Amar’e Stoudemire
Speaker
Former NBA All-Star, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Farmer.
Amar’e Stoudemire’s journey is one of perseverance, transformation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Born on November 16, 1982, in Lake Wales, Florida, he didn’t even start playing organized basketball until he was 14—yet in just a few years, he became one of the most dominant players of his generation. His natural talent, work ethic, and sheer determination earned him Florida’s Mr. Basketball title and a spot in the 2002 McDonald’s All-American Game. Forgoing college, he entered the 2002 NBA Draft, where the Phoenix Suns selected him ninth overall. He wasted no time proving himself, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2003.
During his time in Phoenix, Stoudemire was nothing short of a force. As a six-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, he thrived in the Suns’ fast-paced offense, becoming a key figure in one of the most dynamic teams of the 2000s. By the time he left the NBA in 2016, he had made his mark with the Suns, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, and Miami Heat, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most dominant power forwards of his era. His name is forever etched in Suns history, ranking seventh in franchise scoring (11,035 points), third in rebounds (4,613), and fifth in blocks (722).
But basketball was just the beginning. Stoudemire took his passion overseas, joining Hapoel Jerusalem, a team he co-owns, and leading them to an Israeli Basketball League Cup championship in 2016. He later joined Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won two Israeli Basketball Premier League titles (2017, 2020) and was named Finals MVP in 2020.
What makes Stoudemire’s story even more remarkable is his vision beyond the game. In 2015, he became one of the few Black farmers in the United States, founding Stoudemire Farms in Dutchess County, New York. His farm is more than just an agricultural venture—it’s a mission to preserve the legacy of Black land ownership, promote sustainability, and inspire future generations.
His love for craftsmanship and culture also led him to launch Stoudemire Wines, a kosher wine label in partnership with Israel’s Tulip Winery, which employs individuals with developmental disabilities. Whether it’s farming or winemaking, he approaches each endeavor with the same level of passion and excellence that defined his basketball career.
At the heart of everything he does is giving back. Through the Amar’e Stoudemire Foundation, he has dedicated himself to empowering at-risk youth, providing them with access to education, sports, arts, and mentorship programs. His work has extended beyond borders, funding water wells in Sierra Leone and supporting basketball development programs worldwide. For his efforts, he was honored with the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2008.
His journey of transformation extends beyond sports and business. Raised Baptist, he felt a deep spiritual calling and formally converted to Judaism in 2020. His connection to faith and Israel has become an integral part of his life, shaping the way he leads and gives back. As he once said, "I was always intrigued with the prophets... how they were so on point with everything, from a righteous standpoint."