In an effort to recognize women like Randle who are committed to achieving their dreams, organizers of Marshall’s annual Women of Color program asked her to serve as the 2016 keynote speaker. The program will take place at noon tomorrow in room BE5 in the Memorial Student Center on Marshall’s Huntington campus, according to LeKesha Taylor, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life at Marshall and one of the event’s organizers.
“We are excited to continue this program that has such a proud history of celebrating Women of Color and their contributions on this campus and in our community,” Taylor said. “Caronica Randle represents the next generation and we want to celebrate the footsteps of those who are influencing the future generations of women of color.”
Randle, a self-proclaimed small-town girl from Arkansas, said she is elated to be given the opportunity to address the women within the Marshall University community.
“We need to understand our power as women. We have come so far and have done so many amazing things to get to where we are today,” Randle said. “When I deliver my keynote, I want the audience to know that sometimes minor setbacks can become major comebacks. I want them to realize how far positive recognition can go and how it can serve to motivate those around us.”
Randle will join Sandra Clements, director of Disability Services, Maurice Cooley, associate vice president of Intercultural Affairs, and several student leaders who will share remarks during the Women of Color program. A special recognition will be made posthumously of Fran Jackson and her contributions to the Women of Color program. A lunch buffet will be provided by Marshall’s Dining Services for all in attendance.
To learn more about the Women of Color program, contact program organizers: LeKesha Taylor at 304-696-6208, Lisa Allen at 304-696-4637, Lisa Martin at 304-696-2495 or Leah Tolliver at 304-696-3112.
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Photo: Caronica Randle, assistant coach for the women’s basketball team at Marshall University, will serve as keynote speaker for the 2016 Women of Color program. Randle has been a part of a staff that led Marshall to its first-ever postseason win (WBI victory over Northern Kentucky) and helped recruit the 52nd-ranked recruiting class in the 2014 early signing period.