys.
NATA Career Advancement Committee District Six Rep. Bre'Layshia Alexander, MEd, LAT, ATC, said amidst her uncertainty about her what career she wanted to pursue, her mentor, Windee Skrabanek, MEd, LAT, encouraged her to take a look at athletic training, which merged her love of sports with her interest in medicine.
“Windee Skrabanek, who is now the head athletic trainer at Temple High School [in Temple, Texas], pushed professionalism, communication and integrity,” she said. “I have always thrived on policies and procedures; she had my full attention, and I wanted to be a great athletic trainer like her.”
Alexander’s desire to advance in athletic training led her into different leadership roles. She previously served as chair of the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association CAC, as a member of the Texas State Athletic Trainers’ Association Region Seven Board of Directors and vice president of the Central Texas Athletic Trainer's Society.
Read on to learn more about her efforts to support and inspire other ATs.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer position in the athletic training profession was helping reestablish the Central Texas Athletic Trainer's Society and running for CTATS vice president. I got involved because I had the privilege, through my job, to connect with many athletic trainers in the area and noticed there was a disconnect. So many ATs had questions but didn't know whom to contact and how to get in touch with them. I wanted to help bridge the gap.
Tell us about your current position as District Six representative of the NATA Career
Advancement Committee and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
We have an opportunity to be a resource for other athletic trainers in our demographic who are looking to advance their career. Our hope is to provide insight, information and guidance to help every AT land the job of their dreams and make it better for the next person. I hope to inspire my peers to never settle, and to grow personally and professionally.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation is important because of historical biases and opportunities for collaboration. Historically, African Americans’ leadership abilities have been questioned and often not even considered for various roles of advancement. Those biases are affirmed if you never see or rarely see an African American in a leadership role. As a person of color, it’s discouraging if I can't identify with someone in my profession. It's encouraging to see someone like me in leadership roles. Representation positively affects our profession by cultivating an environment of belonging.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
I always want to be in a room of people who bring something different to the table. Volunteering has helped me personally by giving me different perspectives, ideas and learning about how others resolve conflict or view life. Professionally, volunteering has helped prepare me for elevation by placing me in rooms with people who make decisions and can give a character witness as well as networking. I highly recommend giving back.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
I remember watching Dennis Hart, LAT, represent athletic trainers as he addressed the bill changes we were proposing to update our practice act. Consistently volunteering and showing up got our bill passed. You had to be in the room. Witnessing that gave me a lot of perspective. I will never forget it.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Stop thinking and do it. It took me six to seven years to land a volunteer role. It was worth every effort. Keep trying and an opportunity will present itself.
