At the end of June, Monse Figueroa represented Lake Forest College and Forester Athletics at the annual Division III Institute of Administrative Advancement, a partnership between the NCAA and the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA). The institute provides professional development and networking opportunities to administrators from under-represented populations in DIII athletics.
This year, the institute was held in Las Vegas, Nevada from Saturday, June 26 to Tuesday, June 28. The program’s main goal was to encourage mentorship to the next generation of administrators and coaches of color. Over the course of three-day convention, the attendees experienced a wide range of programs designed to allow them to “learn more about themselves as administrators, gain additional skills and tools to grow within their current roles and leave better prepared to advance into more senior administrative roles within Division III, if desired,” as per their website. (You can read more here.)
Monse Figueroa joined the Forester athletics staff in November 2020 as a facilities assistant after she completed her master’s degree in sports management from Western Illinois University. She has previously worked as a graduate assistant in Western Illinois’ Campus Recreation Department, a corporate events intern at the Chicago Sport and Social Club, a medical intern at Sanford USD Medical Center (Sioux Falls, S.D.), and an adaptive sports and fitness intern at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. A 2017 graduate of Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa, Figueroa was a four-year member of the Red Raider softball team and an Honorable Mention All-Great Plains Athletic Conference selection.
When asked about her thoughts the purpose of the institute, Figueroa shared, “Its purpose was to help us learn who we are as administrators, as well as help us gain additional skills and tools to grow within our current roles.” She continued, “To me the convention provided insight as to how I want to manage my goals and purpose, not only professionally, but also personal ones.”
“Sometimes we get so caught up on ourselves that we forget to bring others up with us. By creating a bridge, not only helps oneself, but also those who have or will be going through similar journeys,” she said when asked about what lessons she took away from the convention. “It’s important to have a meaningful partnership with those around you so that everyone can learn and grow with a purpose. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Figueroa said, “It was a very positive experience for me! The speakers were great and even the participants were very eager to learn, connect, and share experiences with those present.” And when asked if she would attend the institute again, she said, “Yes, I would!”
Of course, being in Las Vegas, one must have a little fun. “I took a ride on the New York, New York Rollercoaster! And no, I did not gamble!” Figueroa said.
The Division III Institute of Administrative Advancement is an annual event. Individuals of color interested in attending should contact Louise McCleary, Director of Division III, lmccleary@ncaa.org, by February 15.