Kaila'Shea A. Menendez (she/her/hers)

Senior Director of Leadership Programming & Events

Kaila’Shea A. Menendez joined Women Leaders in College Sports in June 2017 as Events Coordinator. By June 2018, she advanced to the Director of Leadership Programming and Events and elevated to Senior Director of Leadership Programming and Events in January 2021.    

Menendez oversees the Women Leaders in College Sports National Convention and is responsible for the execution of all leadership programming and events including Women’s Leaders Symposium, Institute for Administrative Advancement, Leadership Enhancement Institute, Executive Institute, and DI NEXT. Additionally, she manages the Women of Color Initiative and is as an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Prior to joining Women Leaders, she served as Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives, Events & Community Engagement at the University of California San Diego. She developed strategies to promote and enhance athletic involvement on campus and throughout the La Jolla community. Menendez also served as Junior Triton Club Director and was charged to cultivate relationships with local organizations and community members to create revenue and partnership opportunities.

Before transitioning into intercollegiate athletics, Menendez was the Recreation Center Manager at Camp Pendleton (Las Pulgas) where she was responsible for overall facility operations and recreational programming and events for over 3,000 United States Marines.

Former basketball student-athlete and native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Menendez graduated from Western Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health & Physical Education. She also received her master’s degree in Physical Education and Exercise Science & Sports Administration from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, snorkeling, working out, and coaching recreational sports.

Follow Kaila'Shea on Twitter: @kmenendez22
Contact Kaila'Shea: [email protected] | 816.389.8200 ext. 10