Our ADVISORY BOARD

Chelsey Thul, PhD, is an award-winning scholar on the topics of social justice and health equity, youth empowerment, and physical activity. She is a senior lecturer in the School of Kinesiology and an affiliated scholar of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport at the University of Minnesota. Thul received her PhD in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota with an emphasis in sport & exercise psychology and a minor in prevention science. She completed a two-year post-doctoral fellowship in Interdisciplinary Research in Child and Adolescent Health in the Department of Pediatrics, as well as completed the Health Equity Leadership and Mentoring Program in the Program in Health Disparities Research –both in the University of Minnesota’s Medical School, before coming back to the School of Kinesiology as Teaching Faculty in 2015. 

Thul received the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development’s Women’s Philanthropic Leadership Circle Award and Community Outreach and Engagement Staff Award, and a Girls in Sport Hero Award from the Cedar-Riverside Athletic Association for her commitment to inclusion and empowerment leading to success for all girls and women.

Jennifer Weber (Coach Weber), BA, began her career as a special education early childhood care provider 30 years ago. For nearly half of her career, she worked in her Native American community as an educational advocate. The other half has been as a highly respected teacher, mentor and coach in the Cedar Riverside Neighborhood. Her coaching career has gone hand in hand with her teaching career starting in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis as a recreation and club coach for basketball, volleyball, softball, and track. She quickly moved into coaching at the high school level and built a successful program at PACT in Anoka. Then, she returned to college at Augsburg University where she was assigned service learning for her course work and decided to stay close to campus at Cedar Riverside Community School. 

Her outstanding contributions to community building and sport have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Minnesota Vikings 100 Women of Distinction Award, U of M Tucker Center Youth Coach of the Year, Spirit of Augsburg Award, AdVenture Capital National Social Entrepreneurship Award, and the City of Minneapolis Public Health Hero award. Most consider her “Coach Weber” because of her many hours in the gym coaching basketball from the little dribblers to the adults, but in her heart and mind she is an educator, connector, and a fierce advocate for opportunities.

Zubeda Chaffe, a University of Minnesota alumna, earned her bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing Education last year. During middle and high school, she participated in basketball and track, fostering her passion for sports and community involvement. Currently, she serves as a Youth Pathways Coordinator at Pillsbury United Communities, helping high school students plan for life after graduation, whether that means pursuing college, internships, or skilled trades. Zubeda’s deep connection to the Cedar Riverside community, which she’s been part of for over a decade, was shaped by the support and resources she received from the Brian Coyle Center.

In addition to her work with Pillsbury United, Zubeda assists local businesses in Cedar Riverside through the West Bank Business Association, offering technical support. She also enjoys her work as a canvasser with Our Streets, contributing to various community initiatives. Zubeda’s involvement in a co-design research project to develop culturally sensitive sportswear for Muslim girls was one of the most significant moments of her journey. As one of the selected participants, she played an instrumental role in creating modest apparel that aligned with the cultural and religious needs of Muslim women, which was deeply meaningful to her. Zubeda’s accomplishments also include being one of only two recipients of the Best the Odds award and earning recognition as a Dell Scholar. She is passionate about community-driven work, particularly initiatives that empower women and girls. Through education, sports, and research, Zubeda remains committed to creating opportunities that help the next generation of women thrive and succeed.

Mako Tula is a dedicated college student and athlete, serving as the head coach for the girls' high school basketball team at Higher Ground Academy. Known for her passion for sports and mentorship, Mako seamlessly balances her academic and athletic pursuits while fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for her team. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes teamwork, resilience, and personal growth, making her a beloved figure both on and off the court. Mako is driven by her aspiration to continue coaching and inspiring the next generation of athletes, helping them unlock their full potential and achieve their dreams in sports and beyond.

Suhaila is a dynamic and accomplished former athlete who excelled in basketball and has seamlessly transitioned her passion for sports into a burgeoning career in sports marketing and content creation. Currently enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a degree in Business Management, Suhaila combines her rich athletic experience with a strong foundation in business principles to make a meaningful impact in the sports industry. Throughout her basketball career, Suhaila developed a deep understanding of the importance of storytelling and brand building within sports. This has fueled her enthusiasm for creating compelling content that not only engages audiences but also fosters a deeper connection between athletes, teams, and their communities. Her approach is rooted in authenticity, aiming to highlight the diverse narratives within sports and to promote inclusivity and empowerment through her marketing efforts.

At the University of Minnesota, Suhaila has honed her skills in strategic planning, digital marketing, and brand management, preparing her to navigate the dynamic landscape of the sports industry. She is committed to leveraging her education and experience to develop innovative marketing campaigns that resonate with both traditional and digital audiences. Suhaila’s long-term vision is to become a leading figure in sports marketing, using her expertise to elevate the visibility of athletes and sports organizations, particularly those that champion diversity and inclusion. Her dedication to excellence, combined with her creative flair and strategic insight, positions her as a trailblazer in the evolving world of sports marketing.