Natasha Stamper
What makes Natasha Wildly Capable?
“Natasha has been a DEI champion for years. She brought her talent to the Oklahoma City Thunder where she ensures people from all backgrounds have access to resources. She also ensures the team is represented in every area of the city and state.”
MAUTRA STALEY JONES
What makes you feel proud?
I’m proud, yet grateful for the work I get to do every day. Not everyone understands, supports or believes in diversity and inclusion. I feel happy when I know I help others receive deserving opportunities and feel seen, or someone is open to learning more, having conversation or even changing their view because of the education they received. It makes me so proud to do the work I do. Some days are really hard, but when someone comes to my office to give me a hug, sends me a thank you card, has more hope because I’m in my new current role or mentions how their ‘community’ feels seen because of the work I’m doing, that gives me the energy to keep going on tough days.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My mother, Leonie Chambers. She comes out of me in many ways as I raise my own daughter. She also took a lot of pride in her work—always professional, cordial even to those she may not like, and treated all people with respect—regardless of their title or how much money they had. We often spent time with people from other cultures and countries. I think that’s why diversity and inclusion is so important to me. We just grew up that way and were expected to try different types of food and respect other cultures. She has always supported me, even to this day, no matter what. She is a fantastic example of what unconditional love looks like.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Our school systems. I would love for all teachers—because they spend more time with our children than us—to receive a significant salary increase. I would want all children in public schools to have equal access to superb teachers, a fantastic education, supplies/books, sports and extracurriculars and nutritious meals. I do not want food or money to be a barrier for a great education or access to team sports, which strengthens leadership skills, teamwork, confidence and social skills.
