Rene Shingles, a retired faculty member from Central Michigan University, shared her experiences as one of the few African American women in the field of athletic training during the event "Navigating My Identity: A Pathway Into Navigating Who We Are in the World" on Feb. 24.

Shingles, who was one of 13 African American women certified as athletic trainers in the United States during the 1980s, discussed the challenges of working in predominantly white spaces and the importance of mentorship, cultural authenticity and self-advocacy.

The event, moderated by Imani Ellsworth, provided a space for students to reflect on their own experiences while learning from Shingles’ journey.

Shingles recalled her early career experiences, where she often found herself as the only Black professional at predominantly white institutions, including a small private college in South Carolina where she served as head athletic trainer.

She reflected on her journey of navigating spaces where her identity was challenged.

“Sometimes, when you're in certain spaces and people are challenging you with regard to what's happening, you have to understand, are you going to stand up for that or not?” Shingles said. “Are you going to stand up to what that looks like? Are you going to be willing to get in the pain for somebody or for something that you believe in?”

The incident Shingles recounted involved a player who was required to wear a knee brace due to an injury. During a game, the brace absorbed a hit, bending slightly but ultimately protecting the player from further harm. When the coach challenged Shingles’ decision to enforce the brace requirement, she responded by sending a professional letter to the coach, athletic director and university president, making it clear that her priority was the health and safety of her athletes.

Mark Hoover

Central Michigan professor Dr. Rene Shingles hands a microphone to an attendee during the Q & A section of the presentation on ‘Navigating Your Identity’ at the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium, in the Park Library, Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Attendees could ask questions directed toward Dr. Shingles about anything they heard during her speech. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)

Shingles highlighted the value of mentorship throughout her career, crediting her own mentors for helping her navigate racial and gender challenges.

“If you don’t have a role model, you need to find one, get one, snag one, bag, borrow or steal one,” Shingles said. “Because role models can help you navigate these issues. They come into your life for a particular reason at a particular time.”

Shingles also discussed strategies for maintaining cultural authenticity in predominantly white spaces, such as incorporating personal elements into her attire or office decor. She emphasized the importance of finding spaces where one can be affirmed and supported.

She reflected on the significance of standing in that space, acknowledging the sacrifices made by civil rights leaders.

"I got to stand in this space because there were people like Martin Luther King," Shingles said. "The Greensboro Four, those were the individuals who did the sit-ins in Greensboro, North Carolina, that helped start the civil rights movement. Some of them were hosed, kicked, beaten, bitten by dogs, and some even died so that I could stand here today and talk about my Blackness."

Shingles described the weight of that history, emphasizing how past struggles paved the way for present opportunities.

"That's heavy when you think about that and what it looked like, so that I can do the things I do today based on what was done then and how that was supported," she said.

She acknowledged the complexities of activism, noting that participation depends on personal circumstances.

"There are times when I absolutely think, 'Power to the people,' and other times, not so much," Shingles said. "You have to decide what that looks like for you because, in some spaces, it may not be safe. You have to decide whether or not you want to go into that space and what that may mean, and it's okay."

Students who attended the event connected with Shingles’ message, emphasizing the importance of finding community in spaces where diversity is limited. Hunter Moreland, a junior at CMU, reflected on her experiences as a Black student on campus.

“I think as a Black woman or a Black person on this campus in general, it’s a little hard to navigate," Moreland said. "They (CMU) promote it for us to think that this school is diverse, and it’s really not. It sort of lacks in that way.

"Trying to find my community is very important for me, and I love that Imani and Dr. Shingles actually touched on that because I have found a community now. But it’s still hard to be in a classroom and be the only Black person, but I take it as it is and do the best that I can.”

Moreland shared that she has found a sense of belonging through various student organizations on campus.

She is involved in several RSOs, including Soul Central. Moreland is also a member of the National Black Law Student Association, despite not being a law student, as she finds the club’s discussions interesting. Additionally, she was part of the Organization of Black Unity (OBU).

"I recently did a fashion show, which is out of my comfort zone for me, but I met a lot of people, a lot of different cultures, and it felt like a community," Moreland said. "And now Central is starting to feel like home the more I experience the university."

Elijah Lewis, a senior at CMU, described the event as one of the most impactful discussions on campus.

Mark Hoover

Central Michigan professor Dr. Rene Shingles speaks to students during the ‘Navigating Your Identity’ presentation at the Sarah and Daniel Opperman Auditorium, in the Park Library, on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)

"It felt very personable to the Black experience, talking about navigating through identity," Lewis said. "Something that every single person, every single student, every single Black student on this campus has to navigate. So I think it was important in that aspect."

Shingles discussed the balance between embracing one's authentic self and understanding the pressures of the environment.

“You find those places and spaces and what works for you, and you have to decide what that's going to mean, what it's going to do, and are you okay with that?" Shingles said. "Sometimes you're going to be okay with it, I'm going to wear my hair in braids, I'm going to dress the way that I like to. Other times, maybe not so much, and you have to decide what that piece looks like.”

Shingles emphasized the importance of first impressions and authenticity.

"As we say, you only get one time to make a first impression, so you have to think about what that might look like," she said. "How do you bring your authentic self? I am no less Black if I am wearing a suit, a dashiki, or blue jeans, I am no less who I am.

"I bring that to the table every day, and people see that, whether I want them to or not. So I get to decide how I'm going to show up in that space, how I’m going to look, and what I’m going to do."

Shingles also shared wisdom passed down from their mother.

"She always said, 'Leave them saying good things about you,'" Shingles said. "But every now and then, she’d also remind me, 'Don’t take my kindness for weakness.' Sometimes, you just have to exit stage left. You have to decide what that looks like for yourself."