Empowering Early Professionals: Building Leadership Capacity in Athletic Training
Abstract:
Despite the growing demands on athletic trainers to be effective leaders, the literature highlights a gap in leadership development among early professionals. Many face barriers such as fear, lack of mentorship, and low leadership self-efficacy. This session addresses these gaps by exploring key findings from a literature review that demonstrates the importance of early leadership engagement, transformational leadership theory, and mentorship. Participants will learn actionable strategies to enhance leadership development and contribute to the advancement of the profession.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common barriers early professionals face when pursuing leadership roles in athletic training.
- Differentiate between transformational and transactional leadership styles and their effects on professional satisfaction and team dynamics.
- Develop strategies to incorporate mentorship and leadership skill-building within early professional development and academic programs.
Level:
Essential
Domain(s):
Domain 5: Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility
Orthopedic Domain(s):
N/A
Keywords:
Mentorship, Transformational Leadership, Professional Growth
CEUs:
1.0 Category A
A Statement of Credit reflecting your CEUs will be issued immediately upon the successful completion of all course components.
Course Expiration:
All sessions of the NATA 77th Symposia On-Demand must be completed by December 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
For full details, refer to the expiration policy on our FAQ page.
Shaniece Jackson, DAT, LAT, ATC
Dr. Jackson, an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Philadelphia Eagles, is a dedicated athletic training professional with a strong background in exercise science, sports medicine, and athlete care. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology from Shippensburg University in 2016, where she also competed on the Women’s Basketball team and discovered her passion for athletic training. Dr. Jackson went on to complete her Master’s degree in Athletic Training at Florida International University in 2018 and earned her Doctor of Athletic Training degree in August 2021.
From 2018 to 2020, she served as the Head Athletic Trainer for Doral Academy Preparatory School. Dr. Jackson has also been deeply involved in professional service, including roles as the NATA District 2 Representative and Co-Chair of the District 2 Young Professionals Committee (2021–2023) and as a member of the PATS Concussion Taskforce (2022–2025). She currently serves on the PFATS External Education, Research, and Communication Committees, as well as the NATA PRAT Professional Values Work Group.
Adriana Pena, DAT, LAT, ATC
Dr. Adriana Pena is an Athletic Trainer who works at Florida Christian School (FCS) in Miami, FL. She is a wife and mother of a beautiful boy. She earned her MS in Athletic Training from Florida International University in 2019. She pursued her Doctor in Athletic Training from A.T. Still University, which she earned in 2022.
Dr. Pena is the founder of the Sport Medicine Program at Florida Christian School. She helps students find their passion as she guides them through different healthcare careers. Her goal is to empower and support student-athletes while recovering from injuries. Adriana leads with purpose, balancing her passion for health and education with her commitment to her family.
