Nancy G. Brinker
Founder, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
It is very meaningful to win an award like this, particularly with so many outstanding women and in a field for which I, personally, and the Komen Foundation have so much regard.
I think WISE is such a natural offshoot of the whole women's movement. It demonstrates the understanding that women are moving into areas, certainly when I was young, people did not even believe would be possible to enter. It is so exciting that so many women will have the opportunity going forward because of organizations like WISE, who encourage that kind of growth and that kind of business building. It is very exciting. It allows so many more people opportunities of having wonderful dreams of success and empowerment.
I have been familiar with the WISE organization and I am impressed with [its] growth and the importance of what it is doing because so much of success in anything, particularly in the sports business, comes from leadership from organizations like WISE. WISE is where people can get information, make friends, network, understand, and find shoulders to lean on.
I'm just thrilled to be here. I'm so delighted to be recognized by a group of people who I feel are real leaders in the field. I'm particularly excited to receive this award from the sports industry since our Race for the Cure is something that we are proud of and it is a natural fit.
When I think of all of the sporting groups who have helped us, I can tell you it has taken us that much closer to eradicating this terrible disease. And further, the synergies, the things that you have taught us in the quest for your career. Including the goal setting, the team playing, the strategy, the hard work, the persistence and the courage. The courage to reach the finish line. The courage to win. The courage to go out there one more time inspires all of us at the Komen Foundation to take one more brave step.