HAMPTON, Va. (July 18, 2025) … Three Hampton University women's basketball players are enjoying a special summer internship this week as they are in Indianapolis to work during the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

Tyra Kennedy, Diamond Wiggins and KiKi McElrath were selected in conjunction with Mielle to work with different departments throughout the weekend with the game at Indianapolis' Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, July 19.

The WNBA and Mielle are teaming for the inaugural social impact focused on HBCU students. This program is set to immerse a group of students into the WNBA landscape, providing access and chances to learn from the fastest growing and top women's sports league. Mielle is passionate about closing the pipeline from HBCUs students who are interested in or play sports to getting firsthand experiences in the professional sports industry.

HBCU Event Interns will shadow a Manager/Mentor in a specific department and be introduced to other key members of that department for more shadowing opportunities. They will also participate in various professional development opportunities throughout the week while learning what role their department plays in producing events/programs for AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025. Departments that may have an event intern for the AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 Indianapolis are: Player Development, Content/Marketing, Streaming, Events, or Marketing Partnerships.

The players learned of the internship program from Hampton head coach Tamisha Augustin. The trio were part of a group that applied and, after two rounds of interviews, were selected as the first group in the internship program. The three will depart Hampton on July 15 and will spend five days in Indianapolis working in different areas.

Kennedy will be working in league operations. A Tampa, Fla., native Kennedy said, "I want to thank the WNBA and Mielle for this amazing opportunity. I'm so excited that we will be able to be part of the internship program."

A Norfolk, Va., native, Wiggins said, "As a journalism major, I'm looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and learning how to effectively utilize social media. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the WNBA at the All-Star Game which will give me experience in a professional setting."

A Columbus, Ohio native, McElrath is a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. "This is a professional opportunity where I can learn more about the roles different departments play in putting on a major event like the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game," she said. "I will be working in the marketing area which fits perfectly as a business management major and it will also give me the chance to network with other professionals."
 
About Mielle Organics
Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle is a popular Black-founded, woman-led global beauty brand that is rooted in natural ingredients. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating healthier ingredients as its "roots-to-results" approach, Mielle Organics' collection of beauty products is designed for Black women. Their products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart.