The WNBA has honored Azurá Stevens of the Los Angeles Sparks with the prestigious 2024 Seasonlong WNBA Cares Community Assist Award. This accolade recognizes her considerable dedication to uplifting youth in Los Angeles and its surrounding neighborhoods through impactful community service and outreach initiatives.

Stevens, who has just wrapped up her impressive seventh season in the WNBA, has actively engaged in numerous local events throughout the 2024 season, which include:

• Air West Skills Clinic: On May 8, Stevens led a group of young aspiring basketball players through essential fundamental drills and held an engaging Q&A session, fostering skills development and confidence in the youth.
• Shoes That Fit Community Shoe Drive: On May 22, Stevens took part in a heartwarming event where she assisted in distributing 900 brand new pairs of shoes to the entire student body of South Park Elementary School, located in an underserved community of South Central Los Angeles, ensuring that every child walked away with a fresh pair of shoes.
• UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital Visit: On July 15, Stevens made one of her dedicated visits to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, spending quality time with patients, providing joy and comfort, and interacting with parents and nurses to uplift the spirits of those in critical care.
• Jr. Sparks x Shiekh Impact: On Aug. 10, Stevens participated in an inspiring Jr. Sparks x Shiekh Impact back-to-school event aimed at empowering over 100 young girls in Compton. Additionally, on Sept. 16, she helped host a clinic where she shared valuable insights on maintaining healthy habits, positively influencing the next generation.

On receiving the honor, Stevens expressed her heartfelt appreciation:

Community outreach is so important because, without a strong community, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The people around us help shape our identities, and where I grew up, my community played a huge role in making me the person I am today. I’m incredibly grateful to have been embraced by the Los Angeles community, and I’m excited to continue giving back and deepening my connection here. It’s an honor to be able to inspire, serve and impact the next generation, just as my community did for me.

In recognition of her remarkable achievement in receiving the 2024 Seasonlong WNBA Cares Community Assist Award, the league will contribute $20,000 to the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County in North Carolina, further extending the impact of her work.

How can ⁢community members get involved​ in supporting shoe drives and other programs aimed at helping children in need?

In ​Los Angeles, ensuring that every child had proper footwear for⁣ school⁤ and play.

• Summer Reading Program Launch: On June 15, Stevens partnered with local libraries to launch a summer reading program⁣ aimed at encouraging literacy and a love for reading‍ among children in the ‍community. She⁣ participated in several reading sessions and motivational talks, inspiring‍ students to engage with books over the summer break.

**Interviewer:** Today, we’re joined by Azurá Stevens​ of the Los Angeles Sparks, the recipient of the​ 2024 Seasonlong WNBA Cares Community Assist⁤ Award. Azurá, congratulations on this incredible honor! How does ‌it feel to be recognized ⁣for your work in the community?

**Azurá Stevens:** Thank you! It’s truly an honor to receive this award. I’m passionate about giving back to the community, especially to the youth, and it’s fulfilling to see how our efforts can make a difference in their lives.

**Interviewer:** You’ve participated in various initiatives this season, from basketball clinics to a shoe drive. Which event stood out to you the most and why?

**Azurá Stevens:** Every event has its special moments, but the Shoes That ⁣Fit Community Shoe Drive was particularly impactful. Seeing​ the joy on those kids’ ⁤faces when they received their new shoes was priceless. It’s not just about ⁣footwear; it’s about boosting their confidence and showing them ⁣that we care.

**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful! You’ve⁣ also looked to promote ‌literacy with the Summer Reading Program. Why do you believe reading is so important for kids?

**Azurá Stevens:** Reading opens doors to new worlds and ideas. It helps kids develop critical thinking skills and fuels their imagination. I want to‍ encourage them to recognize the power ⁢of⁣ books, especially during the summer when learning can take a ⁣bit of a backseat.

**Interviewer:** It sounds like you’re making a​ significant impact! What message do you hope to convey ⁤to young people through your community outreach?

**Azurá Stevens:** ⁤I want them to know that they are capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. I encourage them to pursue their passions, whether ‌in sports, academics, or any other ​area. And most importantly, that they are not alone; their community is here to ​support them.

**Interviewer:** Thank you, Azurá, for sharing your insights and for all the amazing work you do for your community. We look forward ‌to seeing what you accomplish next!

**Azurá Stevens:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited for what’s to come.