Our Story
318 REPRESENTS THE AREA CODE FOR SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA.
The 318 Foundation embodies Alana Beard's belief in the transformative power of potential, especially when paired with opportunity, guidance, and access. A young Black girl from Shreveport, Louisiana—where fewer than one-third of residents earn a bachelor’s degree—can graduate from a prestigious university, break records as an athlete, and thrive in the WNBA, all while excelling in fields where few Black women are represented.
Founded in 2021, the 318 Foundation emerged from extensive listening, research, and strategic planning, with a vision to build communities rich in access and opportunity.
Read More
"Having the mindset that with opportunity comes responsibility, I always thought of ways to support my hometown of Shreveport."
Alana beard
Founder and President of 318 Foundation
Meet the team
Meet the team
Alana Beard
Founder & President
Alana was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is the Founder and President of the 318 Foundation. Best known for her athletic career, Alana won championships at every level, from high school to the WNBA and internationally. She was the first women's basketball player to have her jersey number retired at Duke University, a four-time WNBA All-Star, and an integral piece in leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a WNBA Championship in 2016.
At the back end of her career, Alana won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2017 and 2018. She retired in January 2020 after 15 years…
Read More
Alana Beard
Founder & President
Alana was born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, and is the Founder and President of the 318 Foundation. Best known for her athletic career, Alana won championships at every level, from high school to the WNBA and internationally. She was the first women's basketball player to have her jersey number retired at Duke University, a four-time WNBA All-Star, and an integral piece in leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a WNBA Championship in 2016.
At the back end of her career, Alana won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards in 2017 and 2018. She retired in January 2020 after 15 years…
Read More
Kristin Kelly
Program Director
Kristin is the Program Director for the 318 Foundation. She holds a degree from Spelman College and a Master's from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She's an educator and researcher dedicated to youth advocacy and development in communities of color at the intersections of equity and emancipatory pedagogy. Kristin is a skilled curriculum designer and program management strategist that has worked in public schools, higher education institutions, religious/spiritual communities, and public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Kristin is passionate about creating spaces for hope and curiosity that build community…
Read More
Kristin Kelly
Program Director
Kristin is the Program Director for the 318 Foundation. She holds a degree from Spelman College and a Master's from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She's an educator and researcher dedicated to youth advocacy and development in communities of color at the intersections of equity and emancipatory pedagogy. Kristin is a skilled curriculum designer and program management strategist that has worked in public schools, higher education institutions, religious/spiritual communities, and public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Kristin is passionate about creating spaces for hope and curiosity that build community…
Read More
Kimberly Rodgers
Strategic Operations Advisor
Kimberly Rodgers is an architect of alignment who designs organizational strategy, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to help mission-driven organizations and visionary leaders put their purpose and passion into action. With over 15 years of experience working in nonprofits and higher education, she brings an eclectic mix of skills that connect people, ideas, and action to cultivate the conditions for an equitable future.
As a former Division I student-athlete at the University of Maryland, Kim knows first-hand that lessons learned through sports have a positive lifelong impact. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from UMD in communication…
Read More
Kimberly Rodgers
Strategic Operations Advisor
Kimberly Rodgers is an architect of alignment who designs organizational strategy, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement to help mission-driven organizations and visionary leaders put their purpose and passion into action. With over 15 years of experience working in nonprofits and higher education, she brings an eclectic mix of skills that connect people, ideas, and action to cultivate the conditions for an equitable future.
As a former Division I student-athlete at the University of Maryland, Kim knows first-hand that lessons learned through sports have a positive lifelong impact. She holds two bachelor’s degrees from UMD in communication…
Read More
Sheree Vaickus
Head of Growth and Strategic Partnership
Sheree Vaickus brings a bold combination of entrepreneurial leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering passion for creating conduits of opportunity for underserved communities. As Head of Growth and Strategic Partnerships at 318 Foundation, she has made a deeply personal commitment to invest her energy, expertise, and influence into advancing the Foundation’s mission of ensuring young girls and underserved youth are seen, heard, empowered, and given access to transformational opportunities that can alter the trajectory of their lives.
A globally integrated sales and marketing strategist with decades of executive leadership experience, Mrs. Vaickus has built her career at the intersection of growth, relationship development, operations, and impact driven innovation.
Read More
Sheree Vaickus
Head of Growth and Strategic Partnership
Sheree Vaickus brings a bold combination of entrepreneurial leadership, strategic vision, and unwavering passion for creating conduits of opportunity for underserved communities. As Head of Growth and Strategic Partnerships at 318 Foundation, she has made a deeply personal commitment to invest her energy, expertise, and influence into advancing the Foundation’s mission of ensuring young girls and underserved youth are seen, heard, empowered, and given access to transformational opportunities that can alter the trajectory of their lives.
A globally integrated sales and marketing strategist with decades of executive leadership experience, Mrs. Vaickus has built her career at the intersection of growth, relationship development, operations, and impact driven innovation.
