Women Of Inspiration

Women of Inspiration is a Signature Program and celebratory event hosted annually. This celebration honors women who exemplify the spirit of the WISE mission. Women of Inspiration honorees are making a positive impact on the business of sports and events while serving as positive role models and mentors for other women.
2022 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION
Thursday, November 10, 2022 | The Depot Minneapolis
WISE Twin Cities is excited to gather in person after 2 years of virtual programming to celebrate the outstanding women in our community. Find the full 2022 Women of Inspiration recap here.
  • Emerging Woman of the Year: Destrey Zarfos, Target Center Production Manager
  • Woman of the Year: Cathy Winter, Premier Sport Psychology President & Executive Leadership Consultant
  • Woman of Inspiration: Meredith Lang, Founder of Minnesota Unbounded and Hockey Ninas

2021 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | Virtual Program
WISE Twin Cities honored our members and our community virtually. We celebrate three outstanding women who made an immeasurable impact in their organization and in our community. View event recap here.

  • Woman in Sports: Rebekkah Brunson, Minnesota Lynx, Bally Sports North
  • Woman in Business: Karen Swan, Retired (Target Center)
  • Woman of Inspiration: Dr. Carly Anderson, Premier Sport Psychology
2020 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION
Monday, December 14 – Friday, December 18, 2020 | Virtual Features
In 2020, we honor our members and our community during an unprecedented year. We celebrate four outstanding women who made an immeasurable impact in their organization and in our community. Find the full 2020 Women of Inspiration recap here.

  • Stacey Hardin, Head Athletic Trainer, Minnesota United 
  • Sara Wegmann, Founder and President, Her Next Play 
  • Monterae Carter, Foundation Programs Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
  • Tami Hedrick, WISE Twin Cities President 2017-2020 
2019 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION
Thursday, November 8, 2019 | A’BULAE, Saint Paul, MN
WISE Twin Cities hosted its second annual Women of Inspiration Luncheon, bringing together 200 people at A’BULAE to celebrate inspiring stories. Find the full 2019 Women of Inspiration recap here.

  • Kelly McGrath, Xcel Energy Center (Woman in Business)
  • Leah Hazlett, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx (Young Professional)
  • Gabriele “Gabe” Grunewald (Woman of Inspiration Award)
  • University of Minnesota Women’s Softball (Women in Sports)
  • Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx (Organization of the Year)
2018 WOMEN OF INSPIRATION
Thursday, November 8th, 2018 | Aria, Minneapolis, MN
For its first annual Women of Inspiration, WISE Twin Cities gathered at Aria to celebrate its first year as a local chapter with 150 guests and 31 organizations represented to honor a year of great memories and inspirational leaders. Find the full 2018 Women of Inspiration recap here.

  • Amy Anthony, Minnesota Vikings (Woman in Business)
  • Kara Kawakami, Minnesota United FC (Young Professional)
  • Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx (Woman in Sports)
  • Minnesota Whitecaps (Women in Sports)