The Women behind the Warriors

Wanda Durant

I sat in front of my computer trying to hold back tears. I watched as Kevin Durant–the recipient of the 2013 NBA MVP–got choked up talking about the strongest person in his life. Fighting tears, his trembling voice managed to say “you the real MVP.”

Wanda Durant is the real MVP. Her story is incredible. It’s one of sacrifice and perseverance.

Durant was 21 with a newborn and a three year old. She worked two jobs to support her family. A teary-eyed Kevin spoke to his mother in front of the whole world and said:

"“We wasn’t supposed to be here. You made us believe. You kept us off the street. You put clothes on our backs, food on the table. When you didn’t eat, you made sure we ate. You went to sleep hungry. You sacrificed for us.”"

A single mother in Washington, D.C. working to provide a good life for her children. A beacon of hope and an example of what it means to work for something. She never gave up and she didn’t let her kids do it either.

She’s taken situations that could break down even the strongest individuals and turned them into triumphs. Durant supported her children and herself during tough times. She now is trying to empower other women to do the same.

She is a businesswoman, involved with organizations such as Community Kinship Coalition Parents Network, and Positive Tomorrows just to name a few. She is a motivational speaker, inspiring women, including single mothers, to “follow their dreams and set life goals” (from WandaDurant.com).

Durant is a fighter that has taken control of every situation that life has tested her with.