Today we are walking with a trilingual professional, international education leader, and doctoral student.

A District of Columbia native, Tonija moved to St. Paul (MN) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Macalester College. After graduating, she moved to South Africa where she worked alongside University of Cape Town faculty to develop strategies that would encourage exchange among international and South African students. She later returned to DC and earned her master’s degree in Tourism Administration with a focus on International Education from George Washington University.

She currently carries out this mission in her role as the Director of the Ralph J. Bunch International Affairs Center at Howard University. As director, provides guidance and direction towards comprehensive internationalization. She also administers four programs dedicated to increasing the representation of systemically marginalized and historically underrepresented communities in foreign service and development. When she’s not working as the director, she is completing her doctoral coursework in the Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program at Howard.

A quick google search will reveal that she is THE leader in preparing students of color for global leadership and is an active in addressing racism in international education.

Her social media will remind you of #HowardForward, #StudyAbroadSoBlack, #WorldDomination.

But she always leave us with one question: If HBCUs were born out of a movement towards justice, what should international education look like at HBCUs?

Let's walk and talk about it! 

Tonija's LinkedIn Profile

Ralph J. Bunch International Affairs Center at Howard University

Podcast Twitter and IG: @WalkWithTFB

Today we are walking with a higher education administrator, sport management scholar, and sports mom.

A Michigan native, Dr. Baker was a 3-sport high school athlete before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Bowling Green State University. While at BGSU, worked as a graduate assistant in the Student-Athlete Services Office before becoming the Director of SAS and member of the senior leadership team. She continued her educational journey in Athens where she earned her PhD in Kinesiology with a focus in Sport Management and Policy from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Baker brings a wealth of experiences across institutional types and functional areas within higher education. She has served as an adjunct professor, Deputy Title IX coordinator, and AVP of Student Affairs. She currently serves as the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer at Michigan State University. Alongside her work experiences, she is the founder of Ash B Consulting, LLC and founder of the Women in Sports Forum, an mission driven event dedicated to increasing access and learning opportunities for women as they walk boldly into their purpose.

If it doesn’t exist, create it.

This person is not only a creator, but a community builder, brand protector, and business woman.

Let's walk! 

Podcast Twitter & IG: @WalkWithTFB

During this walk, Wayne tells us why it's important to always bet on yourself. 

An Indianapolis native, Wayne moved to Cincinnati and attended Mount St. Joseph’s University as a wrestling college athlete. While at Mt. Saint Joseph’s, our guest was a 3-year starter, set multiple school records, and earned his spot as a 2014 NCAA All-American. His leadership as team captain and president of the student-athlete advisory committee (SAAC) prepared him well for his next steps as a MBA candidate and assistant wrestling coach at Mt. Saint Joe’s before working as the Assistant Director for Career Services at UC. But his educational career was just beginning.

Wayne is currently a PhD candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program at Kansas University. His research centers on college athletics and higher education. A quantitative methodologist, Wayne uses college impact, sociology, and organizational behavior theories to ground his work. Broadly, his current research agenda explores college esports, social justice in college sport, and higher education governance. He’s dope af and if you are in a position to hire a tenure track faculty role, Wayne Black is your guy!

When he’s not reading or writing, you can find him drinking a local craft beer, building the latest lego set, or cheering on his Los Angeles Chargers.

Is college sport really a business?! Is college sport research really necessary?! Let's talk about it! 

Wayne's Twitter: @WayneLBlack1

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

During this walk, Dr. Shirley discusses how his letterman jacket influenced his career decision making. 

A Texas native, Dr. Shirley stayed in-state and earned his Bachelor’s degree the one and only Paul Quinn College. While at Paul Quinn, he became highly engaged in student affairs work - having served the Vice President of SGA, Homecoming King, and Orientation Team leader. However, Dr. Shirley's most influential experience came as a proud initiate of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

After earning his master’s and doctorate degrees, he spent more than 15 years working as a student affairs professional - most notably in the Fraternity and Sorority Life functional area. But in May 2021 - he pivoted out of higher education into Ed Tech where he now serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader.

In addition to his work experiences, Dr. Shirley is also a founding member of The BlaQBerry View.  The BlaQBerry View is a platform with 5 vastly different queer men who gather for discussions centered on array of topics including but not limited to racism, colorism, sex, and dating.

I met this dude almost when I was in graduate school by divine intervention. Over the last 5 years, we have MANY unfiltered conversations but this time we get to record it and share it with the world.

Dr. Shirley IG: @dr.z.__

The BlaQBerry View IG: @theblaqberryview

The BlaQBerry View YouTube Channel

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

During this walk, Ashton inspires us to shape the future of college athletics.  

A Tallahassee native, he moved 1,000 miles north to study as a football athlete at Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, he was a four-year contributor and made a pivotal play to spark one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA Division I football history. After earning his bachelor’s, he went on to earn his Master’s in public relations while gaining meaningful work experience with the Big 10 network, 4th and 1 non-profit, and Student-Athlete Support Services Office. Together, these experiences prepared him to pursue a career in college athlete advising and development. 

