Bronx, N.Y. – For the second consecutive year, Fordham Athletics is proud to announce that it will fund a McLendon Leadership Initiative Future Leader position for the department for the 2022-2023 academic year.
 
The McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (MLI) is a coach-driven initiative that provides diverse college graduates a jump-start to their careers through practical experiences and opportunities to build their network while instilling in them the values of John McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship. Participants in the initiative are known as MLI Future Leaders.
 
"We are proud to once again partner with the McLendon Foundation on this life-changing initiative," said Fordham director of athletics Ed Kull. "The MLI program is helping us build a stronger pipeline for diverse talent on our Fordham Athletics team and we are looking forward to continuing to offer this opportunity to deserving minority candidates."
 
In the program, Future Leaders receive career exposure working in college athletics departments while also learning the importance of interviewing, networking, decision making, leadership, and career planning. In an on-going effort to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, an emphasis will be placed on supporting HBCUs as well as universities with female coaches interested in supporting the initiative and serving as ambassadors.
 
About the McLendon Foundation
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. Through the scholarship program and leadership initiative, the McLendon Foundation provides minorities educational resources, practical experiences and serves as a vehicle for networking, career advancement and advocacy on behalf of the profession. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at MinorityLeaders.org.