National Athletics DEI Week National Athletics Leadership Week

About

National Athletics DEI Week National Athletics Leadership Week is a dual observance that spotlights two essential pillars of a thriving sports environment: diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and leadership excellence. Over consecutive or overlapping weeks, the athletics community — including athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and partners — engages in dialogue, learning, and action oriented toward building inclusive cultures and strengthening leadership capacity across all levels of sport.

Mission

To build a culture in athletics where inclusion and leadership go hand in hand. National Athletics DEI Week National Athletics Leadership Week fosters environments where every participant—regardless of background, identity, or ability—feels welcomed, supported, and empowered, while also cultivating strong, values-driven leaders who champion integrity, empathy, and vision. Together, these initiatives promote awareness of inequities, encourage best practices, and strengthen leadership across all levels of sport—on and off the field. By embedding diversity, equity, belonging, and ethical leadership into the heart of athletics, we aim to inspire positive, lasting change throughout the athletic community.

Vision

To create an athletic community where diversity, equity, inclusion, and leadership excellence are inseparable foundations of success. We envision a culture in which every athlete, coach, and leader feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their full potential—where leadership is defined not only by performance, but by integrity, empathy, and the ability to uplift others. Through unity, education, and purposeful action, National Athletics DEI Week National Athletics Leadership Week strives to shape the future of athletics as a model of fairness, respect, and transformative leadership.

Trainings

Unconscious Bias Awareness
Participants will explore how unconscious biases influence decisions and interactions in athletic settings. The session includes practical strategies for recognizing and mitigating these biases to foster a more inclusive environment.

Inclusive Coaching Practices
This training focuses on developing coaching strategies that promote equity and inclusion, ensuring all athletes feel valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Allyship & Advocacy in Athletics
Participants will learn how to be effective allies in the athletic community, advocating for underrepresented groups and supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

Conflict Resolution & Communication
This session equips participants with skills to manage and resolve conflicts within teams, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and emotional intelligence in leadership.

Ethical Decision-Making in Sports
Leaders will engage in scenarios that challenge them to make decisions based on ethical principles, considering the impact on team dynamics and organizational integrity.

Mentorship & Coaching for Leadership Development
This training focuses on the role of mentorship in developing future leaders, providing tools for effective coaching and guidance to foster leadership growth within athletic programs.

2026 Schedule

March 2–13, 2026

Monday, March 2 – Opening Ceremony & Keynote
Official kickoff for both Weeks. Theme: “Building Belonging and Leadership in Athletics.”

Tuesday, March 3 – Workshop: Equity in Action
Interactive training on inclusive team practices and addressing bias in athletics.

Wednesday, March 4 – Panel: Voices of Diversity
Athletes, coaches, and administrators share personal experiences on inclusion and representation.

Thursday, March 5 – Training: Inclusive Leadership
Practical tools for leading with empathy and creating equitable environments.

Friday, March 6 – Community Forum & Commitment Day
Open dialogue and DEI pledges from athletic programs nationwide.

Monday, March 9 – Leadership Launch & Keynote
Start of Leadership Week. Focus: “Leading with Vision, Integrity, and Purpose.”

Tuesday, March 10 – Workshop: Building Strong Teams
Strategies for effective communication, motivation, and collaboration.

Wednesday, March 11 – Mentorship Roundtables
Emerging and established leaders connect to share experiences and guidance.

Thursday, March 12 – Seminar: Ethical Decision-Making in Sports
Exploring leadership values and real-world scenarios in athletics.

Friday, March 13 – Closing Ceremony & Awards
Recognizing leadership excellence and celebrating DEI & leadership achievements.