Women’s History Month: Leaders in Athletics | Natasha Harrigan

Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recognizes the vital contributions women have made to advancing our great nation. During Women’s History Month, we are honored to celebrate those women— the trailblazers of the past, the heroines of the present, and the torchbearers of the future. Did you know that APS has nine women serving as athletic directors and leading athletics programs across the district? Help us celebrate these women in leadership roles bringing excellence to athletics for APS!

Meet Natasha Harrigan, the athletic director at Benjamin E. Mays High School.

“Don’t feel pressured to shrink who you are to fit into spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Instead, help reshape those spaces. Stay rooted in your values, lean into your unique perspective, and continue to open doors for those coming behind you.” —Natasha Harrigan

Q: What is your background in athletics, and how did that prepare you to become a leader/ athletic director?

My background in athletics began as a student-athlete, where I learned firsthand the values of perseverance, teamwork, and discipline. One of the most defining moments in my athletic journey came during high school when my team lost in the 6A state championship as a junior in high school. That experience was heartbreaking, but it also became a turning point for me. It taught me how to handle adversity, stay focused, and work even harder.  As a senior, we came back and won the state championship.

I began my coaching career at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in APS, where we won the Girls Basketball Championship in my first year. After the school closed, I transitioned to Carver High School, coaching Volleyball, Track, and Girls’ Basketball for five years— earning some big wins along the way. I later spent three years at Cedar Grove High School in DeKalb County, Ga., before being invited to lead the Girls Basketball program at Benjamin E. Mays High School. We’ve had an incredible run there, including an undefeated regular season, Region and APS championships, and consistent trips to the state playoffs, reaching the Elite 8. These victories have meant so much more because of the journey it took to get there. It showed me the power of resilience, leadership, and unity. I’ve carried those lessons with me into every role I’ve held since, whether as a coach, mentor, or now, as an athletic administrator. 

That journey helped prepare me to lead with empathy, grit, and vision. I understand the highs and lows our student-athletes experience, and I’m committed to creating a program that not only builds champions on the field and academicians in the classroom but also leaders for life.

Q: What are some obstacles women have to overcome to become leaders in male-dominated areas?

A: Women pursuing leadership roles in male-dominated areas often face a range of obstacles, including gender bias, limited representation, and unequal access to opportunities. We may have to work harder to prove our credibility and earn the same respect automatically given to our male counterparts.

Additionally, the lack of female mentors or role models can make the path to leadership feel isolating. I can remember a time when there were only two female athletic administrators in Atlanta Public Schools. Now, there are five of us. That shift is more than just numbers; it’s a sign of progress, representation, and the breaking down of barriers in a field that has long been male-dominated. It’s encouraging to see more women stepping into these leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and a deep commitment to student-athlete development. It also reinforces the importance of visibility because when young women see someone who looks like them leading with strength and purpose, they begin to believe they can do it too.

Q: Do you consider yourself a role model? If so, why, and why is female mentorship so important in a male-dominated field?

A: Yes, I do consider myself a role model, especially for young women, and more specifically, young Black women who are aspiring to lead in spaces where we are still underrepresented. Representation matters, and sometimes just seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership position can spark the belief that it’s possible.

I take that responsibility seriously, because I know I’m not just leading for myself, I’m leading for the ones coming behind me. Every decision I make, every challenge I overcome, and every door I walk through is a chance to hold it open for someone else.  We need spaces where we can be seen, supported, and poured into by those who understand the unique challenges we face. Mentorship provides not just guidance, but confidence, community, and accountability. When we mentor, we create a cycle of empowerment that strengthens the entire industry.

One quote that speaks deeply to this is from Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” That’s the energy I bring into every room, and it’s the mindset I hope to pass on to the next generation of strong, fearless women ready to lead.

“We still have work to do, especially in creating more seats at the table, ensuring fair opportunities, and challenging the systems that keep women from rising. So, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s also commit to mentoring, supporting, and advocating for one another. Because when one woman rises, we all rise!” —Natasha Harrigan