Take a seat… and stay a while. In this powerful and purpose-driven episode of Stay A While, we welcome Dr. Mimi Nartey—an interdisciplinary scholar, former professional athlete, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary leader whose work is transforming the way communities think about sports, health, and belonging. From representing Ghana on the world stage in the FIFA Women's World Cup to leading national initiatives that reimagine sports fields as essential public health infrastructure, Dr. Mimi Nartey’s journey is both inspiring and deeply impactful. As the Founding President of Playing for Keeps Association, Mimi is building public-private partnerships that create equitable access to high-quality sports and play spaces for underserved communities—proving that where children play matters just as much as where they learn. This conversation explores leadership, systems change, motherhood, purpose, empowerment, and the transformative power of investing in people and place. In This Episode, We Explore: Why sports and play are essential to public health and youth developmentBuilding equitable communities through infrastructure and belongingTransitioning from elite athlete to social entrepreneur and philanthropistLeadership lessons from competing on the world stageThe intersection of science, education, policy, and community impactParenting, identity, and navigating leadership as a woman of influenceWhat it means to create legacy-driven work that changes livesAbout Our Guest: Dr. Mimi Nartey is an interdisciplinary scholar, former professional soccer player, philanthropist, and the Founding President of Playing for Keeps Association. A former member of Ghana’s national women’s soccer team, Mimi represented her country in the FIFA Women's World Cup and earned a silver medal at the African Women’s Cup of Nations. Her academic and professional work spans public health, climate science, women’s empowerment, youth development, and social innovation. She holds degrees from Columbia University and has lectured at institutions including University of California, Los Angeles, Occidental College, and Loyola Marymount University. Through her leadership, storytelling, and advocacy, Mimi continues to champion a future where every child—regardless of zip code—has access to safe, dignified spaces to play, grow, and dream. Learn more about the ways Dr. Nartey is transforming the play field at Play for Keeps This episode is for: Women leaders and entrepreneurs building purpose-driven workChangemakers focused on equity, youth development, and impactParents and community advocates invested in the next generationAthletes transitioning into leadership and philanthropyAnyone passionate about creating systems that serve people with dignityAt the Table: At Stay A While, we believe some of the most meaningful conversations happen when vision meets humanity. Dr. Mimi Nartey reminds us that leadership is not only about achievement—it’s about creating pathways for others to thrive. Her story is a masterclass in purpose, innovation, and what becomes possible when we invest in communities with intention and care. Because every child deserves more than survival. They deserve a place to belong.
