Best known for her athletic career, Alana Beard has won championships at every level. After a 15-year career in the WNBA which included eight All-Defensive teams, four WNBA All-Star appearances, a 2016 WNBA Championship, 2017 and 2018 Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 Duke Athletics Hall of Fame Inductee, and now a member of the 2023 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class–Beard retired as one of the most elite defenders the league has ever seen.
Alana’s impressive background is a result of her determination, work ethic, and tenacity. With a supportive family that encouraged her efforts from a young age, Alana was able to extend beyond the socioeconomic issues that still find themselves in Shreveport and surrounding areas. Upon her retirement in 2019, Alana decided it was time to give back to the community that raised her.
With the mindset that opportunity creates responsibilities, Alana went on a five-month listening tour of Shreveport which consisted of extensive research, community engagement, and collaborative brainstorming with community leaders.
She discovered that despite so much talent, Shreveport faces a lack of mentoring and access, amongst other impediments. With a 36% poverty rate for children, Shreveport is one of the most economically impoverished cities in the United States.
Thus, Alana became the Founder and President of the 318 Foundation.
Named in honor of the zip code of her childhood home, 318 Foundation’s mission is to close the opportunity gap for Black girls in historically marginalized communities through mentorship, immersive experiences, and sports. As the organization expands to serve more girls, it upholds the practices that brought it to life with a service approach rooted in community, listening, ownership, and agency.
By providing abundant access and opportunities, the 318 Foundation aims to change the lives of thousands of girls.
To learn more about 318 Foundation, please visit: 318Foundation.org.
To donate to our newest initiative, the 318 SPORTS Champions Academy please visit: 318 SPORTS.
