Institute Team

Dr. Richard Lapchick
Founder & President

Dr. Lapchick is a human rights activist, pioneer for racial equality, internationally recognized expert on sports and social issues…More

For over two-decades, Dr. Jeff O’Brien has been committed to harnessing the power and appeal of sport to create positive social change…More

Dr. Ashleigh Huffman
Vice President,
Global Engagement

Dr. Ashleigh Huffman will spearhead international initiatives for The Institute as the Vice President for Global Engagement. Prior to joining our team, Ashleigh was…More

Dr. Shannon Spriggs Murdoch
Vice President, Training & Education

For eighteen years, Dr. Shannon Spriggs Murdoch has been a global messenger committed to social justice.…More

Aaron Banfield
Director, Accounting and Logistics

Aaron Banfield has worked for the institute since 2013. He currently oversees the administration and finances of the organization. Aaron’s greatest…More

Spencer Bonahoom
Director, Huddle Up

Spencer Bonahoom joined the Institute full time in October of 2022, but he has been involved in the Institute serving as a Huddle Up trainer…More

Brittany Clay
Director, Communications

Brittany Clay will lead all marketing and communications efforts for The Institute as the new director of communications. Brittany is a seasoned public relations and…More

Whitney Tarver
Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Development

She joins our team after spending five years in higher education philanthropy and 13 years overall in intercollegiate athletic administration …More

Melissa McGlashan
Executive Assistant

Melissa McGlashan joined the Institute in 2024. Her professional experience includes positions as a writer, editor, researcher, analyst, project manager.…More

Rachael Denhollander, A Hero Among Us

How much is a little girl worth?

How much is a young woman worth?