It’s an exciting time for the WNBA, with the Playoffs underway in the landmark 20th season of the league and for the new official wireless partner of the WNBA, Verizon.

At the annual WNBA Inspiring Women Luncheon – which recognizes individuals who have blazed new paths on the court, in the boardroom, and in the community – WNBA.com was able to speak with Rose Stuckey Kirk, the Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon about their newfound partnership with the WNBA.

Why is Verizon’s partnership with the WNBA such a good fit?

“Whenever you think about an organization that is focused on women we understand the value that women have in driving the economy and driving social accountability in society and frankly throughout the nation. There is nothing like a partnership with the WNBA because it represents all of that. It also appeals to our fans who care about these players and their contributions and about sports so it’s a perfect partnership for us.”

What impressed you most about the winner, Dawn Martesi?

“Dawn works exclusively with special education students and I think so often in our society special education students get a bum wrap because we think of them as limited. She recognizes that they are not limited, they just learn differently and therefore they have the potential to change the world and she has dedicated herself to doing that and she finds so many innovative ways to do it and she uses technology in the process of that.”

“So, that touches our heart because we are all about taking people who are very often under-served and giving them an opportunity and leveling the playing field. She is a great partner in that regard and we wanted to honor her and recognize her work in this forum.”

Can you talk to Verizon’s commitment to tech proficiency and why Verizon has devoted so much time to the cause.

“We made a decision 5 years ago that we would focus almost exclusively on using our technology to change the way that teachers teach and students learn. We chose some of the most under-served schools in the nation, schools where greater than 70% of the kids are on free and reduced lunch very often and 40% are special needs.

“We recognize that if we can take that group of kids, eliminate the digital divide and if we can show them their potential and their future through the use of technology and a range of programs in our Verizon Innovative Learning Program then we can make a difference that will change society. Our commitment is deep and rich, and we measure and build our programs, we work exclusively within these environments and we’re proud of the outcomes we see.”