Cincinnati, Ohio—Prolink has partnered with The John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation (“McLendon Foundation”) to support its launch the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative (“Minority Leadership Initiative,” or “MLI”), a program that works with collegiate coaches to promote diversity within college athletic departments. This coach-driven initiative will provide minorities a jump-start to their careers through practical experiences, opportunities to build their network, all while instilling the values of John McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership, and Mentorship. Participants in the initiative will be known as MLI Future Leaders. Learn more about John McLendon here.
“The MLI is about access and opportunity: real-world experience and networking platforms designed to elevate talented young women and men of color who have previously been ignored by a system that lacks diversity and inclusion. For this work, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate vehicle than the McLendon Foundation. I’m excited about where we’re headed and feel this is a great first step toward affecting measurable change in our corner of the world,” said John Calipari, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Kentucky.
“Prolink is honored to lock arms with MLI and its rapidly growing roster of university partners to connect new graduates with invaluable professional opportunities. Prolink has a strong background in collaborating with organizations that specialize in promoting diversity in the workforce and we’re excited to continue that tradition. Our company vision is to be a vehicle of growth for the people and the communities we serve, so there was a clear synergy between Prolink and MLI. In empowering MLI with Prolink’s recruiting processes and expertise, we can further their mission and bring even more talented people of color to college athletics, businesses and corporations,” said Tony Munafo, CEO of Prolink.
“It is a true honor to serve as an ambassador for the McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative under the umbrella of the John McLendon Foundation,” said Tommy Amaker, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Harvard University. “Coach McLendon’s name is synonymous with education, teaching, service, excellence, and leadership. I am incredibly proud to be associated with his name through this initiative. I cannot think of a better way to honor Coach McLendon’s legacy than by providing young minority women and men with a pathway into athletics administration. Through this program, we will make significant progress in increasing diversity in athletics departments throughout the country and will support many more people of color in pursuing their passion.”
“The McLendon Minority Leadership Initiative is a huge step in the right direction for enhancing the pipeline within our industry,” said Andrea Williams, Chief Operating Officer at the College Football Playoff (CFP) and McLendon Foundation President. “There are many qualified minority individuals who are prepared to make their mark and begin their careers in college athletics, and this program, jumpstarted by Coach Calipari, is a great foundation to build on.”
The McLendon Foundation, in partnership with Prolink and G3 Marketing, will be assisting in the solicitation of collegiate coaches, administrators, and corporations to build this program and provide opportunities within athletics departments at all levels, with the ultimate goal of expanding and enhancing the pipeline for minorities interested in pursuing careers in athletics administration. As an added benefit, the Joel Cornette Foundation will assist the Future Leaders with corporate mentorship, development, and job placement.
More information regarding the MLI, including a pre-application for interested and qualified individuals, can be found at MinorityLeaders.org.
About the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation
The John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered aby NACDA that provides educational opportunities and serves as a vehicle for networking, information and advocacy on behalf of the profession. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded 123 students with scholarships in the amount of $1,245,000.
About Prolink
Prolink connects its clients with talent solutions via contract, contract-to-hire, direct placement and management services across a wide variety of industries. Prolink believes the right team is more critical than ever for an organization’s success, which is why its exhaustive screening processes, in-depth client analysis and other proprietary workforce optimization solutions have proven invaluable to both clients and talent alike. Since opening its doors in 2011, Prolink has experienced rapid growth and in turn has expanded into a dozen new markets throughout the U.S. The company has appeared on such competitive growth lists as the Business Courier’s Fast 55 and Best Places to Work and recently won the Staffing Industry Analysts’ Best Staffing Firms to Work For. To connect with Prolink, visit Prolinkstaffing.com.
