Why I Started New League Magazine
People often ask me, “Why a men’s magazine?” And honestly—it’s personal.
I fell in love with football at two years old, sitting in my father’s lap in his favorite recliner. I didn’t know the rules, but I felt the connection. It was ours. That time with him meant everything. He was steady, strong, full of quiet wisdom—the kind of man who led by example.
In 2006, I lost him to ALS. It was one of the hardest chapters of my life. Since then, I’ve been looking for ways to honor his legacy—not just through awareness, but through impact. We started by creating annual issues of the magazine in support of the Walk to Defeat ALS. That was just the beginning.
Starting this magazine was my way of creating something he would’ve been proud of. As a Drill Sergeant in the 82nd Airborne and a graduate of both Howard University and Virginia Commonwealth University, he believed in discipline, integrity, and heart. Those values are baked into every page of New League Magazine.
Years later, I’ve watched the world change—and I’ve seen how young men, especially young men of color, still struggle to find positive role models. As a woman of color raising a son in these uncertain times, I’ve felt the weight of having to protect and guide our boys. Many of us are forced to wear both hats—mom and dad. And while women are strong, I believe our young men still need examples of what it means to be a good man.
I’ve been fortunate. I grew up surrounded by men I admired—my father, my uncles, my mentors. I created New League Magazine to celebrate those men. The ones who work hard, lead with integrity, raise families, build businesses, overcome adversity, and make an impact. The ones who don’t always get the spotlight—but deserve it. Men who can inspire the next generation just by being seen.
New League is my way of changing that. It’s a platform to honor successful men in business, sports, leadership, and life—not for fame, but for impact. It’s for the men who carry weight on their shoulders, who show up for their families, and who hustle to build a life of meaning. It’s for the young guys still figuring it out—and the seasoned ones passing on what they’ve learned.
This magazine is about giving them their flowers while they’re here. It’s about legacy—his, theirs, and now, mine.
Welcome to New League.
About Ilene Carol
The Visionary Force Behind the Mic, the Magazine, and the Movement
Ilene Carol is a multi-hyphenate creative and brand architect dedicated to helping others rise. As the founder and publisher of Women’s Quarterly and New League Magazine, she leads with a clear mission: to amplify voices, celebrate authenticity, and spotlight leadership in all its forms.
Her journey spans across industries—media, marketing, career development, and advocacy—creating a unique blend of experience rooted in purpose. She’s worked behind the scenes and in the spotlight, mentoring students at Virginia Commonwealth University, interviewing NFL players and public figures, and producing content that resonates deeply with her audiences.
Through her nonprofit, Extended Hugs, Ilene honors her late father’s legacy by supporting underserved communities with scholarships, outreach programs, and small business resources. She is also a passionate advocate for ALS awareness and mental health—two causes close to her heart.
Connect with Ilene on LinkedIn and Instagram to follow her work and stay inspired. Whether she’s on stage, behind a mic, or building platforms for others, Ilene Carol shows up with intention, integrity, and vision.
“Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
— Vince Lombardi