INDIANAPOLIS – The WNBA this year launched its HBCU Event Intern Program. Six students from Black colleges were brought in and worked the All-Star Weekend throughout last week leading up to and through last Saturday’s All-Star Game.
These interns “will gain behind-the-scenes access to WNBA All-Star 2025 while participating in immersive programming that includes mentorship, professional development, and networking with WNBA leaders across departments,” said a league release.
The new program is sponsored by Mielle, a Black-owned natural hair care company that entered into a multi-year partnership with the WNBA in 2023.
Beverly Robertson Credit: Charles Hallman
“We are super excited about our new HBCU Interns program,” said Colie Edison, the WNBA’s first-ever chief growth officer. “This is a real unique opportunity for HBCU students and graduates to get internships through the WNBA.” Asked if there have been any effects from the presidential executive orders signed against diversity initiatives since January, Edison pledged, “When you think about inclusion, it is at the core fabric DNA of what we are in the WNBA. This program brings this to life, and we will never abandon that purpose.”
Beverly Robertson is a senior at Howard studying broadcast journalism. She spoke to the MSR last Thursday. “I transferred to Howard in the fall of ’23,” said Robertson, who grew up in Boise, Idaho. “It was there where I really found opportunities. As a journalism major, I’ve been offered a lot of opportunities.
“Once I realized I wanted to work in sports, I went head-on into any and everything,” she said, including an internship last summer with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. “That was my first corporate internship,” which included working in the team’s business operations.
“Being at a big company like the Lakers, I am confident in my abilities,” she added.
Her latest internship included working with the players as a media liaison. “I’m super blessed and super thankful. Right now, I am working with the communications team and job shadowing my manager. She showed me the ropes.”
It is especially important for her as a Black woman to be involved with a majority-Black-led league, stated Robertson. “It means everything,” she said proudly. “I was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. Growing up there, you do not see Black women at all.
“The representation of seeing me in something like this gives them hope, especially being the only one in college from both sides of my family, being a first-generation Liberian [college] student. It means the most.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert last week told the MSR that she had planned to meet with the HBCU students at halftime of last Saturday’s WASG for their feedback. “It was a great idea, and we will build on it for the future,” she stressed. “This is a huge tentpole event for us. I believe these HBCU [students] will be experts at a tentpole event” after working All-Star Weekend, added Engelbert.
Robertson surmised that the WNBA internship gives her more skills as she returns to college to finish up her degree work and hopefully embark upon a sports journalism career. “Being able to have that experience and take it with me to Howard and beyond to build my brand as an up-and-coming sports journalist, it’s amazing.”
Loving the game
Jhanae Brady drove 12 hours from the D.C. area to attend last weekend’s All-Star festivities. “This is my first All-Star Game, but I’ve been a season ticket holder for Indiana, Atlanta and Washington,” admitted Brady as we walked together from the arena to her car after Friday’s All-Star events.
“I love the game,” she said. “When it comes to the purest form of the game, I think that’s what women’s basketball brings.”
Brady also expressed concern about the growing divisiveness that currently surrounds the WNBA: “I think it’s disconcerting that people are taking sides. It’s all about the game. If you love the game, you’ll see the spirit of competition and respect.”
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.
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