A black background with a white abstract human figure sitting cross-legged above the text 'CKP Foundation' in bold letters.

THE FOUNDATION

[ Our Mission ]

CKP Foundation Inc. empowers individuals and communities through sport, education, and mentorship to build confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills that create opportunity beyond the game.

A young woman with auburn hair smiling, sitting on a modern silver chair against a plain white background, wearing a white lace top, gold necklaces, and rings.

MEET THE FOUNDER

Chelsea Poppens — former Iowa State women’s basketball standout, WNBA & overseas professional athlete, and ESPN+ broadcaster — founded CKP Foundation to create access, confidence, and community through sport and leadership.

Chelsea’s mission is rooted in giving back, elevating women and athletes, and building platforms that empower people beyond the scoreboard.


Our Story

CKP Foundation was created from a deep belief in the power of mentorship, access, and opportunity to shape confident, capable leaders.

Founder Chelsea Poppens is a former WNBA and overseas professional basketball player, coach, and mentor who has spent her career helping athletes grow both on and off the court. Through years of coaching, mentoring, and working closely with families and young people, Chelsea consistently saw a need for deeper support — especially for women and young girls navigating confidence, access to resources, and long-term opportunity. Talent alone is rarely enough without guidance, community, and intentional development.

CKP Foundation was established as the nonprofit arm of CKP Athletics to intentionally remove barriers and create access through scholarships, seasonal support, educational programming, and mentorship.

The Foundation’s “Pass It Forward” clinics provide education in areas such as financial literacy, mental health, nutrition, and life skills — equipping young people with tools that extend far beyond sport. CKP Foundation is also building a mentorship ecosystem that connects women business owners and professionals with young girls, creating meaningful relationships, exposure, and guidance across industries and life paths.

At its core, CKP Foundation exists to ensure that individuals not only have the opportunity to participate — but the confidence, support, and resources to thrive.

BOARD MEMBERS

  • Chelsea Poppens headshot

    Chelsea Poppens

    PRESIDENT / FOUNDER

    - Former WNBA / Overseas Professional Basketball Player
    - Owner of CKP Athletics LLC
    - COO DayCloud Studios

  • A smiling woman with glasses and curly hair wearing a striped top and layered necklaces.

    Jenni Pierce

    TREASURER

    - Financial Advisor in the Des Moines Area

  • A man with curly dark hair, glasses, and a beard, looking to the side with a slight smile, wearing a dark green sweater

    Melissa Rowan

    VICE PRESIDENT / SECRETARY

    - Iowa State Foundation Vice President
    - Board Member for Mary Greeley

HELP US PASS IT FORWARD

Together, we can build confidence, leadership, and opportunity for generations to come.