His leadership in athletics reflects his mission statement: to add value to any space he is occupying while also being a champion for employee success and cultivating life-long ambassadors by providing a first class experience. Alongside his 9-5, he runs Beyond the Gridiron, LLC and serves as a committee member for the Winning Edge Advisory Committee. And in 2021, he transitioned into two new roles: Director of Diveristy, Equity, and Inclusion for the Detroit Pistons and President of the National Association for Academic and Student -Athlete Development Professionals (N4A). 

Ashton is an author, philanthropist, and practitioner. We implore to y’all to grab a pen and paper and enjoy being a sponge during this walk. 

Ashton IG: @A_Henderson31  

Ashton Twitter: @A_Henderson31 

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB 

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB 

During this walk, Courtney reminds us how to be a kid again. 

An Ohio native, Courtney left the Buckeye State to attend the University of South Carolina. While at Carolina, she was an orientation leader, university ambassador, and student teacher before earning her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She went on to earn an add-on license from UNC Wilmington to work with Academically and Intellectually Gifted children.

Courtney is a self-identified educator and has worked in several public school systems in the Southeastern region of the United States. Though her primary role was teaching in traditional classroom environments, she also led literacy curriculum design, science instructional planning, and analyzed assessment data to drive academic growth. Courtney's experiences in the classroom made room for a purpose pivot into educational consulting and technology.

This guest is a Day 1 supporter, Walk With TFB sponsor, and craft beer advocate. 

Let's walk and learn! 

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Kala reminds us why it is imperative we share our story. 

A native of St. Petersburg, Kala started her educational career at the University of Memphis before transferring to Florida State University. While at FSU, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and competed on the track and field team. During the 2015 NCAA Division I Track and Field championships, my Soror shocked the world and won the 400-meter national championship out of lane 8. Yes, she’s fast and yes is a proud initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

So of course, Kala turned pro and competed as a professional athlete, representing Team USA. After a couple years, she pivoted and started running in her evolved purpose. She earned her MBA from Saint Leo University and took the digital marketing and brand strategy industry by storm. She currently works in Media and Entertainment at The Happiest Place on Earth, otherwise known as Disney!

Kala is a digital marketing professional, content enthusiast, and national champion. Most importantly, she is a friend who is committed to paying it forward through both mentorship and sponsorship. 

Kala IG: @Kala.Funderburk

Kala's LinkedIn

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Dr. Willis tells us why it's more than personal. 

A Mississippi native, Dr. Willis started his higher education journey as a student-athlete at Pearl River Community College before transferring and earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He later went on to earn his Master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania and PhD from William Carey College

His experiences in education span across several functional areas including but limited to nutrition and wellness, academic affairs, athletics, career counseling, and student advocacy. Each of these roles uniquely prepared Dr. Willis to learn and lead, as he now serves as the Dean of Students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University.

No matter the role, he has continued to prioritize meeting students where they are. If you haven’t seen his content on Twitter, then there is a great chance you have seen him playing sand volleyball with students, roaming around Target with a fresh cut, or talking to Southeastern family and friends on The Dean’s Corner.

He's dope and he does great work. Let's walk! 

Dr. Willis Twitter: @drgabewillis 

Dr. Willis Instagram: @dr_gabewillis

Connect with Dr. Willis on LinkedIn!

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Dr. Goodman tells why learning should be centered with grace. 

An Oklahoma-ish native, Dr. Goodman has been a phenomenal leader since his childhood. After being named Youth of the Year (for the second time), Dr. Goodman stayed close to home and attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he earned his bachelor’s in organizational communication. While at UCO, Dr. Goodman was elected Student Body President - a role that has informs his research and his practice as a higher education and student affairs educator.

After earning his masters degree from Indiana University and working full-time for several years, Dr. Goodman moved to the DMV - where he earned his PhD in Student Affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park. While a Terp, Dr. Goodman worked in fraternity and sorority life, undergraduate student legal aid, and was elected President of the Graduate Student Government. These positions ultimately prepared him for his next step where he now serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Goodman inspired me and reignited my curiosity and desire for learning, so it was a no brainer we had to take a walk with him on this show.

Dr. Goodman Twitter: @mi_good

Dr. Goodman Instagram: @michaelanthonygoodman

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website

During this walk, Dr. Nef encourages us all to be courageous and find our joy. 

An Atlanta native, Dr. Nef stayed close to home and began her educational career as a college athlete at Georgia Tech. After a couple years, she transferred to Stetson University. While at Stetson where she earned both her bachelor’s and MBA while also leading the Stetson basketball program to their first NCAA March Madness appearance. An accomplishment that sealed the deal for her Hall of Fame nomination.

Dr. Nef went on to earn her PhD in Sport Management from the University of Florida and currently works at UMass Amherst as an Associate Professor and Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer. Her research and expertise is focused on intersectionality, specifically at the intersections of race, gender, and sport culture. Over the last decade, she has become a leading voice in the Sport Management industry - publishing countless articles, appearing on international news outlets, and advising the future leaders of our generation.

She’s been our silent mentor for a while now, so I’m glad we get to amplify her voice and leadership on today’s episode. 

Dr. Nefertiti's website

Dr. Nefertiti Twitter: @NefWalker

Podcast IG: @WalkWithTFB

Podcast Twitter: @WalkWithTFB

Walk With TFB Website