Some conversations are worth pulling up a chair for. Recently, our Founding President, Dr. Mimi Nartey, sat down with Chef Tommi V for an episode of the Stay A While series, and we are thrilled to share it with you.
In about 26 minutes, Mimi traces the path that led her to Playing for Keeps: from representing Ghana at the FIFA Women’s World Cup to leading a national effort to treat sports fields as essential public health infrastructure.
The idea at the heart of it
Where children play matters just as much as where they learn. It is the belief behind everything we do at Playing for Keeps, and it runs through the whole conversation. Safe, high-quality places to play are not a luxury. They are part of how kids grow up healthy, connected, and confident, and too many communities still go without them.
What the conversation covers
Mimi and Tommi talk about:
- Why sports and play are essential to public health and youth development
- Building equitable communities through infrastructure and a sense of belonging
- Moving from elite athlete to social entrepreneur and philanthropist
- Leadership lessons from the world stage, and what competing at the highest level teaches you about building something lasting
- The overlap of science, education, policy, and community impact
- Motherhood, identity, and leading as a woman of influence
- Legacy-driven work and what it means to create change that outlasts you
Why this story matters to us
Mimi’s background spans professional soccer, public health, climate science, and women’s empowerment, and it shapes how Playing for Keeps works. We build public-private partnerships that open up equitable access to quality sports and play spaces for underserved communities. The goal is simple: every child, regardless of zip code, should have a safe and dignified place to play, grow, and dream.
Who should watch
This episode is for anyone who cares about the next generation, including:
- Women leaders and entrepreneurs building purpose-driven work
- Changemakers focused on equity, youth development, and impact
- Parents and community advocates
- Athletes thinking about life after competition
- Anyone who wants to build systems that serve people with dignity
Take a seat
A big thank you to Chef Tommi V for creating such a warm space for this conversation. Grab a coffee, press play, and stay a while.
Watch From FIFA World Cup to Community Impact on YouTube
Learn more about the host at TommiV.com.
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