Game Changer Award

2023 Mystics Game Changers

Shannon Watts –

The Mystics honored Moms Demand Action Founder Shannon Watts at halftime of our June 2 game. Ten years ago, in response to the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Watts started a Facebook group with the message that all Americans can and should do more to reduce gun violence. That online conversation grew into what is now the nation’s largest grassroots volunteer network working to end gun violence. Today, Moms Demand Action has a chapter in every state and more than 700 local groups across the country, and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with nearly 10 million supporters. The recognition of Watts and the work of Moms Demand Action will take place at halftime.

Kelley Robinson –

The Mystics honored Kelley Robinson during our June 16, Pride Game. Robinson is currently the President of the Human Right Campaign. This makes her only the ninth President in the history of the Human Rights Campaign, and the first Black, Queer woman to lead the organization. She is taking on this new role, after serving as Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Her drive and determination to push the envelop in her industry is inspiring. At the Human Right’s Campaign, Robinson will help lead more than 3 million member and advocates, in fulfilling the organization’s mission to realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Monica Ray – 

Serving as the Executive Director of the Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation, Monica Ray has put forth extreme effort in representing Ward 8. Monica is a respected business women and made it her mission to grow the recognition and stability in Congress Heights. During her time as Executive Director, Monica was able to increase the Congress Heights Development Corporation budget from $500,000 to $10 million. Her efforts are changing the live of so many in the Congress Heights. Entertainment and Sports Arena is in Ward 8 and through Monica Ray’s actions and advocacy, the area is in good hands.

D.C. Safe Babies and Safe Moms –

The team recognized D.C. Safe Moms Safe Babies at halftime as Game Changers, including representatives from MedStar Health, Mamatoto Village, Community of Hope, and A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. The MedStar Health D.C. Safe Babies Safe Moms is designed to improve the health, welfare, and lifelong outcomes of mothers and infants in Washington, D.C. During the game, the Mystics also presented them with a check for $12,500.

The Washington Mystics are recognizing woman who have blazed trails in their communities. These women are Game Changers in their own right and have made real impacts in the lives of others. Every Rebel home game, the Mystics will honor a different female Game Changer.