Syracuse Sun

From left to right, Chinny Nwagbo, Felisha Legette-Jack and Vera Jones, panelists for the “Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women in Sport” discussion Sept. 13 at Falk College.

When Tatiana Warren ’04, G’06, was a student-athlete at Syracuse University, she received support from various campus sources: her track and field coaches; faculty and staff in the Department of Exercise Science; and her advisors in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Program.

Understanding the benefits of mentorship and allyship in breaking barriers for women across all fields, Warren will participate in this year’s Coming Back Together (CBT) weekend by engaging with current students during two signature events at Syracuse University’s Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

Coming Back Together is a triennial event for Black and Latino alumni to return to campus to celebrate their accomplishments, meet current students, and stay connected to Syracuse. For this year’s CBT from Sept. 12-15, Warren will be involved in a networking event for current students and moderate a panel discussion titled “Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women in Sport.”

“Having mentors and allies who believe in your potential can make a significant difference in one’s career trajectory,” says Warren. “Additionally, creating inclusive environments where diverse voices are heard and valued is essential for driving systemic change. It’s not just about giving women a seat at the table but also ensuring they have the support and opportunities to thrive.”

Warren collaborated with fellow Falk College Advisory Board members LaTisha Marshall ’98 and Andrea Massop Ramos ’85, MCN, along with Sport Management Advisory Council member Jasmine Jordan ’14 to organize these events.

Warren holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Exercise Physiology from Syracuse University as well as a Ph.D. in public health from the University of South Carolina. Known as “Dr. Tati,” she is a health equity strategist who founded Just TATI—a multimedia initiative aimed at disseminating accurate health information to diverse audiences.

During CBT weekend, Warren will take part in both the networking event and panel discussion at Falk College.

Reflecting on her first CBT experience in 2017, Warren describes it as “incredibly nostalgic” as she participated in the inaugural CBT Celebrity Basketball Classic for former student-athletes.

“I’ve learned that Coming Back Together is an excellent opportunity to bridge generational gaps within Black and Latino communities while investing in future Syracuse leaders,” she says.

On Friday, Sept. 13 from 12-12:45 p.m., notable alumni including Ramos will join Warren for a speed networking event with students at Room 335 at Falk College. Ramos is a clinical nutritionist who founded Healthy FRIENDZ Nutrition to empower youth, students with disabilities, and older adults.

Warren emphasizes that networking is crucial for career advancement: “My first job opportunity after completing my doctoral degree came because I was a Syracuse alumna.” She recounts how her experiences as a student-athlete laid the foundation for her commitment to community-based work focused on equity.

The panel discussion featuring Felisha Legette-Jack ’89 (Syracuse women’s basketball head coach), Chinny Nwagbo ’05 (NFL Players Association Director of Player Programs), Vera Jones ’88 (award-winning broadcaster) will take place from 1-1:50 p.m., Sept. 13 at Grant Auditorium at Falk College.

Jones will also serve as emcee for this year’s CBT Celebrity Basketball Classic. “This game is for those who can walk the walk,” says Jones. “I can talk the talk—and that’s what I plan to do!”

For Warren, discussing "Breaking Barriers" aligns closely with her professional journey often being one of few women or people of color on boards shaping health programs' futures: "Empowering women in sports resonates deeply with me," she states—highlighting broader issues like gender equity beyond sports alone."

In addition to these events, Falk sponsors a table at Saturday's "Shades of Orange Sneaker Ball," supporting Our Time Has Come Scholarship through fundraising efforts held at JMA Wireless Dome.

Here are details about guests participating:

Felisha Legette-Jack

Head Coach – Syracuse University Women’s Basketball

Legette-Jack returned to lead Orange basketball program back since '22 holding over three decades coaching expertise guiding multiple Division I teams achieving numerous milestones while being honored within several halls fame including Greater Syracuse Urban Sports & SU Orange Plus Halls Fame among others becoming first female history having No33 jersey retired inside JMA Wireless Dome rafters '21,

Chineze (Chinny) Nwagbo

Director Player Programs Engagement NFLPA

Graduated '05 biology major played pro basketball spanning eleven years representing Nigeria World Championship Games post-retirement successful transitioning into various roles sports industry currently directing player programs engagement NFLPA helping athletes succeed beyond playing careers,

Vera Jones

President Vera's VoiceWorks LLC Adjunct Professor Public Speaking UNF

Motivational speaker communication coach author award-winning broadcaster Jones possesses extensive experience spanning thirty years analyzing reporting women's basketball ESPN Fox Sports NBA-TV hosts show Certified Unscripted motivational podcast Perseverance Live earning degrees broadcast journalism TV radio film Newhouse School Public Communications,

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