Beyond the Game: Pacers’ Pascal Siakam; former professional basketball player Dakota Whyte’s impact on sports, philanthropy, and education

Athletes have a unique platform that allows them to spotlight causes they are passionate about. Pascal Siakam of the Indiana Pacers and Dakota Whyte, a former college basketball standout and Canadian Youth Olympian, are using their on-court success to make an impact with the PS43 Foundation.

The Mays Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy at the IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy will host a discussion with Siakam and Whyte on March 3, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at Hine Hall on the Campus of IU Indianapolis. The pair will discuss how athletes have the opportunity to leverage their success to make an impact in their communities. They will also discuss the mission of the PS43 Foundation.

The PS43 Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth through education, life skills and mentorship. Siakam drew on inspiration from his late father when he started the foundation while playing for the Toronto Raptors. His late father, Tchamo Siakam, was passionate about education. The foundation’s name is not only represents Pascal’s jersey number, but also his family. The four represents his father and three brothers and the three represents his mother and two sisters.

Whyte’s journey to a career in sports philanthropy began on the court. Whyte was a Division 1 athlete at the University of Wisconsin, played professional basketball and worked for Nike, where she contributed to the intersection of sports, branding and community engagement. She earned her M.B.A. from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Whyte is currently the Executive Director of the PS43 Foundation, where she champions initiatives that empower youth through education. She is also the founder of a sport philanthropy program dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that leverage the power of athletics for social good.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested.