J’Mia Byrd
J’Mia is a University of Georgia graduate and a former Division I student-athlete. She has an extensive background in athletics and academics; ranging from the youth to professional level of sports and in Secondary and Higher Education. J’Mia started her career as a Community Relations Intern for the Atlanta Falcons, while in college, and then went on to work in their Player Affairs Department. During that time she was also the Program Manager for the Mike Peterson Foundation. In addition, she dived into the youth sports world, serving as Team Manager for the Central DeKalb Youth Football Association and while there developed the Pros to Youth Initiative.
J’Mia then returned to her high school alma mater as a faculty member and during her time there helped assemble a team that brought the school its first ever State Championship in Cross Country. The team went on to win three consecutive state titles. From there, she went to work as a Higher Education administrator, serving as college access professional and student support coach.
Most recently, J’Mia completed her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Leadership, during which she gained valueable insight and knowledge that will aid in the work of New Breed. She considers herself a Student-Athlete Advocate, as her work with student-athletes takes place at the intersection of academics and athletics. The mission of her work is grounded in setting student-athletes up for sustainable success.
Given her vast range of experience, she is able to identify with the personal and professional challenges faced by athletes, on all levels. She has a drive and a passion for sports, a heart for athletes and an unyielding desire to give back to the community.
Stephanie FITZPATRICK
Stephanie Fitzpatrick, AKA “The Advantage Coach”, is a Certified Coach with a passion for athletics and athletic development. She has spent the past eight years as a Coach. During that time, she has worked alongside high school athletes, serving as the Chick-fil-A Academic Coach for four years; while also servicing collegiate and professional athletes, entrepreneurs and others. Stephanie has a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies, a MS in Human Services with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy, and an ICF Life Coach Certification. As a Coach, she excels at helping her clients develop a plan, determine the desired outcomes, execute the necessary steps, and ultimately reach their goals, as she serves as an accountability partner. Her compassionate and empathetic characteristics create a welcoming and productive relationship.
After becoming an Internationally certified Life Coach and spending many years educating, tutoring, and mentoring student-athletes, she made the decision to begin 7 Crowns Enterprises LLC/7 Crowns Coaching. She has group coached, facilitated workshops, participated in speaking engagements, and provided 1-on-1 sessions for six years. After meeting J’Mia Byrd in 2017, they instantly saw the benefit of joining forces to meet the needs of student-athletes. They continue to effectively work as New Breed Works in making a difference in the lives of high school athletes. Most recently, Stephanie joined forces with The Becoming Counseling and Wellness Center as a national provider for the newly formed Pro Football Hall of Fame Behavioral Health program, where she coaches former professional athletes, their families, as well as military veterans.
cord parks
Cord Parks is a former professional football player and current multi-faceted entrepreneur and speaker. His road to professional sports began at Stone Mountain High School where he played four years of football, as a running back and defensive back. His multi-sport high school career also included Track and Field for three years, in which he won championships.
As Cord transitioned to college, he chose to attend Northeastern University as an Engineering major. He shined on the football field as a cornerback for the Huskies. With consistently impressive numbers each year and an equally impressive track career from 2005-2007, placing high in the CAA Championships, that led to realizing a dream of becoming a professional football player. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Rams in 2009. His career spanned nine years and included time with the St Louis Rams, Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos.
After his football career, Cord made the transition to entrepreneurship. He has been operating a successful management services company for the past three years. His business, Kinnected Opportunities, allows him to work closely with influencers, entertainers, and athletes to increase their visibility and marketability. He ultimately makes their dreams and goals a reality.
As a former athlete, Cord is also passionate about helping other athletes avoid some of the pitfalls and struggles he experienced in his journey. He brings first hand knowledge and perspective to the student-athletes we serve through New Breed and his passion to equip and ensure their success is undeniable.