The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) is proud to announce that Pinky Cole Hayes will serve as the official ambassador for the 2026 Food Lion CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament.
As a Baltimore native, celebrated restaurateur, community advocate and cultural influencer, Pinky brings a special blend of hometown pride and entrepreneurial excellence — embodying everything CIAA stands for.
From Slutty Vegan to HBCU Ambassador: Why Pinky?
Pinky Cole Hayes isn’t just known for her food empire — which includes the wildly popular plant-based restaurant chain Slutty Vegan (plus Bar Vegan) that started in Atlanta and now spans New York, Dallas, and Baltimore — she’s also a voice for opportunity, creativity, and community uplift. Her journey is rooted in hustle, purpose, and a commitment to making big ideas accessible.
Beyond business, she leads The Pinky Cole Foundation — a philanthropic initiative devoted to uplifting underrepresented communities and helping aspiring entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality. This mission aligns beautifully with the spirit of CIAA and the broader HBCU network.
Hayes, a Jamaican-American business leader who has grown her vegan restaurant chain from its Atlanta origins to locations across the country—including Baltimore—embodies the drive and resilience that the CIAA celebrates. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker notes, “Pinky Cole’s journey mirrors the pride, perseverance, and purpose we aim to foster through the CIAA. Her ties to Baltimore, her entrepreneurial success, and her dedication to community make her an ideal ambassador as we return the tournament to Charm City in 2026.” It's an opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate what makes our community strong.
What to Expect: Games, Events, and Lasting Impact in Baltimore
Let's talk about the details that make this tournament a must-attend. Scheduled for February 24–28, 2026, at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, the event features 22 competitive men’s and women’s basketball games that showcase top talent from HBCU programs. Beyond the court, there's a complimentary two-day Fan Fest with engaging activities, an Education Day and Career Expo for professional development, Greek Night with step shows, official concerts, and lively day parties. It's more than just sports—it's a chance to connect, learn, and build networks.
Thanks to the CIAA's ongoing partnership with Baltimore through 2029, this tournament continues to be a cornerstone for economic and cultural growth in the region. Tickets are on sale now at CIAATournament.org, and don't miss the Black Friday promotion from November 28 to December 1, 2025, offering $50 off Weekend General Admission with code CIAA. Hayes herself shares, “Baltimore is where my foundation was built—it taught me fearlessness, independence, and hard work. Serving as the 2026 CIAA Tournament Ambassador feels like a homecoming, and I'm eager to bring that energy to this meaningful event.” Whether you're cheering for your school or soaking in the atmosphere, this is an experience that inspires.
About the CIAA
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), established in 1912, is the oldest African American athletic conference in the United States, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. Comprising 12 member institutions, including Bowie State University, Virginia State University, and Winston-Salem State University, the CIAA organizes 14 championship events each year that attract over 150,000 attendees. Honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, the conference promotes athletic competition while fostering pride, community engagement, and leadership development within the HBCU landscape.
About Pinky Cole Hayes
Pinky Cole Hayes is a Jamaican-American entrepreneur and philanthropist best known as the founder of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, innovative plant-based restaurants that appeal to a wide audience with flavorful, accessible options. Starting in Atlanta, her brand has expanded to cities like New York, Dallas, and Baltimore, emphasizing inclusivity in vegan dining. Through The Pinky Cole Foundation, she supports education and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Learn more about her work at iampinkycole.com or follow her on Instagram at @pinkycole for insights into her journey.
