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In the healthcare sector, where only 5.7% of workers are Black, Shekinah Leonce's journey into athletic training shines as a beacon of inspiration and representation.
A senior at Alabama State University, Leonce's path was profoundly influenced during her high school years at Apopka High School by witnessing a Black female Athletic Trainer, Zya’Nel Carty, in action.
This experience not only sparked her interest but also solidified her ambition to contribute to diversifying the field.
"One of my Athletic Trainers was the only Black woman I ever saw [in the field]," Leonce shared. "She was making a difference, and she inspired me so much."
Now, Leonce is set to bring her skills and insights to a global stage as an operations assistant for Team USA at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This opportunity is part of her participation in the Living Sport’s International Sport Business Program, designed to provide valuable professional development to students and recent graduates through hands-on experience at major sporting events.
Fluent in French due to her Haitian heritage, Leonce may find additional ways to stand out and make meaningful contributions during the event.
Raised in Orlando's family-oriented Pine Hills subdivision, the support of her community has been a constant source of motivation. Her parents, who moved from Haiti in the late 1990s, along with her mentors and peers from Apopka, have been instrumental in her success.
Leonce reflected on the encouragement she has received throughout her academic and professional journey:
"Seeing everyone really show up and support me has just been insane."
As she prepares to embark on this significant chapter in Paris, Leonce continues to seek financial support to fully seize this opportunity.
Her story, a testament to the impact of grassroots support and representation, aims to inspire others to pursue their passions, emphasizing the importance of diverse role models in every field.
Paris awaits, and for Leonce, it's just the beginning.
Read all the details here!
