As conversations surrounding equity and opportunity in women’s sports continue to gain national momentum, Howard University women’s basketball is ensuring that Black women remain firmly at the center of the movement. 

Through its 100 Women for Howard initiative, the Bison women’s basketball program is mobilizing advocates, alumni, and supporters to increase investment in student-athletes and address longstanding funding disparities that disproportionately impact women’s programs at historically Black colleges and universities. The team will host a special 100 Women for Howard event Saturday, Feb. 21, featuring a fireside chat with Jaia Thomas, Esq., founder of Diverse Representation and a nationally respected advocate for Black women in sports and entertainment. 

The event will bring together women leaders from across industries who share a commitment to strengthening Howard women’s basketball and expanding access, resources, and exposure for Black female athletes. 

“As the conversation surrounding women in sports continues to take center stage, it’s imperative that Black women are not left behind,” Thomas said. “I’m thrilled to support 100 Women for Howard and its continued efforts to highlight and increase investment in Howard women’s basketball.” 

The fundraiser shines a spotlight on the challenges facing women’s athletic programs at HBCUs, which often operate with significantly fewer resources than their predominantly white institution counterparts — despite competitive success and strong national visibility. 

“Studies show that HBCU women’s athletic programs are significantly underfunded,” Thomas added. “I’m excited to support 100 Women for Howard in its efforts to close the economic gap and ensure that young women basketball players at Howard are afforded the same opportunities as their counterparts across the country.” 

Funds raised through 100 Women for Howard directly support program development, student-athlete experiences, and long-term sustainability, helping Bison continue to compete at a championship level while preparing young women for success beyond the court. 

Championing Black Women in Sports 

With more than 15 years of experience in sports and entertainment law, Thomas has built a career centered on advocacy, access, and equity. Her work includes negotiating and structuring agreements across television, film, publishing, licensing, and digital media for artists, athletes, creators, and studios. 

She has been quoted as a legal expert in publications such as The New York Times and USA Today, and her scholarship has appeared in respected journals focused on sports, media, and intellectual property law. 

Thomas is the founder of Diverse Representation, an organization dedicated to increasing the hiring and exposure of Black agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists within the sports and entertainment industries. Since its launch, Diverse Representation has partnered with major companies including Netflix, NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. Discovery. 

The organization also created National Black Women in Sports Day (July 7), the first such observation dedicated to celebrating Black women in sports. Programming and activations have taken place at NASDAQ in New York and the White House in Washington, D.C. 

Building the Future 

The 100 Women for Howard initiative reflects the university’s continued commitment to excellence, equity, and empowerment through athletics. By uniting alumni, supporters, and industry leaders around a shared mission, the program is creating sustainable opportunities for Howard women’s basketball to thrive — on the court, in the classroom, and beyond. 

Through collective investment and community support, Howard University continues to strengthen pathways for Black women to lead, compete, and succeed at the highest levels. 

Get information on how to attend the event here.