The Foundation (1993–2014)

Our legacy began in 1993 through the foresight of our visionary, Dr. Deborah A. Williams. Alongside Melinda White and Vanessa English, who helped found the Women of the NBPA, they established a collective voice for the families of the professional basketball world.

From its earliest days, the organization was driven by a dual mission: to provide a vital support system for its members and to engage in meaningful charitable work. For over twenty years, the association—which formerly operated under the name Behind the Bench—focused on community outreach and nurturing the well-being of families. This foundational era proved that the collective influence of basketball wives could be a powerful force for social good.

The Bridge to the Future (2015)

The year 2015 marked a pivotal turning point. Recognizing the need for a more transparent and institutionalized structure, a dedicated Interim Board was formed to lead the organization through a legal and operational restructuring.

The interim board that transitioned the original structure to a formal public entity consisted of Board President Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Vice President Mia Wright, Treasurer Donna Harris-Lewis, and Interim Secretary Renee Taplin-Jones. This critical “bridge” year was managed day-to-day by Interim Executive Director Latrisha Winston-Reid, who ensured the organization remained mission-focused while the foundations for our current chapter were being laid.

A Reimagined Era:
The 501(c)(3) Milestone (2016–Present)

In 2016, the organization achieved its most significant milestone: it was formally re-incorporated as the National Basketball Wives Association and secured its status as a 501(c)(3) public charity. This formalized era provided the legal and structural framework necessary to scale our impact on a global level.

Mia Wright served as the first Board President of this reimagined chapter (2016–2021) alongside Vice President, Tomi Rose, Treasurer Donna Harris-Lewis and Secretary Renee Taplin-Jones, successfully reclaiming the NBWA name and establishing the governance and brand identity we carry today. A new NBWA logo was created and trademarked, and a professional advisory board was established to provide strategic guidance and external expertise, support the governing board and leadership in fulfilling its philanthropic mission, and expand its corporate network.

In 2021, Sabrina Galloway assumed the role of Board President, further professionalizing our charitable reach and expanding our mission to focus on economic stability, youth development, and health equity.

Advancing Operational Excellence

To sustain this growth and ensure the long-term success of its mission, the NBWA Board of Directors recently appointed Tanya Bell Mckinzie as Executive Director. A 25+ year veteran of the nonprofit sector and a distinguished fundraiser, Mckinzie brings a wealth of leadership experience to the organization. In her role running the day-to-day operations, she works in tandem with the Board to translate the association’s vision into measurable, global results.

Celebrating 10 Years of the Formalized NBWA

This year, we celebrate ten years of our mission as a public charity. Today, the NBWA stands as a testament to the power of women of influence. We remain dedicated to the same spirit of service that began in 1993, now strengthened by a decade of structured, high-impact work that continues to change lives in the communities we call home and across the globe.