PeacePlayers and the Candace Parker Foundation Announce Landmark Partnership to Launch Candace Parker Academy and Advance Global Girls Campaign “When Peace Wins”
June 23, 2026
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Los Angeles, CA — PeacePlayers is proud to announce a new partnership with the Candace Parker Foundation, establishing the Candace Parker Academy at PeacePlayers, a signature leadership initiative designed to develop both grassroots and competitive high school female athletes. The partnership is a key component of PeacePlayers’ global girls campaign, When Peace Wins, a movement to expand access, leadership, and opportunity for girls through sport worldwide.
Anchored in Candace Parker’s leadership journey and iconic basketball career, this collaboration represents a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of young women. The partnership comes to life through three integrated pillars that reflect Candace’s leadership and impact at the local, national, and global levels:
Candace Parker Academy at PeacePlayers (Local Impact – Los Angeles):
A transformational, year-round leadership and athlete development program serving high school girls in Los Angeles. Through structured sessions that combine basketball training, mentorship, and leadership development, participants build confidence, resilience, and the skills to lead on and off the court. The Academy launched May 1 and creates a close-knit cohort experience while also serving as a pipeline into broader PeacePlayers opportunities.
PeacePlayers Girls Summit – Presented by the Candace Parker Foundation (National Impact):
A national convening that brings together young women from across the United States for immersive leadership development through sport. The Summit provides a platform for skill-building, mentorship, storytelling, and connection—amplifying girls’ voices and strengthening a nationwide network of emerging leaders.
Global Ambassador for “When Peace Wins” (Global Impact):
As a global ambassador, Candace Parker will help connect local investment in Los Angeles to a broader international movement. Through key events and storytelling moments, she will elevate the importance of access to sport for girls worldwide and support PeacePlayers’ work across the United States, South Africa, Northern Ireland, and the Middle East.
At the heart of the partnership, the Candace Parker Academy at PeacePlayers will serve as a flagship model for girls programming — one that can grow to reach more communities globally. Participants will not only develop as athletes but also serve as peer mentors and leaders within their communities, carrying forward the values of excellence, teamwork, and service.
“We believe athletes are among the most powerful champions for our game and are uniquely positioned to inspire the next generation of young leaders,” said Sally Nnamani, Chief Partnerships Officer. “We take great pride in partnering with the Candace Parker Foundation to build the Candace Parker Girls Academy at PeacePlayers, an innovative leadership experience that combines lessons from Candace’s Hall of Fame career and her leadership ethos to develop more future leaders on and off the court.”
About PeacePlayers
For twenty-five years, PeacePlayers has used the power of sport to bridge divides and develop leaders in communities around the world affected by conflict and social division. Founded in 2001, the organization operates year-round programs across the United States, the Middle East, South Africa, and Northern Ireland, reaching more than 5,000 youth annually—over half of whom are girls. Through basketball and leadership development, PeacePlayers equips young people with the skills to build connections, foster understanding, and create lasting change in their communities.
About the Candace Parker Foundation
The Candace Parker Foundation is committed to empowering girls and young women through sport, mentorship, and leadership development. Inspired by Candace Parker’s journey as a champion athlete and leader, the Foundation works to expand access and create opportunities for girls to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose—on and off the court.
