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ZsaZsa Lawson Named To CCAA Diversity & Inclusion Committee

Collage of ZsaZsa Lawson

In conjunction with the committee co-chairs San Francisco State Faculty Athletic Representative Nicole Bolter and Cal State LA Director of Athletics Daryl Gross, the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) has announced the composition of the newly-formed Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball assistant coach ZsaZsa Lawson will represent the Broncos on the conference's newly-formed committee. She has also been a driving force in creating the Cal Poly Pomona Bronco Athletics Racial Equity Sub-Committee along with assistant track & field coaches Darrell Smith Jr. and Joseph Blue, associate head men's basketball coach Damion Hill, and head coach for strength & conditioning Chase Sanders.

Created in June 2020 in response to nationwide movements to combat systemic racism, the CCAA committee will examine ways that our conference can not only talk about the issues that cause division, but have a direct impact on the future of our institutions and our communities in direct and actionable ways.

Each of the conference's 12 member-institutions has one voting representative on the committee, joining Bolter and Gross as well as the CCAA staff, who serve as ex-officio committee members.

"We are pleased to announce this committee of amazing people that want to make a difference in terms of global solutions, Gross said. "I'm grateful for their willingness to share their experiences and ideas to create a platform for impactful, positive, social change. We are truly encouraged that this group will set a tone of fairness, diversity and inclusiveness that adds to student-athlete welfare and the greater good."

"This committee presents an opportunity for us to deeply examine our commitment to racial and social justice in athletics, and implement changes that result in greater equity and inclusion," adds Bolter. "The individuals chosen for this committee are impressive and represent a mix of student-athletes, coaches, and administrators, both in and outside athletics. Plus, we will have the opportunity to talk about issues across 12 institutions, which will inevitably lead to more comprehensive solutions. I am proud of the CCAA for making this committee a reality, and am excited to get to work."