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.
For Colorado Athletic Trainers' Association Finance Committee member Zach Lewis, MAT, LAT, ATC, health care runs in the family.
Observing his mother’s work and dedication to her patients as a nurse, Lewis became inspired to pursue athletic training.
“Watching her care for others and make a positive impact in the lives of her patients sparked something in me,” he said. “In addition to my mom’s passion, my deep love for sports and my injury-prone career made me realize the importance of injury prevention for athletes.”
As time went by, Lewis said he began seeing what medicine and sports had in common: athletic training. Realizing that becoming an AT would help him combine his interest in medicine with his passion for sports into a fulfilling career, he followed his mom’s footsteps into health care.
“My mom’s example of commitment to health and healing, along with my own experiences with sports, has driven me to pursue a path where I can help athletes stay healthy, perform at their best and recover from injuries,” he said.
Having advanced via career development, leadership and financial stewardship, Lewis gives insight into his journey.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My very first volunteer position was presenting at a Connect2Careers event in Phoenix, Arizona. This opportunity allowed me to express my passion and appreciation for this profession to a younger population that was unfamiliar with athletic training. It was rewarding to experience their excitement about athletic training and educate them on all the different avenues this profession could take them.
Tell us about your current position as Colorado Athletic Trainers' Association Finance Committee member and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
I am currently part of the Colorado Athletic Trainers' Association Finance Committee, and we have assisted the current treasurer in expanding those scholarships to Colorado athletic trainers in need of new or updated emergency equipment. Being young in this profession, I didn’t know what to expect from this experience, but the CATA Board of Directors and CATA Finance Committee have blown me away with what they have done and where it could go.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership is vital because it brings diverse perspectives, fosters inclusion and inspires future professionals. In the athletic training profession, having diverse leaders strengthens the trust between clinicians and patients, enhances care and drives progress by reflecting the communities they serve, ultimately benefiting both patients and the profession as a whole.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering in athletic training has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow both personally and professionally. It has allowed me to expand my network, enhance my problem-solving abilities and gain a deeper understanding of this profession outside of the athletic training facility. Personally, it has taught me the value of teamwork and communication while working closely with other health care professionals. This experience has strengthened my passion for the profession and reinforced my commitment to helping others.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
The CATA Car Show fundraising event was an amazing opportunity to help CATA continue to fund more scholarships and other initiatives for the Colorado athletic training community. It was incredibly fulfilling to be able to express our passion for the profession to a different population, all while witnessing the vast array of classic cars. CATA truly went above and beyond to ensure this event supported meaningful causes. It was inspiring to see how everyone came together to make a difference. It felt great to be part of something that combined both the love of cars and the drive to support and promote our profession.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
The easiest way to get involved is to start with your state committee or association. There are so many opportunities available, and the association could always use more hands. This will open the door to getting involved at the district and/or national level. In addition, it will expand your network and allow you to grow professionally outside of the athletic training facility.
