Jamila Wideman has a fascinating career trajectory that's spanned law, advocacy, and basketball—and mentorship has been a thread stitched through all of it. 

Wideman made history in 1997 when she was drafted for the inaugural WNBA season by the Los Angeles Sparks. While there, she launched an afterschool program for marginalized teens, "Hoopin' With Jamila." After playing four years in the league, she went on to attend NYU Law. 

As an attorney, she represented incarcerated people and low-income populations facing eviction. Now, Wideman works for the NBA, as Senior Vice President for Player Development. She works with rookies to help them acclimate to life as a professional athlete, and guides players in thinking about their lives holistically off the court.

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