WNBA icon Candace Parker has taken on a significant new leadership role, she’s been named Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors at the Pro Athlete Community (PAC), making her the organization’s first female to hold that title.,

Founded to support professional athletes in transitioning to life after sports, PAC boasts a network of over 1,600 athletes. Parker will work directly to amplify opportunities for women athletes and ensure equal representation within the organization’s network.,

“For many professional athletes, retirement marks the start of a brand-new chapter, one that can be full of opportunity, growth, and reinvention … What PAC is doing is truly transformational for athletes.”, Candace Parker

What Her Role Will Involve

• Guiding PAC’s strategy to expand education, business-opportunity, and mentorship programs for athletes.
• Leading initiatives to empower women in sports, a demographic often underserved during and after athletic careers.
• Collaborating with PAC Co-Founders Chip Paucek and Kaleb Thornhill to scale the organization’s reach and impact.

Why This Appointment Matters

Parker’s appointment marks a milestone in athlete leadership and Black excellence:

• It highlights the growing recognition of women athletes as not only competitors, but strategic leaders and change-makers.
• Parker’s stature in sports gives PAC increased visibility and influence, especially in communities of color where athlete representation matters.
• Her move into advisory leadership signals a trend of athletes leveraging their platforms for generational impact beyond the court.

Looking Ahead

As Parker assumes her new role, expect to see PAC roll out targeted programs, especially for former and current women athletes seeking to pivot into business, activism, or media. Her leadership will be watched by peers, sponsors, and brands seeking authentic voices driving equity and excellence in sport and business.