Women Of Inspiration

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Women of Inspiration celebrates women who exemplify the spirit of the WISE mission. Honorees are making a positive impact in the business of sports and events while serving as positive role models and mentors for other women. 

2024

Thursday, November 7, 2024 | The Mosaic Minneapolis
WISE Twin Cities had a memorable afternoon in a room full of trailblazers, we were honored to recognize the incredible women in our industry who make an impact and inspire others.

  • Madeline Mims, Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager, ASM Global/Target Center (Emerging Professional of the Year)
  • Sandy Sweetser, Executive Director, Local Organizing Committee for Gymnastics City USA, Minnesota Sports & Events (Executive of the Year)
  • Jillian Hiscock, Owner- A Bar of their Own (Changemaker of the Year)

2023

Thursday, November 2, 2023 | The Mosaic Minneapolis
WISE Twin Cities had a memorable afternoon in a room full of trailblazers, we were honored to recognize the incredible women in our industry who make an impact and inspire others. Find the full 2023 Women of Inspiration recap here.

  • Kara Gerke, Marketing & Communication Manager, ASM Global/Target Center (Emerging Professional of the Year)
  • Wendy Blackshaw, President & CEO of Minnesota Sports & Events (Executive of the Year)
  • Erika Binger, Founding Director of V3 Sports (Changemaker of the Year)

2022

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.

  • Destrey Zarfos, Target Center Production Manager (Emerging Professional of the Year)
  • Cathy Winter, Premier Sport Psychology President & Executive Leadership Consultant (Executive of the Year)
  • Meredith Lang, Founder of Minnesota Unbounded and Hockey Ninas (Changemaker of the Year)

2021

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.

  • Rebekkah Brunson, Minnesota Lynx, Bally Sports North (Woman in Sports)
  • Karen Swan, Retired, Target Center (Woman in Business) 
  • Dr. Carly Anderson, Premier Sport Psychology (Changemaker of the Year)

2020

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

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

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)