China Jude never set out to be a trailblazer. Her sole focus was seizing opportunities that allowed her to uplift others.
Yet, while focusing on making an impact through her tireless work, dedication, and passion, Jude naturally accrued numerous noteworthy “firsts” throughout her illustrious career in sports.
While proud of these achievements, they don’t define her.
Starting her coaching career in 1999 as UNC Wilmington’s volleyball coach made Jude the first woman of color head coach in any sport at that institution. A few years later, Jude was the Coppin State men’s basketball head strength coach, making her the first woman of color in the athletic department’s strength and conditioning role.
Jude’s amazing career was just getting started.
Leading the Cheyney University and Queens College athletics departments for 11 years, Jude was the first woman of color to serve in both of those roles. At Queens, she shattered another barrier by becoming the first person of color to serve as athletic director.
Moving to the University of Wyoming, she continued her trailblazing as the first woman and person of color on the senior leadership team as the senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator. Transitioning to the Denver Broncos, Jude made history again as the first woman of color in a senior leadership role, serving as the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Reflecting on her journey, Jude remarked, “It was never my intent to be a trailblazer; it has always been my intent to amplify the voices of women of color. We are not looking for an explanation; we push for amplification!”
A beacon of excellence, the 1994 Alabama State graduate has been a pillar of strength, wisdom, and empowerment during her career. Beyond her groundbreaking achievements, Jude is an expert in the field of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across higher education and the professional sports industry and finds joy in serving others.
Among some of Jude’s numerous career accolades are being named to the 10th annual Sports Business Journal (SBJ) Game Changers: Women in Sports Business Class of 2020 and being selected as the 2019 Women Leaders in College Sports Nell Jackson Administrator of the Year.
In addition, Jude served on the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Committee and was the president of the Minority Opportunities Athletics Association (MOAA). She is also the former chair of the NCAA Minority Opportunities Interest Committee (MOIC) and founder of the Women of Color (WoC) Athletics Director network. Jude was also named to USA Today’s 2022 list of the 50 Most Influential Black People in Sports and part of CORE’s 2022 100 Most Influential Blacks Today.
Rather than simply inhabiting the world, Jude sees it as a canvas for change, using her leadership roles to break down barriers, transcend racial and gender barriers, and create opportunities for others. While her “firsts” are worthy of celebration, Jude’s true fulfillment lies in contributing to her community and assisting others achieve their dreams through her enthusiasm, leadership, inspiration, and influence.
Rather than simply inhabiting the world, Jude sees it as a canvas for change, using her leadership roles to break down barriers, transcend racial and gender barriers, and create opportunities for others. While her “firsts” are worthy of celebration, Jude’s true fulfillment lies in contributing to her community and assisting others achieve their dreams through her enthusiasm, leadership, inspiration, and influence.
