Mission
EMPOWER’s mission is to uplift and provide a safe space for student-athletes of color at the University of Illinois within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. This organization aims to further the success of minoritized groups and encourage positive interactions while emphasizing the importance of goal setting, mentoring, and networking.
Goals
EMPOWER has three primary goals:
- To provide a comfortable environment that encourages dialogue surrounding social justice issues and the experiences of student-athletes of color.
- To provide opportunities for EMPOWER members to network with students, student-athletes, and alumni from minoritized groups.
- Host events that promote fun, educational, and engaging interactions between student-athletes of various ethnicities, cultures, and personal ideology.
Structure
EMPOWER consists of four co-leaders and general membership made up of Illinois varsity student-athletes who identify as an ethnic minority.
Student-Athlete Leadership
Azariyah Bryant, Women's Track & Field
Co-Leader
Genesis Bryant, Women's Basketball
Co-Leader
Kam Garrett, Men's Track & Field
Co-Leader
Michaela Gentry, Women's Gymnastics
Co-Leader
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Men's Basketball
Co-Leader
Kenenna Odeluga, Football
Co-Leader
Advisor
Roles & Responsibilities
Advisor
• Provides guidance to co-leaders and supports their mission, vision, and upcoming events
General Membership
• Consists of student-athletes who identify as Black and/or African American and their allies
• Members can attend meetings freely
Event Spotlights
2024 EMPOWER Pumpkin Painting
2024: EMPOWER Costume Party

EMPOWER hosts ‘Decade Night’ where all student-athletes showed up in outfits and played games from their favorite decade!

EMPOWER hosts their first kickback with food, games, and karaoke, while watching Illini football.

EMPOWER hosts a forum with local law enforcement to ask questions about police training, implicit bias, funding, and mental health in law enforcement.

EMPOWER membership attends the Black Student-Athlete Summit.
Contact Information