WASHINGTON, D.C . --- Howard University student-athletes participated in a ‘Skills for Success’ Seminar on campus at the University Blackburn Center last Sunday.

More than 220 student-athletes were in attendance to listen to messages on how to achieve success off the playing field and court.

The keynote speaker for the event was the Rev. Al Sharpton, President of the National Action Network (NAN) and host of MSNC's Politics Nation, who brought home the importance of leadership and how it translates into success.

Rev. Sharpton was followed by Marcus Bright, Executive Director of Education for a Better America.  Bright's message to the student athletes was to maximize their experience through the use of the available tools and resources at their disposal.

The final speaker at the event was Brian J. Olds, Diversity and Inclusion Diversity Consultant for Aerotek, who spoke on the importance of creating your brand.

The seminar was coordinated by Zaneta Ivy, Assistant Athletic Director for Student Services and the Howard Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which is comprised of two student-athletes from each sport.

"This is one of a series of seminars we will be conducting for the student athletes here at Howard," Ivy said.  "We are trying to help enlighten them on the leadership skills that they will need to be successful following their collegiate careers."

Aaron Harrison, Howard's SAAC President and a senior Track and Field/Cross Country student-athlete, was one of many that were thankful for the insight they received during the event.

"[Everyone's messages] were very impactful and uplifting," Harrison said. "Their words stuck with me and reminded me that no matter where you come from, you can always exceed expectations and get to where you want to go."