Read More
Michelle Manson
VISION Program Coordinator
Michelle is the Program Coordinator for VISION. Michelle is a human-centered nonprofit and philanthropy professional with experience utilizing transformative work to effect positive change in marginalized communities. Specializing in program management and research/analysis, Michelle seeks to create a more inclusive community for all by implementing creative and innovative community-based methodologies.
As a researcher, Michelle has focused on dissecting the artistic community and creative practices through a sociological lens, particularly employing a Black Feminist perspective to analyze systems of power. Additionally, Michelle is a violist of over 20 years…
Read More
Michelle Manson
VISION Program Coordinator
Michelle is the Program Coordinator for VISION. Michelle is a human-centered nonprofit and philanthropy professional with experience utilizing transformative work to effect positive change in marginalized communities. Specializing in program management and research/analysis, Michelle seeks to create a more inclusive community for all by implementing creative and innovative community-based methodologies.
As a researcher, Michelle has focused on dissecting the artistic community and creative practices through a sociological lens, particularly employing a Black Feminist perspective to analyze systems of power. Additionally, Michelle is a violist of over 20 years…
Read More
Kyra Lambert
SPORTS Program Coordinator
Kyra is the Program Coordinator for SPORTS. She is passionate about utilizing sport as a vehicle to create opportunity and inspire positive change in future generations. Holding master’s degrees from both Duke University and the University of Texas, Kyra has a strong background in both Business and Sports Management. In recent years, she has cultivated sports experiences for youth across backgrounds, cultures, and skill levels.
Kyra is currently in her third year playing professional basketball overseas…
Read More
Kyra Lambert
SPORTS Program Coordinator
Kyra is the Program Coordinator for SPORTS. She is passionate about utilizing sport as a vehicle to create opportunity and inspire positive change in future generations. Holding master’s degrees from both Duke University and the University of Texas, Kyra has a strong background in both Business and Sports Management. In recent years, she has cultivated sports experiences for youth across backgrounds, cultures, and skill levels.
Kyra is currently in her third year playing professional basketball overseas…
Read More
Olivia Martin
Program Associate
As the 318 Program Associate, Olivia supports VISION and SPORTS program development and execution. In her role, she facilitates mentoring and leadership sessions, aids with objective-setting for annual programming and oversees multiple data evaluation processes.
Olivia is passionate about engaging in human-centric policy development aimed at addressing political, economic and social issues. She graduated from Duke University (Class of 2026), earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy and Psychology. Olivia continues to serve as an agent of change as a…
Read More
Olivia Martin
Program Associate
As the 318 Program Associate, Olivia supports VISION and SPORTS program development and execution. In her role, she facilitates mentoring and leadership sessions, aids with objective-setting for annual programming and oversees multiple data evaluation processes.
Olivia is passionate about engaging in human-centric policy development aimed at addressing political, economic and social issues. She graduated from Duke University (Class of 2026), earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy and Psychology. Olivia continues to serve as an agent of change as a…
Read More
Veronica Brokenberry
Parent & Community Engagement Coordinator
Veronica Brokenberry is a mentor, advocate, and communications professional with a heart for service and a passion for empowering others. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, she brings a unique blend of strategic leadership and storytelling to her work.
Mentorship is at the core of who she is. Through her involvement with Gems and Gents and her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Veronica is committed to guiding, supporting, and advocating for youth—ensuring they feel seen, valued, and equipped for their future.
Read More
Veronica Brokenberry
Parent & Community Engagement Coordinator
Veronica Brokenberry is a mentor, advocate, and communications professional with a heart for service and a passion for empowering others. With a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, she brings a unique blend of strategic leadership and storytelling to her work.
Mentorship is at the core of who she is. Through her involvement with Gems and Gents and her role as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Veronica is committed to guiding, supporting, and advocating for youth—ensuring they feel seen, valued, and equipped for their future.
Read More
Meet the BOARD
Alana Beard
Founder and President | 318 Foundation
Alana Beard
Founder and President | 318 Foundation
Alana Beard
Founder and President | 318 Foundation
Joe Dumars
EVP | Basketball Operations, NBA
Joe Dumars
EVP | Basketball Operations, NBA
Joe Dumars
EVP | Basketball Operations, NBA
Ketsia Colimon Stroder
VP | Strategic Communications Monumental Sports
Ketsia Colimon Stroder
VP | Strategic Communications Monumental Sports
Ketsia Colimon Stroder
VP | Strategic Communications Monumental Sports
Brenda Jimenez-Peralta
CEO | MENTOR New York
Brenda Jimenez-Peralta
CEO | MENTOR New York
Brenda Jimenez-Peralta
CEO | MENTOR New York
Katy Hollister
Board Director and Business Advisor
Katy Hollister
Board Director and Business Advisor
Katy Hollister
Board Director and Business Advisor