Former UConn standout and Connecticut Sun star Tina Charles has been named the recipient of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award, the WNBA announced Wednesday.
Named for WNBA legend and Hall of Famer Dawn Staley, the award honors a current WNBA player who “best exemplifies the characteristics of a leader in the community where they work or live,” according to a WNBA release.
This is the second time Charles has won the award – first in 2012 in her third year in the WNBA, and now in her 14th.
Charles reached a milestone in her community work, distributing the 500th Automated External Defibrillator (AED) through her Hopey’s Heart Foundation. Charles founded the foundation in 2013 in honor of her late aunt, Maureen “Hopey” Vaz, to raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest and provide AEDs to organizations in need.
This year, Yale New Haven Health pledged $20,000 to support AED distribution, enabling the foundation to reach the 500-device milestone, according to the release.
Charles has also engaged fans through team-based initiatives, including a rebounding challenge that allowed supporters to pledge donations tied to her on-court performance. Beyond fundraising, she has been a visible ambassador for heart health, speaking at community events, health fairs, and awareness campaigns such as the American Heart Health Month.
“In every aspect of her game and character, Tina stands as a representation of the ideals and spirit of the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a release. “Throughout her remarkable career, Tina has consistently used her platform to raise awareness and drive meaningful change. Her dedication to service, advocacy, and giving back to the community reflects the values that define our league. Tina continues to build a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Charles’ charitable impact has been felt throughout her career. She funded the construction of a school in Mali in 2012, and launched a series of sports safety clinics in New York City focused on concussion prevention and injury awareness. She has also been a vocal advocate for racial and social justice, using her platform to elevate community voices and push for systemic change.
“Tina Charles exemplifies what it means to be a leader both on and off the court. We are thrilled to recognize her tireless efforts beyond the game over the course of her career, creating a profound and permanent impact within the entire sports community,” said Dawn Staley. “This award signifies the lasting legacy that leadership leaves behind. Tina embodies the values and hard work that continue to inspire her teammates, fellow athletes, fans, and members of her community.”
“Through my mother at a young age, I learned the importance of being a servant unto others, and receiving the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award is truly special for me — especially for Hopey’s Heart Foundation to receive this honor through its work in raising awareness for sudden cardiac arrest,” Charles said. “I started the foundation in April of 2013 and never thought its impact would cast as wide as it has. I’m thankful to everyone who has supported the foundation along the way. Thank you.”
The WNBA announced it will make a $10,000 donation to Hopey’s Heart Foundation in honor of Charles’ recognition.
