Foundation Friday: Empowering Entrepreneurs and Nonprofit Leaders for Success

When Robinson was questioned about his victory, he expressed, "Simply being a part of this competition was an incredible honor, as I feel like I've already achieved success through the mentorship and connections I've gained. Winning the award was just the icing on the cake." He emphasized that the acknowledgment from American Express and the NBA Foundation would have a profound impact on his life. "The platform we have developed is dedicated to assisting non-profit organizations in promoting themselves and creating positive change."

As the inaugural winner, Robinson added, “The ongoing work of the NBA Foundation and American Express is an example of the change they’re creating in the world.”

Reflecting on his experience at the 74th annual NBA All-Star Events, Robinson said, “I felt like a superstar. The NBA put contestants in commercials, and that made the people I know proud. The whole process was encouraging for entrepreneurs, and the support I received from the NBA staff, fellow contestants, and sponsors will last long after the competition. We weren’t just a side event—we were truly part of All-Star Weekend. That speaks volumes about who the NBA is as a community organization, both on and off the court.”

Driving Change Together

The NBA and American Express’ purpose-driven partnership extends beyond All-Star Weekend. In November, the NBA partnered with American Express and Common Purpose for the American Express Leadership Academy—a best-in-class program for global non-profit leaders that provides real-world insights from cross-sector leaders, tools for growth and connection to a powerful peer network.

The NBA Foundation tipped off day one of the Leadership Academy in New York City with an intimate fireside chat featuring Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum. Seventy-six nonprofit leaders across 10 countries throughout the Americas participated. The conversation reinforced driving change in organizations through establishing a clear purpose. Emphasizing the importance of leading with that purpose in mind.

Community Changemakers

On the third evening of the American Express Leadership Academy, Kathy Behrens – President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs at the NBA, gave remarks at the program’s Awards Reception. Behrens presented the NBA Foundation Community Changemaker Awards to three alumni from the Leadership Academy with $25,000 awards to their organizations. These alumni will utilize funding to support their current efforts in advancing economic opportunity for youth.

NBA Foundation Community Changemakers 2024 Winners:

Dr. Meisha Porter and the Center for Educational Innovation, which focuses on equity and innovation by working with school leaders, teachers, students, and families to create high-performing schools.Lasheena Williams, President of L.O.V.E. Our Youth, which provides programs and services to enrich the lives of children and adolescents in Central Florida.Charaun Cash, Executive Director of VOX ATL, a youth voice movement empowering teens to create a stronger, more equitable community through leadership and self-expression.

The NBA Foundation and American Express have joined forces to create leadership development opportunities for nonprofit leaders and increase access to capital for entrepreneurs. “The partnership with American Express has helped the NBA Foundation deepen our impact with nonprofit leaders and entrepreneurs. We are thrilled to have a mission-aligned partner join us in furthering economic opportunity in NBA markets.” – Genisha Metcalf Partnerships Lead, NBA Foundation.

“At American Express, we’re grateful to build on our ongoing partnership with the NBA Foundation and find innovative and aligned ways to enhance each other’s community impact initiatives – like our awards for local changemakers – whether they’re entrepreneurs or leaders of non-profits.” – Madge Thomas, Head of Corporate Sustainability, American Express.