Joanne Pasternack from Laureus USA joined Roy Kessel and Sports Philanthropy Network on Radio Row at the Super Bowl. Joanne shared her insight into the transformative power of sports philanthropy and how organizations can leverage sports as a tool for social impact and youth development. With her extensive experience in community engagement and corporate social responsibility, she discussed the importance of strategic partnerships and programs that create meaningful change in underserved communities.
Joanne Pasternack
Joanne Pasternack is a distinguished philanthropic strategist with over two decades of experience in community engagement and social responsibility. Throughout her career, she has held influential roles with prominent organizations, including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, and Special Olympics. In these positions, Joanne led philanthropic programming, fundraising events, and corporate social responsibility initiatives, earning accolades such as ESPN’s Humanitarian Sports Team of the Year and recognition in SportsBusiness Journal’s Women of Influence.
In January 2025, Joanne was appointed Executive Director of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA, where she leverages her extensive expertise to harness the power of sport in uniting communities and improving the lives of youth nationwide. Her leadership focuses on elevating strategic fundraising efforts, optimizing program delivery, and fostering relationships that champion the organization’s mission.
Joanne’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania, a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University, and completion of the Executive Program for Non-Profit Leaders at Stanford Graduate School of Business. She also serves as an adjunct professor at institutions such as Georgetown University, the University of San Francisco, and Johns Hopkins University, sharing her knowledge and passion for social impact and community engagement with the next generation of leaders.
Laureus Sport for Good USA
Joanne Pasternack is a dynamic philanthropic strategist with over two decades of experience in community engagement and social responsibility. She has held influential roles with internationally recognized organizations, including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco 49ers, ServiceNow, City of Mountain View, and Special Olympics. During her twelve seasons in the NBA and NFL, Joanne led philanthropic efforts, serving as Vice President of Community Relations for the Golden State Warriors and Executive Director of the Warriors Community Foundation. She also held the position of Vice President and Executive Director of Community Relations and the 49ers Foundation for the San Francisco 49ers, and served as Executive Director of the Golden Heart Fund, supporting 49ers alumni in need.
In January 2025, Joanne was appointed Executive Director of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation USA. In this role, she leverages her extensive expertise to harness the power of sport to unite communities and improve the lives of youth nationwide. Her leadership focuses on elevating strategic fundraising efforts, optimizing program delivery, and fostering relationships that champion the organization’s mission.
Joanne holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, a JD from Santa Clara University, and completed the Executives in Non-Profit Leadership program at Stanford Graduate School of Business. She is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, the University of San Francisco, and the SEIC program. Beyond her professional endeavors, Joanne is actively involved in her community, serving on the nonprofit boards of organizations such as Special Olympics of Northern California/Nevada, Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), Positive Coaching Alliance, SPKN, Wender Weis, and Beyond Sport. She also contributes to corporate boards, including the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC), iSport360, SeventySix Sports Advisory, Applied Silver, Change, and GeniusApp. In 2020, she was elected to the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee USA Artistic Swimming Board. Joanne is a vocal advocate for gender parity, abilities inclusion, LGBTQIA+ rights, leadership for girls, and, in memory of her father, Bruce Pasternack, research around younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
WATCH INTERVIEW
0:00 – 0:20 – Roy Kessel welcomes Joanne Pasternack, the new Executive Director of Laureus. Acknowledges her long-standing relationship with Sports Philanthropy Network.
0:36 – 1:09 – Joanne discusses a recent event focused on using sports to connect and empower youth. Collaborations with brands like Dove and Gatorade emphasize confidence-building in kids.
2:04 – 2:31 – Laureus originally aimed for 20 Sport for Good cities by 2020 but adjusted the plan. Currently active in New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago, and New York, with plans to expand into 3-5 more cities.
3:28 – 4:03 – Laureus focuses on collaborative impact rather than competing with other nonprofits. Engaging with organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and Girls on the Run.
4:32 – 5:10 – Evaluating cities based on youth needs, lack of funding, and professional sports partnerships. Field visits and assessments will determine future locations for expansion.
5:16 – 6:08 – Upcoming staff retreat will evaluate when Laureus should lead initiatives versus when to support existing organizations. Some cities may have full staff, while others will operate as satellite locations.
6:18 – 7:00 – Small grants ($5,000-$10,000) often lack sustainable impact. Focus is on long-term investments that create lasting community change.
7:12 – 8:06 – Laureus’ Global Ambassadors include top athletes from various sports. Engaging athletes in advocacy helps amplify messages and connect with youth.
10:12 – 11:09 – Partnership with Dove and other brands provides sports bras and hydration education. Recognizing that comfort and confidence are essential for young girls to stay active in sports.
15:18 – 16:03 – Praises the NFL’s commitment to hiring diversity and working with HBCUs. Emphasizes the importance of breaking barriers and building a more inclusive leadership structure.
