Catherine Chao is AVP of Global Partnerships Strategy at the NBA, responsible for identifying opportunities across new and existing partnerships to elevate fan experiences and drive commercial value. She started her career in M&A at KPMG before specializing in strategy and marketing. Her professional goal is to repeatedly demonstrate the compatibility between joy and profitability, and has had the privilege of doing so for companies including Nike, LinkedIn, and Unilever. Her personal goal is to become an OG Chinese grandma - one who keeps it real and shows how food connects body & mind, family, and community. You can find her at the farmers market every week and in Central Park every other day.