From April 11 through April 14, the 2024 NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum took place from Bethesda, Maryland, and Medgar Evers College was represented by Anamaria Dzagnidze, who attended the beneficial event. Dzagnidze was a two-year member of the institution's women's basketball program, and she also currently serves as the institution's SAAC Vice President, and CUNY's SAAC Secretary. Upon returning from the Forum, Dzagnidze spoke glowingly about what the experience meant to her.

"This was truly a transformative weekend for myself and about 230 other student-athletes," Dzagnidze said. "From engaging activities to heartfelt conversations, we delved deep into the essence of student life and the challenges that we face as athletes. With incredible keynote speakers Hazel Clark Mac (three-time US Olympian), Jhanelle Peters, and more, we gained invaluable insights and raw inspiration. I also want to express a special thank you to our Purple Facilitators team Tyler Schnaible and Sam Loose, as they did an amazing job passionately guiding us during this forum."

The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has served as a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes who have grown personally and professionally as a result of their attendance. Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, a refined understanding of the relationship among personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and the support of a close personal network of like-minded peers to provide continued connection and dialogue after the program concludes. This best-in-class programming experience serves as a transformational opportunity for student-athletes and administrators to build a leadership toolkit and develop vital self-awareness that allows them to realize their potential. 

Building relationships was a key focus of the program and was encouraged through small group activities. Participants were each assigned to a color team with about 30 other student-athletes, coaches and administrators, as well as two trained facilitators, who serve as college athletics administrators on campuses throughout the NCAA membership. Facilitators guided participants through a series of workshops that encouraged introspection and discussion about leadership.

The workshop provided an amazing experience of learning, networking, and bonding for the student-athletes. They also created friendship bracelets and bookmarks as part of the Cool Kids Campaign, an organization that is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients, survivors, and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis.

"I am beyond grateful for the tremendous opportunity I had this past weekend, growing alongside like-minded peers, building lifelong connections in the process," Dzagnidze said. "I believe all student-athletes should embrace their potential and lead with purpose. It truly was my honor to represent Medgar Evers College in the NCAA SALF2024, and it is now my honor to pass the torch!"