Sally Nnamani: Champion of change through sports

In the bustling arena where sports and social impact collide, one woman stands out like a star player on game night. She is a social entrepreneur with a knack for community building. Meet Sally Nnamani , the Co-Executive Director of PeacePlayers US, whose life’s work is to use the power of sports to build thriving communities with youth leadership at the epicenter.

Written by: Katy Rodriguez Botello

Sally's Initial Journey

Sally's journey reads like a playbook for making a difference. Armed with a degree in Political Science and International Affairs, Sally found herself at the intersection of global issues and sports. During grad school, she interned at the Joint Office of the International Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations, where she discovered the game-changing role of sports in fostering social justice. That "aha" moment lit a spark in her soul.

PeacePlayers: Where Sport Meets Impact

Reflecting on her athletic journey and the possibility of combining her interests in social impact, sports, and international affairs, Sally decided to volunteer at a local girls-serving organization. This experience led her to embark on a two-year fellowship with PeacePlayers - Northern Ireland , where she used sports as a tool for peacebuilding in a society deeply affected by conflict.

Upon returning to the United States, Sally didn't just dribble her dreams away. She rallied the troops and helped spread the PeacePlayers movement to five cities across the nation. Her goal was to get down to the grassroots, where real change takes place. Sally’s vision came into reality.

One of her most significant achievements was when PeacePlayers International was awarded the prestigious Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award at the NBA Hall of Fame Ceremonies. This recognition highlighted the organization’s incredible work in using sports to make a difference in some of the most divided and marginalized places in the world.

Sally's Leadership Playbook

When it comes to scoring big in the game of community change, Sally has a playbook full of winning strategies. She emphasizes the importance of listening, collaboration, understanding power dynamics, and embracing diverse perspectives. These are the principles that guide her every day.

But it hasn't all been slam dunks and victory laps for Sally. As an introvert, the thought of public speaking once terrified her. Yet, she faced her fears head-on, turning speaking engagements into platforms for influence and progress. Today, she commands the stage like a seasoned MVP, using her voice to inspire and mobilize others.

Sports as a Catalyst for Change

As Sally sees it, we've only scratched the surface of sports' potential to drive positive change. While games have long been synonymous with fun and connection, Sally envisions a future where programs like PeacePlayers unleash the full potential of sports to transcend divides, unite communities, and foster a generation of young leaders.

Sally Nnamani's tale is one of passion, resilience, and the boundless potential of sports to shape a better world. Through her tireless efforts with PeacePlayers and beyond, she proves that anyone – regardless of background or fears – can step up to the plate and become a true changemaker. So, let's lace up our sneakers, grab our jerseys, and join Sally in the game of making waves, one hoop at a time.

You can learn more about Sally and her incredible work here.

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