Project Sunshine Welcomes New Board Member, Petra Pope

On February 20, 2024, Project Sunshine welcomed Petra Pope to its Board of Directors. Petra, a seasoned sports executive with over 40 years of experience, has been instrumental in elevating Project Sunshine's brand since her involvement in the Marketing Committee in 2021. Together with her husband, Ron Blaylock, she actively takes part in Project Sunshine's Gala and Golf Classic events. Petra embodies a deep understanding of the joy and connections that play brings to people. Her expertise at the intersection of play, sports, and positivity makes her a vital leader in our organization. As a valuable member of the Marketing Committee, Petra has significantly aided Project Sunshine in establishing relationships with new partners. We are excited to benefit from her strategic expertise as we cultivate fresh partnerships, especially within the realm of athletics, to advance our mission of sharing the healing power of play to children with medical challenges through trained and dedicated volunteers.   

  Petra knows how play can bring people together and we are thrilled to have her leadership and partnership to help Project Sunshine bring the healing power of play to children with medical challenges.” 

-Whitney Namm Pollack, CEO 
Project Sunshine 

 Petra started her career with the Los Angeles Lakers, where she gained fame for leading the Los Angeles Lakers Girls. She later joined the New York Knicks in 1991, creating the Knicks City Dancers and Knicks City Kids, and pioneering various entertainment initiatives for the Knicks, New York Liberty, and Arena Football City Hawks. In 2005, Petra was recruited by the New Jersey Nets to enhance the in-game experience. Her success led to promotions to Vice President and later to Senior Vice President, where she oversaw events for the opening of Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  

Petra founded her consulting firm, POPE3SQUARED, in 2015. She collaborated with sports teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks, enhancing their branding and in-game entertainment. In 2021, Petra became a Senior Advisor for the Washington Commanders, focusing on revamping their Cheerleaders into a modern, inclusive Entertainment Team. She also contributed to the Big12 Business Advisory board to shape their future in-game experiences. Petra, a Karate Black Belt holder who speaks fluent German, resides in Harlem with her husband and Rottweiler.  

  I am honored to be welcomed to the Board of Directors of Project Sunshine. Project Sunshine has done phenomenal, impactful work for the past 25 years. I'm excited to join a team of innovative and passionate thinkers as we embark upon collaborating with more hospitals across the globe while providing play for many more children.”  

-Petra Pope