The WNBA and activism: A case study of Power of the Dream (2024)
A WNBA player wears a warmup shirt honoring Breonna Taylor before a 2020 playoff game.
Join us the virtual thesis defense of Jakki Padilla, who explores how the WNBA used its platform during the 2020 season to advocate for social justice and political change. Using the cultural-economic model (CEM), Padilla examines the communication strategies featured in Kim Porter’s 2024 documentary Power of the Dream through qualitative content analysis. This public defense offers insight into the intersection of sports, media, and activism.
Padilla is a M.A. candidate in Professional Communication, advised by her committee, Victoria McDermott, Amy May and Nike Jacob.
The M.A. in Professional Communication at UAF helps students become expert communicators in a wide range of fields—from media and public relations to organizational leadership and advocacy. With a focus on real-world application and cultural context, this program empowers graduates to lead, connect, and make an impact in today’s fast-changing world.