EBONY’s Women’s History Month Changemaker Lauren Sills, head of operations for the NBA Foundation, leads this philanthropic arm with determination and compassion.
It’s Women’s History Month and we’re celebrating all women, particularly Black women. They are at the forefront of breaking barriers and changing the game in everything they do. Of course, it’s their magic!
Black women are truly remarkable. They possess incredible strength and determination that allows them to accomplish anything they set their minds to. This month, as we celebrate the achievements of Black women, we are thrilled to feature Lauren Sills, the head of operations at the NBA Foundation.
Celebrating the legacy of Black women, just as Sills envisioned, she emphasized the importance of focusing on the positive aspects of a legacy.
“It’s a beautiful opportunity to be recognized, and I’m really grateful,” Sills tells EBONY. In my industry of philanthropy and corporate social responsibility, it’s really rare to be recognized. The work that I do every single day—is focused on young people, our nonprofit organizations, and supporting and bringing resources to communities.”
Sills believes that Women’s History Month often overlooks the contributions of women who look like her. This realization inspired her to create opportunities for herself, starting with attending an all-girls high school and becoming a proud alumna of Spelman College. Through her education and she gained a deep understanding of Black womanhood and the untold stories of Black history. She learned about the inspiring, resilient and courageous women who have made significant contributions to society.
Sills spoke with EBONY, calling Black women leaders, change agents and caretakers of their community. It’s an important time to celebrate their impact and contributions to society, but she believes that this recognition should continue throughout the year and for generations to come.
Sills began her professional journey as a high school English teacher in the Teach for America program. She applied the lessons learned in the classroom to various roles in the US Senate, non-profit organizations, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Nike, and now the NBA Foundation.
Amidst the pandemic and the summer of social and racial reckoning, the Black Lives Matter movement gained national attention. In August 2020, the NBA announced the establishment of its first charitable foundation. Sills was the second person hired to launch this philanthropic entity.
“The NBA Foundation is focused on economic empowerment and career readiness for Black youth, ages 14 to 24,” Sills said. “In 2020, our Board of Governors pledged $300 million over ten years to Black Communities, and we recently reached an exciting milestone of awarding $100 million to over 200 nonprofit organizations across the U.S. and Canada.”
Sills’ responsibilities include managing the organization’s day-to-day operations, overseeing budgets and team strategy creating leaguewide programs that benefit young people.
She’s worked on big projects including the launch of the NBA HBCU Fellowship, a 10-week internship program for undergraduate and graduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She also worked on development of the Solveathon, which provides students the opportunity to learn about the business challenges of the NBA and pitch recommendations to NBA Executives. Additionally, she leads execution of the All-Star Pitch Competition, a program that provides capital, resources and mentorship to emerging entrepreneurs during All-Star weekend.
Image: courtesy of NBA Foundation
Image: courtesy of the NBA Foundation/Phoenix Suns.
Image: courtesy of NBA Foundation.
“The work we are leading is happening at a time when resources are becoming more scarce, especially for those who need it most,” Sills said. “Our organization is living up to the commitment, and we’re going forward in this direction.”
As a fourth generation, HBCU graduate and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Sills loves everything about being a Black woman.
“I feel, from the beauty of our Blackness to our charisma, style, swag and contributions, we are leaders in every sense of the word,” Sills said. “The way that we’ve been able to show up for our families and communities has been unmatched, so I am grateful to be a part of this community. Black women are known for their amazing support and encouragement of each other. They are always there for each other during tough times and push each other to take advantage of new opportunities. Black women form a tribe that inspires and empowers each other, which I find truly wonderful. It is a privilege to be a part of such a supportive community.”
She continued, “I’ve been able to see the bond and how integral sisterhood is … I’ve seen the impact that Black women have had and what we’ve had to do to take our families to the next level.”
Within her industry, Sills ensures she gives back to her community. “It’s essential, especially in my line of work,” she shared. “Our organization as a whole is a philanthropic entity, so it’s always about supporting others and giving back to our communities.”
Sills wants to leave a lasting mark in everything she does. That applies to companies showing up for every community. “It’s critical that companies are doing good in the communities where we live and work, and we are leaving the world a better place than we found it.”
The league has a long history of contributing to communities worldwide. While basketball may be the vehicle, the NBA is not just a sports league recognized for its basketball games. At its core, it is a multifaceted organization encompassing technology, events, media and philanthropy.
Sills has been working at the NBA Foundation for three years and is consistently learning every day. “I think it’s a rare opportunity and my biggest blessing to work for such a world-renowned brand and to be able to start something from the ground up,” she said, noting that it’s very rare in your professional career that you’re able to build something from the ground up to this magnitude. “I’m grateful I’ve had the opportunity to build, lead and influence.”
She lives by the quote, “To whom much is given, much is required,” which is a guiding principle in everything she does. While she’s recognized as a Changemaker, Sills sees her position as an opportunity. “Spelman cultivates—particularly for Black women and women of color—to be change agents in their community, to give back and to volunteer. It centers around community service and lifting as we climb,” she explained. “So, that principle is a reminder for me every single day to give back to communities like mine in a thoughtful and sustainable way.”
Video Credits:
NBA Foundation
