FRISCO, Texas — In sports, the difference between good and great often comes down to the quality of advice you receive along the way. This weekend, the Black Sports Professionals North Texas (BSPNTX) Summit transformed the University of North Texas at Frisco campus into an epicenter of career wisdom that transcended athletics and spoke to universal truths about leadership, identity, and purpose.
The air was electric with possibility as attendees — ranging from college students to seasoned executives — gathered under the banner of “Connect. Empower. Advance.” But this wasn’t merely a networking event with business cards exchanged and forgotten. This was a masterclass in authentic professional development, delivered by those who’ve navigated the complex intersection of race, sports, and business.
“Whatever position you’re in, you are leading right now. Own that role,” declared Rich Clark (Executive Director-College Football Playoff), during the morning panel, silencing the clink of breakfast cutlery as attendees leaned forward in their seats. “It only matters how you engage and connect with those around you.” His words instantly reframed leadership not as a distant destination requiring a title, but as a present practice available to anyone with the courage to embrace their current circumstance.
The summit’s programming strategically balanced aspirational vision with tactical reality. Jenn Hunter’s (Chief Impact Officer-Big 12 Conference) enthusiasm was palpable as she addressed the shifting landscape: “I’m most excited about the direction that women’s sports is headed,” she said, before challenging attendees to action. “Women’s sports are experiencing significant growth and popularity, and we can help bolster that more simply by supporting them.” Her call extended beyond mere consumption, suggesting that advocacy requires intentional engagement.
Derek Eagleton (SVP of Media & Programming-Dallas Cowboys) offered a perspective rarely discussed in traditional professional development: “You should train your creativity,” he advised, comparing imagination to muscle memory. “Focus on regularly engaging in activities that stimulate your imagination. For me, it’s playing the drums.” In an industry where innovation often dictates relevance, his words underscored creativity as a disciplined practice rather than an innate gift.
It was Jasmine Williams (Football Operations Manager-ROC Nation Sports), however, who addressed the psychological tax many Black professionals pay when entering predominantly White spaces. “If you are in a room, know that you’re supposed to be there,” she stated firmly, her words landing like permission slips for those who’ve questioned their belonging. The audience’s collective exhale was audible.
The afternoon sessions deepened the conversation around legacy and identity. Monique Boyd reframed mentorship through a personal lens, sharing how she “became the person she always wanted to have” in her own journey. Her approach to leadership — focused on developing others — highlighted how genuine influence often flows from addressing gaps we’ve personally experienced.
Carlton Dixon (Owner/CEO-Reveal Suits) offered practical wisdom about presentation, noting that a tailored suit “has a significant impact on a person’s appearance, confidence, and perceived professionalism.” In an industry where split-second impressions can determine opportunity, his advice acknowledged how strategic self-presentation remains an unwritten rule of advancement.
Perhaps the most profound moment came from Michael Ledo (Founder & CEO-RISE Sports Advisors), who cautioned against an all-too-common pitfall he shares with his clients: “Don’t confuse your identity with your function. What you do and who you are.” In a field where career transitions and setbacks are inevitable, his distinction between personhood and profession offered a framework for resilience.
The summit reached its emotional peak during the closing conversation featuring Cynt Marshall (President & CEO-Marshalling Resources) and moderator Alexandria Williams (Director of Marketing & Sponsorships-Dallas Mavericks). Marshall, who received BSPNTX’s inaugural Legacy Award, distilled four decades of trailblazing leadership into a deceptively simple question: “What kind of impact are you having on people every single day?”
Her three-part leadership philosophy — “Listen to the people, learn from the people, and love on the people” — brought the day’s theme full circle, demonstrating how connection and empowerment must precede meaningful advancement. Marshall’s commitment to leaving spaces “better than they were before” provided the perfect template for how influence should be measured.
As attendees filtered out into the Texas evening, conversations hummed with renewed clarity and purpose. The 2025 BSPNTX Summit had delivered something far more valuable than networking opportunities. It had provided a blueprint for authentic leadership that honors both excellence and identity — a playbook for advancement that doesn’t require leaving oneself behind.
The scoreboard on this event? Clear victory.
