Our annual Empower Gala is a time to celebrate our impact over the last year while looking forward to what we can accomplish in the year ahead. This event exemplifies our mission of inspiring women and girls to rise together through leadership development, mentoring, and youth empowerment.
In everything we do, we strive to turn action into empowerment! When one woman shares her leadership story of rising above adversity, it inspires a room full of women to keep moving forward. When one Empower Leadership Academy attendee shares their story of how the academy helped grow their confidence, it sparks the desire in their peers to believe in themselves. When one organization shares the why behind its support of women and girls in the community, it inspires other organizations to do the same. Every action has the possibility of creating a significant impact.
The TeamWomen Empower Gala offers multiple opportunities for action!
A Room Full of Possibilities
This gala brings together those committed to empowering women and girls. We are honored to have Lea B. Olsen, an influential voice in youth sports and an advocate for other women, as our 2022 Empower Gala emcee!
Since playing basketball for the University of Minnesota, Lea has worked for NBCSN, ESPN’s national WNBA coverage, and currently is a game analyst for the Minnesota Lynx and a sideline reporter for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Fox Sports North. Lea has also broadcast Minnesota State high school basketball tournaments for boys and girls.
Founder of her non-profit Rethink the Win, Lea now champions young athletes as complete people and the positive impacts of sports beyond the game.
Lea has been a public advocate for promoting women in the media, served on the Minnesota Twins Community Foundation Board, and served at the invitation of Governor Mark Dayton on the Minnesota State High School League Board. She has also mentored African American athletes at the University of Minnesota, moderated a civil rights discussion featuring U.S. Congressman John Lewis, and interviewed Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Take Action: There’s no better way to experience the stories of impact than in person at our 2022 Empower Gala. Reserve your seat and register here!
Sponsorship
We couldn’t do what we do without our sponsors! During our 2022 Empower Gala, our sponsors will share details about their dedication to making a difference in the world, one woman and girl at a time.
Take Action: Support our mission by becoming a sponsor for our 2022 Empower Gala!
Auction
The keystone of our Empower Gala is our auction! We’re honored to welcome our special guest benefit auctioneer Karen Sorbo this year!
Karen has raised over $900 million conducting over 2,800 auctions since graduating from the World-Wide College of Auctioneering in 1993. Karen’s dedication, effusive energy, commanding yet elegant stage presence, and precision techniques have engaged audiences across North America, Central America, Hong Kong, Mexico, and several African Countries. She has achieved National and International recognition as a Benefit Auctioneer and a Non-Profit advocate while also mentoring others and working diligently to expand the exposure, presence, and caliber of Benefit Auctioneers.
Take Action: We are seeking donations for our auction. Past contributions include hotel stay experiences, professional digital courses, movie night gift baskets, cards, and signed sports merchandise. Learn more here and contact us if you’d like to donate an auction item.