Saying Yes to Service
In honor of Pride Month, throughout June, NATA Now is highlighting members of the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee and their impact on the profession.
Volunteering often starts with a simple request for help. For Kelly Griffin-Brown, MS, NHLAT, ATC, her leadership journey began when her coworker, then president of the New Hampshire Athletic Trainers' Association, asked her to serve as social media chair.
Since that first volunteer opportunity, Griffin-Brown has taken on leadership roles at the state, district and national levels. She has worked to foster environments where ATs feel welcomed, supported and empowered to contribute. Along the way, volunteering has expanded her professional network, strengthened her leadership skills and deepened her commitment to giving back to the profession – something she encourages others to experience as well.
“Don’t underestimate the value of your voice or experiences,” she said. “The profession grows stronger when more people are willing to share perspectives, ideas and solutions that can help others.”
In this Q&A, Griffin-Brown reflects on her volunteer journey, the importance of representation in leadership and the lessons she has learned while giving back to the profession she loves.
What inspired you to pursue athletic training, and what was the moment you knew this was the profession for you?
I was drawn to athletic training because it combined so many things I value. Health care, athletics, education and relationship building are just a few of the amazing things about this profession. I loved the idea of being able to help people through difficult moments while also keeping them connected to the activities they love. The moment I really knew this was the profession for me was when I saw the impact athletic trainers can have beyond injury care. Supporting someone through recovery, helping them regain confidence and being a consistent advocate for them showed me how meaningful this profession truly is for so many.
What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?
My first volunteer role was serving as the social media chair for the New Hampshire Athletic Trainers' Association. I got involved because the person I worked with was the president at the time and asked if I would help. Seemed like a great way to meet people and get connected to athletic training in a new way. I wanted to collaborate with others who were passionate about moving the profession forward and giving back in meaningful ways. I also wanted to contribute to a profession that has given me so much joy and friendship.
Tell us about your current volunteer position and what you hope to accomplish in this role.
Currently, I feel beyond blessed to serve in a volunteer leadership role focused on advocacy, education and fostering inclusive spaces within athletic training as the District One representative for the NATA LGBTQ+ Advisory Committee. I value the opportunity to help amplify voices, support meaningful conversations and contribute to creating environments where everyone feels respected, welcomed and supported. In this role, I hope to help create opportunities for meaningful dialogue, professional development and mentorship. I want individuals to feel empowered to bring their authentic selves into the profession while also helping athletic trainers feel more confident and prepared to care for all our patients.
I am also honored to serve on the District One DEIA Committee, which has been working to present throughout our district at various events while also reviewing state paperwork to ensure inclusive language. Additionally, as the NHATA Secondary School Committee chair, my committee and I have been working to connect athletic trainers across New Hampshire secondary schools to collaborate on and review emergency management practices.
Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?
Representation in leadership matters because it helps people feel that they belong and that their perspectives are valued. When leadership reflects diverse experiences and identities, it leads to more thoughtful decision-making, way stronger advocacy and more inclusive environments for both providers and patients. It also allows younger professionals and students to see pathways for themselves within the profession and recognize that their voices matter.
How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally?
Volunteering has helped me grow tremendously in confidence, communication and leadership. Professionally, it has expanded my network, exposed me to new ideas and strengthened my desire to give back. Personally, it has reinforced the importance of service, empathy and using your voice to support positive change. It has also been an amazing experience to observe presentations and learn how to effectively communicate and share information with others while doing my best to emulate the many amazing people I have the opportunity to collaborate with.
What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?
One of my favorite memories has been participating in our town halls at the NATA conventions. These conversations created spaces where people felt comfortable openly sharing their experiences and perspectives. Seeing individuals feel supported, heard and connected reminds me why service and advocacy matter so much. Those moments of genuine connection and community are incredibly rewarding. As a committee, we also have a whole lot of fun and share plenty of good times together along the way.
What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession?
Start where you are and say “yes” to opportunities, even if they feel small or scary at first. Every contribution matters, and volunteering is one of the best ways to grow your network, strengthen your leadership skills and make invaluable contributions to our profession. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the value of your voice or experiences. The profession grows stronger when more people are willing to share perspectives, ideas and solutions that can help others.
