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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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"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

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…

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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

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…

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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…

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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

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…

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Marie Tucker

Program Coordinator

Marie is the Program Coordinator of VISION. Marie’s ultimate goal is to gain a deeper insight into the current educational system to find ways to tailor education to meet the unique needs, aspirations, and desires of students, effectively preparing them for their future journeys.

Growing up as a student-athlete, Marie had the privilege of connecting with diverse individuals, embarking on exciting journeys, and broadening her horizons through her academic and athletic pursuits…

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Marie Tucker

Program Coordinator

Marie is the Program Coordinator of VISION. Marie’s ultimate goal is to gain a deeper insight into the current educational system to find ways to tailor education to meet the unique needs, aspirations, and desires of students, effectively preparing them for their future journeys.

Growing up as a student-athlete, Marie had the privilege of connecting with diverse individuals, embarking on exciting journeys, and broadening her horizons through her academic and athletic pursuits…

Read More

Marie Tucker

Program Coordinator

Marie is the Program Coordinator of VISION. Marie’s ultimate goal is to gain a deeper insight into the current educational system to find ways to tailor education to meet the unique needs, aspirations, and desires of students, effectively preparing them for their future journeys.

Growing up as a student-athlete, Marie had the privilege of connecting with diverse individuals, embarking on exciting journeys, and broadening her horizons through her academic and athletic pursuits…

Read More

Marie Tucker

Program Coordinator

Marie is the Program Coordinator of VISION. Marie’s ultimate goal is to gain a deeper insight into the current educational system to find ways to tailor education to meet the unique needs, aspirations, and desires of students, effectively preparing them for their future journeys.

Growing up as a student-athlete, Marie had the privilege of connecting with diverse individuals, embarking on exciting journeys, and broadening her horizons through her academic and athletic pursuits…

Read More

Kyra Lambert

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…

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Kyra Lambert

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

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

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…

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Meet the BOARD

Alana Beard

Founder and President | 318 Foundation

Alana Beard

Founder and President | 318 Foundation

Alana Beard

Founder and President | 318 Foundation

Alana Beard

Founder and President | 318 Foundation

Steve Miller

CEO, Agassi Graf Holdings | Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

Steve Miller

CEO, Agassi Graf Holdings | Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

Steve Miller

CEO, Agassi Graf Holdings | Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

Steve Miller

CEO, Agassi Graf Holdings | Andre Agassi Foundation for Education

Joe Dumars

EVP | Basketball Operations, NBA

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

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

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

Katy Hollister

Board Director and Business Advisor