CSC Voices: Why We Belong is provided by the CSC Inclusion CommitteeHost Dawnisha Franklin interviews Jalen Brandy, an athletic communications assistant at Buffalo State University, about belonging in college sports communications. Jalen defines belonging as feeling meant to be in an industry, discusses personal buy-in to the long, unorthodox sports schedule, and explains professionally adapting to different teams and keeping creativity alive. He shares challenges shifting from a public relations agency mindset and fan perspective to a broader, stakeholder-focused approach. Jalen describes how being a person of color in predominantly white spaces shaped his ability to navigate discomfort and make his voice respected, motivating his move from corporate PR to the college sports world. He highlights Buffalo State’s diverse culture, ways he signals representation through social media and writing, hopes to create a support group for athletes of color, values relationships with student-athletes, and advises listeners to trust their gut when making career changes. 00:00 Meet Jalen Brandy00:44 What Belonging Means01:59 Personal vs Professional Fit04:45 Early Challenges Adjusting08:15 Identity Shaping Career11:43 Building Campus Engagement13:35 Leading By Example15:05 Visibility Through Culture17:13 DEI Culture And Traditions20:53 Support Group Vision23:10 Proud Moments With Athletes26:31 Trust Your Gut Advice28:14 Closing Thanks And Wrap