Our Team
As former NCAA athletes, we understand and appreciate the needs of the student athlete in creating and promoting their NIL while on the journey to becoming a professional athlete.
As experienced NIL professionals, we will assist the student athlete in capitalizing and protecting their NIL throughout that journey.
Contact us at: (703) 304-0298
OUR TEAM
Tara Sakraida Parker, Esq
CEO and Founder
Tara is an experienced business attorney, professional gift planner, and successful nonprofit fundraiser living in Washington, D.C. For nearly a decade, Tara handled sophisticated real estate finance and land use regulatory issues as a business attorney. Before moving to D.C., Tara served as Director of Gift Planning and Director of Major Gifts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she helped solicit and close one of the largest gifts to the UCLA College of Letters and Science.
Tara worked her way through college and law school, and earned a number of academic, vocal music, and debate scholarships which made higher education possible. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from Regis University, a Jesuit college in Denver, Colorado, and received a J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 2003.
Tara is a 5th generation Oregonian from rural southern Oregon, and her education was key in opening many doors. She strives to live the Jesuit’s motto and “act in service to others,” supporting a number of nonprofit organizations in the Washington, D.C. community.
Tara is a member of the American Bar Association, Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industry.
Shari Ulery
General Counsel
In her role as a U.S. diplomat, Shari implemented U.S. policy as part of leadership teams working in challenging and complex political and security environments in Latin America, Asia, and Africa and at the U.N. She worked closely with U.S. government leaders and elected representatives, and forged productive relationships with elected officials at all levels of government. As lead in multilateral negotiations and interagency working groups, she developed strategies to implement U.S. policy goals in international organizations, balancing competing interests from political, governmental and civil society groups.
In her role as general counsel, senior corporate counsel and executive in both private corporations and in Fortune 500 public corporations, Shari managed legal department budgets and personnel, corporate contracts and compliance, helped develop and implement corporate strategy and goals, and managed the successful conclusion of numerous complex projects such as mergers and acquisitions and corporate restructurings. Shari also was special counsel at a boutique law firm doing real estate, contracts, land use and oil and gas, and was a registered lobbyist.
Shari received an M.A. in International Relations from the Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver, a J.D. from Drake University and a B.S. in Spanish from Iowa State University.
Ronnesha Wingo
Coordinator of Athlete Acquisition & Community Outreach – Midwest Region
Ronnesha Wingo is a dedicated chemist from Saint Louis, Missouri, and a proud graduate of Dillard University, where she earned her degree in Chemistry. Her passion for science and commitment to excellence have shaped her professional journey as she continues to grow in the field. In addition to her work in the laboratory, Ronnesha plays a vital role in supporting her younger brother, Ryan Wingo, and other student-athletes as they navigate the complexities of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Her guidance and advocacy have helped young athletes make informed decisions as they pursue athletic and financial success. Motivated by her growing interest in policy and athlete representation, Ronnesha is preparing to further her education to attend law school.
Liam Dirlam
Creative Director
Liam is an Art Director/Video Editor/Sound Engineer with over 12 years of work experience at NYC-based marketing agencies, multi-media production companies, and post-houses. His client list includes Nike, Reebok, Ralph Lauren, Puma, Beats by Dre, Sony Music, Def Jam, Google, SiriusXM, Panasonic, Viacom, Nat Geo, Red Bull, Apple TV+, Netflix, and Hulu. Liam has worked closely with artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Wiz Khalifa, The Black Keys, and Kygo. He can also throw a football a quarter mile.
Grace Adamczak
Coordinator of Logistics and Athlete Services
She earned her undergraduate degree in 2024 from Old Dominion University, where she majored in Sports Management and Communications. She gained hands on sports experience working with the athletic department at ODU. During her time at ODU, Grace was actively involved in campus life as a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.
What is NIL
Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contracts and deals refer to agreements between athletes and third-party entities, such as brands, businesses, or marketing agencies, allowing these entities to use the athlete’s name, image, and likeness for promotional or commercial purposes. These contracts and deals are essential for soon-to-be ranked college athletes for several reasons:
- Monetization: NIL contracts and deals provide opportunities for athletes to monetize their personal brand and image. Athletes can earn money by endorsing products, making appearances, participating in marketing campaigns, and more.
- Financial Support: College athletes can use NIL contracts to supplement their income, helping to cover expenses such as tuition, housing, and living costs, which are not covered by athletic scholarships.
- Career Building: NIL deals allow athletes to start building their personal brand and reputation early, even before they enter professional sports. This can open doors to future opportunities and career options beyond athletics.
- Recognition and Exposure: Working with brands through NIL deals can significantly increase an athlete’s visibility and recognition, both nationally and within their sport. This exposure can boost an athlete’s marketability and career prospects.
- Education and Experience: By participating in NIL deals, athletes gain valuable real-world experience in marketing, negotiations, and business, which can be a valuable asset in their future careers.
- Fair Compensation: NIL contracts empower athletes to receive fair compensation for their hard work and talent, addressing concerns about the exploitation of student-athletes by institutions and organizations.
- Control over Personal Brand: Athletes can choose brands and deals that align with their values and personal brand, ensuring they are comfortable with the products and messages they endorse.
In summary, NIL contracts and deals are important for soon-to-be ranked college athletes because they provide financial support, career-building opportunities, recognition, and exposure while allowing athletes to control their personal brand and receive fair compensation for their talents and hard work. These deals empower athletes to make the most of their name, image, and likeness both during and after their college careers.