Ball affects lives
about
Ball Affects Lives seeks to drive equitable access to advanced sports opportunities and exposure by supporting underprivileged athletes in high-need communities to achieve their greatest potential in sports, education, and life. More than just a sports program, Ball Affects Lives is a way of life that leads by example to provide a framework that inspires participants to become better citizens in the world through dedication, determination, and discipline.
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With the support of our community, volunteers, and partners, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people and promoting a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and fairness in sports.
Meet the board
Joyce ekworomadu
Joyce Ekworomadu serves as the President on our board. Joyce is a retired professional basketball player and dedicated youth mentor whose inspiring journey spans the WNBA, European leagues, the National Nigerian Basketball Team, and the Harlem Globetrotters. As President of Ball Affects Lives, Joyce leverages her extensive athletic background and passion for empowering youth to drive impactful change through basketball.
She has traveled to over 40 countries, inspiring fans and players alike, and has spoken to more than 50,000 young people on topics such as bullying prevention, character building, and female empowerment. With a BBA in Marketing from Texas State University—where she achieved numerous records, including Southland Conference Player of the Year and scoring over 1,500 points—Joyce brings both expertise and a deep personal commitment to the organization. Her vision for Ball Affects Lives is rooted in her belief that basketball can be a powerful tool to inspire, educate, and transform young lives. Her vision inspired her to build a basketball court for the community in Nigeria, sparking passion for the sport amongst underprivileged youth as well as sponsoring athlete's to gain an education in America.
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Oluwafemi adefeso
Oluwafemi serves as the Vice President on our board.
Oluwafemi Daniel Adefeso is a Nigerian Sports Media personality, youth empowerment advocate, and social entrepreneur. He is the founder of the program Balls Activating Literacy and Leadership Foundation (BALL Africa), which mentors African youth and develops holistic athletes while growing the continent’s sports ecosystem. As the convener of the African Basketball Conversation, Femi unites African leaders to address challenges and create opportunities within basketball.
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Transitioning from a modest student-athlete career, Femi became a prominent sports journalist, hosting over 100 episodes of "The Basketball Arena" and contributing to major outlets like Supersport TV, BBC, and ESPN. He has covered five African Basketball Championships and key NBA events, including the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend. Femi’s dedication extends to volunteering with initiatives like Giants of Africa and the Nigeria Basketball Federation. He holds a degree in Human Kinetics, certifications in Sports Business Management and Fundraising. Sales and Marketing from the Lagos Business School and Philanthropy University.
Olayinka sanni
Olayinka Sanni is the Treasurer of our Board of Directors, bringing a diverse range of expertise and achievements to our team. As a QA Analyst for Bank of America, Olayinka leverages her analytical skills to drive quality assurance and operational excellence.
In addition to her role in finance, Olayinka is the founder and owner of Picnics in the Chi, a luxury picnic company renowned for its brand activations with top-tier companies such as McDonald's, American Apparel, La Mer, Jo Malone, Wilson, and Canva. Her entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have set new standards in luxury event experiences.
Olayinka's remarkable career also includes a prestigious athletic background as a 2008 WNBA Champion and an honored alumna of West Virginia University, where she is enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Her diverse accomplishments and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to our Board, providing strategic insight and visionary leadership.
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Takesha Dye
​Takesha Dye serves as the Secretary on our Board and is a committed member of the Grand Prairie Police Department. Her dedication to community service extends beyond her law enforcement duties, as she actively contributes to after-school programs through the TD Foundation. Takesha’s efforts are focused on providing valuable support and mentorship to local youth, helping to enrich their educational experiences and foster positive development. Her unwavering commitment to enhancing community well-being exemplifies her passion for making a meaningful impact.