Opening Doors for the Next Generation

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15, NATA Now, in collaboration with the NATA Ethnic Diversity Advisory Committee, is highlighting some of our state, district and national leaders and sharing insight into their drive to give back to the profession. 

A nudge from a colleague to fill a vacant volunteer position in 2013 turned into more than a decade of service for Joe Mora, MA, LAT, ATC. His volunteer journey with the New Mexico Athletic Trainers’ Association has grown into a commitment to leadership, mentorship and strengthening the profession. 

As NMATA president, Mora is focused on creating systems and initiatives to support athletic trainers and their patients while also building a strong foundation for the association’s future, with the ultimate goal of leaving the profession better than he found it.

“As a Hispanic leader in the athletic training profession, I hope to serve as a positive role model for the next generation of athletic trainers,” he said. “I want younger professionals to see that leadership opportunities are attainable and that their voices and perspectives are valuable.”

In this Q&A, Mora reflects on how volunteer service has shaped his personal and professional growth, the people who have influenced his journey and his goals as a state association leader.

What inspired you to pursue athletic training, and what was the moment you knew this was the profession for you?

My high school athletic trainer inspired me to pursue a career in the profession. During my junior year, I enrolled in his sports medicine class as an elective and immediately developed a passion for athletic training. That experience solidified my decision to pursue the field, and I never looked back. Following high school graduation, I went directly into an athletic training education program to begin preparing for my career.

What was your first volunteer position within the athletic training profession and why did you get involved?

My first volunteer leadership position was serving as the southern representative for the New Mexico Athletic Trainers’ Association in 2013. I was encouraged to run for the position by the NMATA president at the time, as the association needed to fill a vacant seat. After some gentle encouragement from colleagues and mentors, I agreed to step forward, not fully realizing where the opportunity would lead.

That decision marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to volunteer service. Since then, I have remained actively involved in volunteer leadership roles and have continued to seek opportunities to contribute to and support the athletic training profession.

Tell us about your current volunteer position and what you hope to accomplish in this role.

As the current NMATA president, my primary goal is to establish a strong strategic foundation that future leaders can build upon. I want to strengthen and formalize the association’s policies and procedures while ensuring that I leave NMATA in a stronger position than when I began my term.

Two of our current priorities are particularly important to the future of the profession in New Mexico. First, we are working to renew the New Mexico Athletic Training Practice Act to ensure continued regulation and protection of the athletic training profession within the state. Second, we are actively working to have New Mexico join the states that have adopted the Athletic Trainer Compact, which would improve licensure portability and increase opportunities for athletic trainers to practice across state lines. 

Ultimately, my goal is to create sustainable systems and initiatives that will support NMATA’s continued growth, strengthen the profession and benefit athletic trainers and the patients we serve throughout New Mexico.

Why is representation in leadership important and how does it impact the profession?

Representation is incredibly important in leadership because it allows others to see themselves reflected in positions of influence and service. As a Hispanic leader in the athletic training profession, I hope to serve as a positive role model for the next generation of athletic trainers. I want younger professionals to see that leadership opportunities are attainable and that their voices and perspectives are valuable.

My hope is that through my involvement and example, I can inspire the next generation to become engaged, volunteer their time and give back to the profession. Ultimately, I want to help create a culture of service and leadership that continues to strengthen and advance athletic training for years to come.

How has volunteering helped you grow personally and professionally? 

Volunteering has played an important role in my growth as a professional. It has given me the opportunity to work alongside passionate and dedicated individuals, build relationships with new people, exchange ideas and develop a strong sense of partnership. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable skills that extend beyond volunteer service and have positively influenced my professional and everyday life.

On a personal level, volunteering has helped me step outside of my comfort zone and grow as an individual. As an introvert, it has challenged me to become more confident in engaging with others and has strengthened my ability to communicate effectively. These experiences have not only made me a better professional but have also helped me become a more confident leader.

What’s your fondest memory of serving so far?

The best memories I have from my career all involve people – the individuals I have had the privilege of meeting through the various roles I have held, the athletic trainers I have had the opportunity to mentor and help grow, and perhaps a few whom I may have inspired along the way.

Just as importantly, I am grateful for the people who have challenged me, supported me and helped me grow as an athletic trainer and as a professional. Many of them have served as mentors, colleagues and sources of inspiration throughout my career.

When I reflect on this journey, I realize that it has always been about the relationships I have built along the way. Those connections, and the people who have been part of my professional journey, are what I will value and remember most.

What advice do you have for other athletic trainers who want to give back to the profession? 

Find a way to volunteer and become involved in your profession, whether at the local, state, district or national level. Reach out to your professional association and find a committee that aligns with your interests and expertise. Consider running for office, serving on a committee or simply volunteering behind the scenes. Every contribution has value.

There is tremendous satisfaction in helping our patients return to the sports and activities they love. However, there is perhaps no greater professional reward than giving back to the profession that has provided us with so many meaningful opportunities. By becoming involved, we not only strengthen our profession but also help create opportunities for those who will follow us.