Athletes’ Voices Introduces MARCUS ALLEN (BBBSI) AS MODERATOR FOR SEASON THREE OF THE ATHLETES’ VOICES SPEAKER SERIES
MARCUS ALLEN - COMMUNITY ACTIVIST, ATHLETE, AND LEADER - ANNOUNCED AS MODERATOR FOR SEASON THREE OF THE ATHLETES’ VOICES SPEAKER SERIES
Allen to bring transformational conversations to the table in newly created role
WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 27, 2023 — Athletes’ Voices is thrilled to announce Marcus Allen as the moderator of Season 3 of the Athletes’ Voices Speaker Series. Since 2013, Marcus has served as the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBSI), the first Black CEO in BBBSI history. With almost two decades of experience in the non-profit sector, Marcus seeks to transform the lives of youth and develop leaders in his community. In addition to his role at BBBSI, he serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia Health Management Corporation. He was also appointed to the US Commision on Civil Rights in Pennsylvania and is a Senior Fellow for the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania. Marcus made his mark athletically playing basketball in college, professionally, and internationally and is a two-time inductee into the HBCU’s Paine College Sports Hall of Fame - in 2000 (individual inductee) and in 2014 (team inductee). At Paine, he studied computer science engineering before receiving a degree in psychology from Temple University. With his impressive background, philanthropic passions, and love of athletics, Marcus is the ideal moderator for the varied topics that will be covered during Season 3.
Enthusiastic about taking on this role, Marcus reflected on his shyness and fear of using his voice as an adolescent. He recounted how he considered foregoing the role of team captain at Paine College until his coach helped him lean into his fear of public speaking. Marcus credits this as a turning point in his life, saying “I’m so glad that he did that because it has been a major part of my leadership, of my growth as a human being.” Through his leadership lens, he sees Athletes’ Voices as “a means to provide that sense of growth for other athletes, combining both the athletic and human sides to speak on timely social issues of importance.” He emphasizes: “These athletes, these leaders, have the power to create movements, not just moments.”
Most recently, Marcus served as a panelist for Season 3, Episode 1, “The Value[s] of Sport.” When asked why he agreed to be the moderator, he shared the relevance of his community building work at BBBSI as well as his background in athletics. “That [connection to sports] is incomparable. [The Speaker Series] allows me to tap into a foundational part of my development.” Marcus is looking forward to the conversations he will be moderating, even the tough ones. “I’m someone who is unafraid to tackle the tough stuff,” he says, noting that he “sees the Speaker Series as a safe space for differing voices and is honored to be a spark to help others illuminate their lights, ultimately creating a ripple effect of impact.”
As for what’s coming this season, “Everything is on the table,” Marcus states. “I embrace the unknown… I am excited about what that can look like and what that can mean for Athletes’ Voices,” he continues.
To see Marcus in action, tune in for Episode 3 of Season 3 of the Athletes’ Voices Speaker Series - “The Zen of Sport: Mental Health, Wellness, and Social Connections” - on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at 5pm ET / 2pm PT. To register for this individual episode, visit here. To subscribe to the entire season, visit here.
About Athletes’ Voices
Athletes’ Voices is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional program for elite athletes seeking to enact social change by leveraging their public platforms. We offer content sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities relevant to an athlete’s philanthropic passion. Athletes also receive personalized playbooks with strategies to support their charitable work. Academic partners include: Arizona State, Benedict College, Brown, Central Florida, Columbia, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Harvard, San Jose State, Virginia Commonwealth Universities, and The Doug Williams Center at Grambling State and affiliated Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Athletes’ Voices is politically agnostic and cause agnostic.
