On August 17th, the Level Up Series kicked off its first session, drawing the attention of over 70 athletes eager to enhance their personal branding and storytelling skills. The event featured insightful talks from industry experts, including Ronke Giwa-Onafuwa, who shared valuable knowledge on personal branding and storytelling, and Emmanuel Umoru, who provided practical strategies for branding and content creation.
Participants were not only engaged in listening but also had the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge through presentations. This hands-on approach ensured that the athletes could immediately put their learning into practice, setting the stage for their future success.
Looking ahead, the second session promises to be just as enriching, with speakers Brenan Breto of the Cleveland Browns and Tega Onojaife, Founder, Ladies in Sports International and Sports Presenter/Producer at Smooth FM, both of whom are set to discuss advanced branding and visibility in sports. This upcoming session will build on the foundation laid in the first, offering deeper insights and strategies for athletes to elevate their personal brands.
For those who registered but missed the first session, there’s good news: they can still join the next session. This inclusivity underscores the series’ commitment to providing all athletes with the tools they need to build a strong personal brand for long-term success.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Level Up Series and how it’s empowering athletes to take control of their personal branding journey.
About Gridiron Gems Initiative
The Gridiron Gems Initiative is the flagship female-focused program of the Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA) and Browns Nigeria, dedicated to advancing gender inclusion and unlocking leadership pathways for girls and young women in American football. Launched in 2025, Gridiron Gems exists to increase female participation in the sport not only on the field as athletes, coaches, and referees, but also off the field in leadership, media, and advocacy roles.
For more information, contact gems@nafa.ng