CALDWELL, N.J.- Caldwell University cross country and track and field junior Justice Baskin (Jersey City, N.J.) participated in the NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum that was held in Washington, D.C. last month. Baskin is part of Caldwell's Student Athlete Advisory Committee.
 
"A key take away from the forum is that diversity is having everyone on your team but inclusion is having everyone play," said Baskin. "A big part of the being a leader is effectively communicating, meaning not only speaking but also actively listening and being aware of others around you. Overall the experience was more than just networking, it gave me a plethora of tools and skills I can use not only with my team but in life to ensure success."
 
The NCAA Student-Athlete Leadership Forum engages a diverse and dynamic representation of student-athletes, coaches, faculty and administrators. Student-athletes selected to attend the forum return to campus with invaluable leadership skills, the experience of exploring the relationship between personal values, core beliefs and behavioral styles, and a thorough understanding of the NCAA as a whole, the different divisional perspectives and the valuable role of Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). The Leadership Forum, created in 1997, has been a life-changing experience for more than 5,000 student-athletes, many who have grown personally and professionally, gained a new network of peers and friends, as well as felt the rewards and importance of community service.
 
The keynote speaker was Curtis Hill, who is one of the rising stars on college campuses across the nation. In addition to the various workshop sessions, Baskin participated in community service by assisting the Covenant House in assembling winter goods to empower, safeguard and serve the homeless, disconnected, and exploited young people in the Greater Washington region area.
 
"Curtis Hill is a great speaker that can engage with a diversified audience," said Baskin. "He gave the best Diversity and Inclusion keynote I have witnessed yet. His personality gives him the advantage to capture the attention of young adults while keeping them engaged through current events. He was very energetic and funny and kept the audience on their toes."