![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SOE.Robertson.52-scaled-e1753470706941-771x934.jpg\")
Beverly Robertson Credit: Charles Hallman<\/p>\nINDIANAPOLIS \u2013 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\u2019s All-Star Game.<\/p>\n
These interns \u201cwill 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,\u201d said a league release.<\/p>\n
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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beverly Robertson Credit: Charles Hallman<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are super excited about our new HBCU Interns program,\u201d said Colie Edison, the WNBA\u2019s first-ever chief growth officer. \u201cThis is a real unique opportunity for HBCU students and graduates to get internships through the WNBA.\u201d Asked if there have been any effects from the presidential executive orders signed against diversity initiatives since January, Edison pledged, \u201cWhen 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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Beverly Robertson is a senior at Howard studying broadcast journalism. She spoke to the MSR last Thursday. \u201cI transferred to Howard in the fall of \u201923,\u201d said Robertson, who grew up in Boise, Idaho. \u201cIt was there where I really found opportunities. As a journalism major, I\u2019ve been offered a lot of opportunities.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce I realized I wanted to work in sports, I went head-on into any and everything,\u201d she said, including an internship last summer with the NBA\u2019s Los Angeles Lakers. \u201cThat was my first corporate internship,\u201d which included working in the team\u2019s business operations.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing at a big company like the Lakers, I am confident in my abilities,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n
Her latest internship included working with the players as a media liaison. \u201cI\u2019m super blessed and super thankful. Right now, I am working with the communications team and job shadowing my manager. She showed me the ropes.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is especially important for her as a Black woman to be involved with a majority-Black-led league, stated Robertson. \u201cIt means everything,\u201d she said proudly. \u201cI was born and raised in Boise, Idaho. Growing up there, you do not see Black women at all.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert last week told the MSR that she had planned to meet with the HBCU students at halftime of last Saturday\u2019s WASG for their feedback. \u201cIt was a great idea, and we will build on it for the future,\u201d she stressed. \u201cThis is a huge tentpole event for us. I believe these HBCU [students] will be experts at a tentpole event\u201d after working All-Star Weekend, added Engelbert.<\/p>\n
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. \u201cBeing 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\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loving the game<\/p>\n
Jhanae Brady drove 12 hours from the D.C. area to attend last weekend\u2019s All-Star festivities. \u201cThis is my first All-Star Game, but I\u2019ve been a season ticket holder for Indiana, Atlanta and Washington,\u201d admitted Brady as we walked together from the arena to her car after Friday\u2019s All-Star events.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI love the game,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen it comes to the purest form of the game, I think that\u2019s what women\u2019s basketball brings.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brady also expressed concern about the growing divisiveness that currently surrounds the WNBA: \u201cI think it\u2019s disconcerting that people are taking sides. It\u2019s all about the game. If you love the game, you\u2019ll see the spirit of competition and respect.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n