WICT Signature Awards - Global Sports Mentoring Program

Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State, U.S. Department of State

In 2012, the State Department and ESPNW, launched the Global Sports Mentoring Program. 17 trailblazing women’s sports leaders came to the U.S. for five weeks to work side-by-side with their American mentors.

Joan Coraggio, Saatchi & Saatchi LA

This was an opportunity for us to meet incredible women, who are so accomplished in their own right.

Nancy Henderson, LPGA

I like the idea of empowering women and sharing ideas through sports and culture.

Dina Ibrahim, Egypt

It’s not only about sports, or winning, or losing. It’s about the values behind that.

Grace Chirumanzu, Zimbabwe

If I’m to come here, spend one month away from my family, it should be a great example for my kids to know that this is not easy, but Mommy’s taking that opportunity because she’s working hard, and trying to better herself.

Narrator

These 17 women gained valuable business and personal skills from top American female executives in the sports industry. And what are they doing today? In the Philippines southern conflict region, Geraldine Bernardo is developing a service-based education curriculum and sports programs for Muslim women and children. And in Macedonia, Ilina Arsova created the Macedonian mentoring network to mentor other women. And yes, she became the first Macedonian woman to climb Mount Everest. Individually these women are making incredible strides in their communities. Collectively, this new global network creates stronger, more inclusive societies on and off the field.