Ayana Lawson

Ayana Lawson is a dedicated leader at the intersection of player development, community engagement, and organizational impact. As Vice President of Lifestyle Services & Social Impact for the Oklahoma City Thunder, she has been part of the organization since its relocation in 2008. In her role, she supports players and their families while guiding the team's social justice initiatives and community impact strategy-ensuring the Thunder's presence in Oklahoma City is thoughtful, meaningful, and long-lasting.

A former women's basketball student-athlete, Ayana earned dual degrees in Marketing and Business Management from Christian Brothers University. She continued her education with an Athlete Development Professional Certification from The Wharton School and a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida.

Her leadership is recognized across the NBA. Ayana serves on the league's Player Development Steering Committee and is a recipient of the 2017 Dana Davis Leadership Award, honoring excellence in mentorship, people development, and community leadership.

Ayana's impact extends throughout Oklahoma City, where she has been honored as a Journal Record Woman of the Year Honoree, named among 405 Magazine's Most Influential, and recognized as the Women of Color Expo's Corporate Leader of the Year. She continues to invest in her community through service with P3 Urban Academy, OK Diversion Hub, and the Oklahoma City Public Schools Citizens Oversight Committee.

While she takes great pride in her professional work, Ayana's greatest title is wife and mom. She and her husband, Ed, are the proud parents of three children-Peyton, Parker, and Paige-who keep her inspired and grounded every day.