O.U.R. Mothers Visit the NBA and NBPA Headquarters: A Day of Purpose, Partnership, and Progress

Members of O.U.R. Mothers, Inc. recently joined other NBA family organizations for an inspiring visit to the NBA and NBPA offices in New York City, hosted by Leah Wilcox. The trip offered meaningful conversations, renewed partnerships, and fresh opportunities to strengthen our shared mission of impact, family, and faith.

Building Legacy Through Connection

The gathering — known as the NBA Family Group Meeting — brought together O.U.R. Mothers, Fathers and Men of Professional Basketball Players, and the National Basketball Wives Association. It was a unique opportunity to connect with NBA leadership, learn about ongoing initiatives, and explore how each organization can collaborate to uplift families and communities across the country.

The visit reflected what O.U.R. Mothers stands for — empowering families, inspiring youth, and creating lasting change through collective action. Meeting face-to-face with NBA leadership and program directors offered powerful insight into how the league continues to advance social impact, equity, and opportunity on and off the court.

NBA Departments That Move the Game Forward

We met with several departments dedicated to driving progress across the NBA:

  • The National Basketball Social Justice Coalition promotes fairness and civic engagement across NBA markets.

  • NBA × HBCU supports scholarships, internships, and cultural celebrations through partnerships with UNCF and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

  • Social Impact & Inclusion ensures that every individual within the NBA ecosystem can thrive authentically through inclusive programming.

  • NBA Cares leads global service initiatives in health, wellness, and environmental responsibility.

The NBA Foundation has invested more than $141 million in programs supporting under-resourced youth, helping over 837,000 young people prepare for meaningful careers.

The NBPA and NBPA Foundation

We met with Erika Swilley, Executive Director of the NBPA, who emphasized the organization’s commitment to building stronger relationships between players, their families, and the communities they serve. Her leadership embodies how players can use their platforms to inspire change far beyond the game.

In alignment with players’ collective charitable investments, the NBPA Foundation has built an impressive portfolio of global impact. Its work includes youth development programs, disaster relief, social entrepreneurship, and court refurbishments — all designed to strengthen communities and create spaces of hope and opportunity. The Foundation’s efforts mirror our own belief that service is a legacy in motion.

“We left with a renewed sense of connection and a broader vision of how we can work together.”

The conversations provided a clearer understanding of how O.U.R. Mothers can collaborate with the NBA’s charitable initiatives and community programs, which align beautifully with our mission — and we’re eager to follow up on several of their partnership suggestions. Such as the HBCU Classic and NBA Cares during All-Star Weekend 2026.

NBA Family and Purpose

For O.U.R. Mothers, this visit was more than an educational experience — it was a moment of alignment and inspiration. The NBA’s dedication to community, mentorship, and social impact beautifully mirrors the heart of our mission: to uplift families, create meaningful change, and empower minds to change lives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Leah Wilcox and the NBA staff, as well as Erika Swilley and the NBPA team, for their hospitality, leadership, and meaningful dialogue. Their efforts to unite NBA families and strengthen community partnerships embody the same spirit of connection and purpose that drives O.U.R. Mothers, Inc. Together, we are helping shape a brighter, more equitable future — one built on unity, service, and shared vision.

Patricia "Paddy" Hibbert

FOUNDER/INTERIM SECRETARY, DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING

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A Seat at the Table: O.U.R. Mothers Meets with NBA Leadership