Since 2003, the National Organization for Women and the NOW Foundation has saluted resolutely courageous, fearless and bold women from a variety of fields at our annual Intrepid Awards Gala. This year we will be honoring five amazing women on July 17 at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.
The 2008 Intrepid honorees are: CBS News Anchor and Managing Editor Katie Couric, the first woman to solo-anchor a weekday network evening news broadcast; Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women and civil rights icon Dr. Dorothy I. Height; Hon. Janet Reno, the first woman ever to serve as U.S. Attorney General; Executive Vice President Emerita of the AFL-CIO and the highest ranking woman ever in the U.S. labor movement, Linda Chavez-Thompson; and trailblazing attorney Marna S. Tucker, Esq., the first woman president of the National Conference of Bar Presidents.
The Intrepid woman is accomplished. She takes the road less traveled and never considers failure an option. With such success comes criticism, but she rises to the challenge every time. Intrepid honoree Dr. Dorothy Height is one such woman who, for nearly three-quarters of a century, has fought tirelessly for equality and justice.
“As I have always said, ‘Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals,'” said Intrepid honoree Dr. Dorothy Height. “Each Intrepid honoree has pushed through potentially overwhelming challenges in our lives. But the one thing we all have in common is an uncompromising unwillingness to let those challenges negate our passion to move forward. In the end, what’s most important is a steady progression in the direction of what is fair, what is just, what is right; and having the courage to maintain the pace, regardless of the circumstance,” said Dr. Height.
CBS News Anchor Katie Couric is another Intrepid honoree who shattered the glass ceiling in network nightly news, becoming the first woman to solo anchor a network news show. She recently received attention for her comments supporting the claims of media sexism during Sen. Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
“I’m very grateful to be included in this event celebrating the achievements of such an accomplished and diverse group of women,” says Intrepid honoree Katie Couric. “Hopefully we can develop positive messages to encourage others to focus primarily on the substance of someone’s work and not just their gender,” said Couric.
The evening will be emceed once again by D.C. news anchor Maureen Bunyan, an award-winning journalist and trailblazer in her own right.
“We look forward to gathering all these fabulous women in one room, to celebrate their dedication, strength and passion for the work they do, and the incredible inspiration they provide for future generations of women. This truly will be a night to remember,” said NOW President Kim Gandy.
The Intrepid Gala will also include a special tribute to Gandy as she enters her final year as president and her 22nd year as an elected NOW officer.
Media Credentialing:
Media interested in attending the gala or to interview the speakers please contact NOW Press Secretary Mai Shiozaki, 202-641-1906 or E-mail press@now.org.
###