NEW YORK – Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner has been named the recipient of the June WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm for being an outspoken leader, activist and ally for women, those impacted by gun violence, and the LGBTQ+ community.

In her position as a board member for Equality Texas, a group that aims to counter discriminatory laws for LGBTQ+ individuals, Turner consistently demonstrates her passion for bringing awareness to social issues and racial inequality, particularly in the area of LGBTQ+ rights.

In addition, Turner continuously uses her platform to address issues that are important to her such as gun violence, abortion rights, and the safe return of her teammate, Brittney Griner. After the school shooting in Uvalde, Tex., Turner brought awareness to the tragedy during her postgame media availability and through her social media accounts. On June 3, she also met with representatives of the group Moms Demand Action when they traveled to Phoenix to help raise awareness regarding gun violence. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans who fight for public safety from gun violence.

Turner further demonstrated her commitment to community service by volunteering at BG’s Heart & Sole Shoe Drive, an initiative founded by Griner in 2016. On June 28, she helped distribute shoes, water and hygiene kits to unhoused people in Phoenix’s Sunnyslope neighborhood with Phoenix Rescue Mission. Turner also spoke on ESPN that day in order to bring greater awareness to Griner’s cause and the shoe drive.

The WNBA Cares Community Assist Award presented by State Farm^® is awarded monthly during the season to the player who best reflects the WNBA’s passion to make a difference in the community.