Athletes’ Voices
A politically and cause-agnostic program that trains elite and professional athletes to amplify their platforms for social impact and civic engagement — through the Elite Athletes’ Voices Certificate Program, live events like Amplify Voices [ATL], and a free Speaker Series featuring elite athletes and thought leaders.
Featured webinars
High-touch strategy for elite athletes and the organizations around them.
Elite athlete platforms
Authentic giving and advocacy for elite and professional athletes — foundation launch and governance, cause selection, and using your voice on the issues you care about, during and after your career.
League, team & corporate impact
Mission, vision, and giving frameworks; corporate advised funds, employee giving, matching gifts, and volunteer programs — or an audit of the ones you already run.
Partnerships & fundraising
Mission-aligned partnerships between athletes, brands, and nonprofits, plus major-gift strategy, signature events, and media — built to grow revenue and keep partners coming back.
Purpose coaching & boards
1:1 sessions for athletes and leaders to find their ikigai, plus strategic planning, board development, and governance for mission-driven organizations.
Champions on the field. Changemakers off it.
ikigai (生き甲斐)
noun · Japanese · ee-kee-guy
“A reason for being” — the place where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what sustains you come together.
Ikigai is the foundation of our work. Whether you’re an elite athlete or an organization, real impact begins with a journey into self — so before we build a strategy, we help you find your reason for being, then chart a path that aligns your giving and your voice with it.
Meet Joanne Pasternack
CEO & President, Oliver+Rose and Athletes’ Voices
Joanne has spent more than 20 years helping elite athletes and the organizations around them create real impact — from the San Francisco 49ers and Golden State Warriors to Laureus USA Sport for Good, ServiceNow, and Special Olympics. She has advised the NFL, NBA, MLS, USOPC, and Formula 1 community, and teaches graduate courses in sports philanthropy and social impact at Georgetown, where she received the 2026 Tropaia Outstanding Faculty Award.
She founded Athletes’ Voices and co-founded the Bruce A. Pasternack Family Fund for younger-onset Alzheimer’s research. A recovering attorney, retired competitive figure skater, and mother of two, she brings whiteboards, spreadsheets, and plenty of laughter to every engagement.
“Find a way to say yes.”
At work, in the community — and with family along for the ride.
Purpose that delivers measurable results.
“Her attention to detail is unmatched by anyone in her field. I’m truly thankful for her efforts while I was with the 49ers as a player. I’m proud to call her my friend and colleague.”
“She pushed me to use my influence and get back involved with my community… she provided her knowledge in helping me form my 501(c)(3). Completely selfless.”
“Joanne is an exceptional strategic leader who has a remarkable ability to connect vision, purpose, and execution. She is one of the most respected professionals in the social impact and philanthropy space.”
“She took two major programs that were just plugging along and transformed them into a force of goodness for the community. Her functional skills are a juggernaut of strategic thinking, compelling writing, attention to detail, and dogged determination.”
“Through her passion, creativeness and tireless effort, Joanne has developed one of the best community affairs programs in all of sports.”
“She has a keen ability to align business objectives with philanthropic efforts to help the team maximize its visibility, maintain its reputation and achieve its goals.”
“Joanne is an example of how leaders today can use their power and presence to empower others. She is a stylish and intentional force in elevating the voices of those who often go unheard.”
“Joanne’s impact on the community transcends sports. I greatly admire her ability to recognize a need and then create a solution — her T.H.I.N.K. Gold program continually has a positive impact on female athletes.”
“Joanne is an excellent public speaker, a possibility thinker and a champion for youth. She has a huge heart for helping all youth, especially those underserved.”
“Her work directly benefits so many people in the community… I have worked with a TON of PR and marketing people — hands-down, she’s one of the best around.”
“Joanne is one of the most professional and dedicated people I know. She is succinct and effective. I always take HER calls!”
“Joanne was much more than a manager but also a mentor and friend. She was always offering advice from her vast experience and expertise.”
Excerpted from LinkedIn recommendations.
Oliver+Rose Serves Elite Athletes, Leagues, Teams, Non-Profits, and Corporations, Including:
Patrick Willis
Eric ReidDeatrich Wise Jr. · WISEUpVISIT ↗
Chris WaddellDr. Jen WelterVISIT ↗
Torrey Smith · Level 82Tajay AshmeadeVISIT ↗
NFL
NBA
MLS
USA Fencing
USA Artistic SwimmingUSA Pentathlon MultisportVISIT ↗
USOPC
U.S. Figure Skating
Williams Racing (F1)Laureus USAVISIT ↗49ers Golden Heart FundVISIT ↗
LA84 FoundationSPKNVISIT ↗Beyond SportVISIT ↗49ers STEM Leadership InstituteVISIT ↗Special Olympics Northern CaliforniaVISIT ↗
Bay Area Women’s Sports InitiativeFigure Skating in HarlemVISIT ↗Silicon Valley Education FoundationVISIT ↗
Ubuntu Football AcademyWender Weis Foundation for ChildrenVISIT ↗
Sports Impact Collective
Georgetown UniversityJoanne in the press & on the mic
Conversations on purpose, sport, and giving
Stories can change the world. These changed mine.
Reading and storytelling have shaped how Joanne sees purpose, community, and impact. Here are four favorites — overdue for your nightstand.
Ready to amplify your impact?
Whether you’re an elite athlete finding your cause, a team building its community platform, or a family shaping its legacy — we’re by your side.