CSC Voices: Why We Belong is provided by the CSC Inclusion Committee

Host Dawnisha Franklin interviews Jalen Brandy, an athletic communications assistant at Buffalo State University, about belonging in college sports communications. Jalen defines belonging as feeling meant to be in an industry, discusses personal buy-in to the long, unorthodox sports schedule, and explains professionally adapting to different teams and keeping creativity alive. He shares challenges shifting from a public relations agency mindset and fan perspective to a broader, stakeholder-focused approach. Jalen describes how being a person of color in predominantly white spaces shaped his ability to navigate discomfort and make his voice respected, motivating his move from corporate PR to the college sports world. He highlights Buffalo State’s diverse culture, ways he signals representation through social media and writing, hopes to create a support group for athletes of color, values relationships with student-athletes, and advises listeners to trust their gut when making career changes.

00:00 Meet Jalen Brandy

00:44 What Belonging Means

01:59 Personal vs Professional Fit

04:45 Early Challenges Adjusting

08:15 Identity Shaping Career

11:43 Building Campus Engagement

13:35 Leading By Example

15:05 Visibility Through Culture

17:13 DEI Culture And Traditions

20:53 Support Group Vision

23:10 Proud Moments With Athletes

26:31 Trust Your Gut Advice

28:14 Closing Thanks And Wrap