BAL and Speak Up Africa Launch Second Edition of Women’s Mentorship Program at NBA Headquarters

In a groundbreaking event at the NBA headquarters in New York, the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and Speak Up Africa launched the second edition of their joint mentorship initiative, “Teaming Up: African LeadHERs meet BAL4HER.” The program is designed to empower the next generation of African female athletes and aspiring sports industry leaders by pairing them with influential female executives in sports.

This year’s edition will mentor 10 young African women, offering them a unique opportunity to work closely with leaders who have shaped the sports landscape both on and off the court. The program focuses on promoting gender equality, fostering leadership, and integrating public health advocacy into sports development. Running from November 1, 2024, to June 1, 2025, this mentorship will feature personalized learning experiences, goal-setting sessions, and hands-on workshops to equip the mentees with the tools to succeed in the African sports industry and become advocates for women’s issues.

Bringing Together Leaders in Sports and Advocacy

This year’s mentors include a prestigious group of industry leaders:

• Laeticia Amihere (WNBA player, Atlanta Dream)
• Chrysa Chin (Executive Vice President, Strategic Relations, National Basketball Players Association)
• Ashley Combs (Senior Director of Player Marketing, Excel Management)
• Aicha Diop (Director of Marketing, BAL)
• Allison Feaster (Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth, Boston Celtics)
• Dr. Kensa Gunter (Director of Mind Health, NBA)
• Ebony Hoffman (Assistant Coach, Seattle Storm)
• Dr. Ndidi Onyejiaka (Mental Health Professional, Chicago Sky)
• Jamila Wideman (Senior Vice President of Player Development, NBA)

The event highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping the future of African sports and emphasized the role of women as drivers of change in the industry. The program will also focus on public health issues affecting women and girls, encouraging mentees to become advocates for these critical matters.

BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall expressed his enthusiasm for the program’s continued growth, stating, “‘Teaming Up: African LeadHERs meet BAL4HER’ reflects the BAL’s commitment to supporting the development of young African women who will shape the future of the sports industry on the continent. As we continue our efforts to advance gender equity, we look forward to once again collaborating with Speak Up Africa to pave the way for a more inclusive, dynamic, and health-conscious basketball community.”

Fireside Chat: Insights on Gender Equality and Responsibility in Sports

One of the event’s most impactful sessions was the fireside chat moderated by sports broadcaster Ros Gold-Owunde, which featured NBA legend Joakim Noah and WNBA star Hamchetou Maiga.

Joakim Noah advocated passionately for gender equality in sports, emphasizing that “Women deserve the same opportunities men have.” Reflecting on his ongoing charitable work across Africa, Noah expressed pride in his African heritage, stating, “Building courts, I am always very proud to be African and do my part.” He also spoke about his One City initiative, a basketball league he founded in Chicago aimed at fostering community. “It’s not to create the next pro, but to come together and do it right, in the name of sports,” he explained.

Hamchetou Maiga contributed her insights on how basketball has impacted her life, noting its ability to nurture leadership and resilience. “Basketball has so much impact: you become a competitor, a leader,” Maiga said, underscoring the sport’s profound role in character development.

Panel Discussion: Leadership and Mentorship in a Growing Sports Ecosystem

The event also featured a panel discussion on “African Female Leadership and the Power of Mentorship,” which included prominent voices like NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. Akamanzi emphasized the responsibility that comes with leadership roles, stating, “You can be shaping destinies; you have to be careful with how you use the opportunity and the privilege of leadership.” She also stressed the need for equal opportunities for women and the importance of mentorship in empowering future female leaders in sports.

Akamanzi’s reflections resonated throughout the day’s conversations, reinforcing the critical role that women play in advancing gender equality and leading the charge for transformative change in Africa’s sports landscape.

Building on Success: A Platform for Empowerment

Founder of Speak Up Africa, Yacine Diop, echoed these sentiments, adding, “Basketball is more than a game. It is a powerful catalyst for social change. Through ‘Teaming Up: African LeadHERs meet BAL4HER,’ we’re igniting a movement that intertwines sports, gender equality, and health. These young women leaders will break barriers on the court and in boardrooms, champion critical health issues, and inspire millions across Africa.”

An Immersive Learning Experience

The mentorship program will provide mentees with hands-on learning opportunities, including the chance to visit their mentors in their home countries. This in-person experience will allow them to witness firsthand how female sports leaders operate in their environments, broadening the mentees’ networks and giving them direct insight into the industry’s inner workings.

The launch event also featured the Speak Up Africa LINGEER Exhibition, a powerful photo exhibit designed to drive greater inclusion in basketball by showcasing the impact of women across various roles and functions in the sport.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Originally launched in 2023, the mentorship initiative continues to build on its strong foundation, amplifying the voices and impact of African women in sports. The program’s second edition promises to create even greater opportunities for young women leaders to rise, bringing with them the vision and drive to shape the future of the African sports ecosystem.