In New York City, the WNBA, in collaboration with ESPN, held its annual Inspiring Women luncheon. It is the eleventh annual event that the league has held.
Three women were honored for their philanthropic work in their communities and for their businesses.
Today in New York City, we honored some #InspiringWomen! pic.twitter.com/zL8xVgj5kZ
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 20, 2017
The recipient of the @Cisco Inspiring the Future Award… Kimberly Bryant, founder of @BlackGirlsCode! #InspiringWomen pic.twitter.com/3GFn1TkAED
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2017
One of the honorees was Kimberly Bryant, who founded Black Girls Code. The organization aims to encourage girls of color ages 7 through 17 to pursue careers in the STEM fields. It strives to give African American girls the skills to obtain the over 1 million job openings in STEM fields by 2020 and to train over a million by 2040.
Black Girls Code this week will have an event called the Code a Better Future Hackathon in San Francisco.
The recipient of the @Verizon Innovative Learning Award… Kayla Canario of Bearden Middle School in Knoxville, Tenn. #InspiringWomen pic.twitter.com/6onxZTt99V
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2017
Kayla Canario, who is a junior high school teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, was recognized for her innovative and technologically-based teaching methods. She teaches at Bearden Middle School and has strived to ensure that students and their families are always connected to the internet.
The winner of the 2017 #WNBA Inspiration Award… @GrameenAmerica President & CEO @AndreaJung9! #InspiringWomen pic.twitter.com/bKReFNExTH
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2017
The WNBA Inspiration Award was bestowed upon Andrea Jung, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Grameen America. It is an organization that aims to provide financial assistance to low-income women entrepreneurs across the United States.
Jung was the former CEO of Avon Products, Inc. from 1999 to 2012 and was once featured in Forbes Magazine’s “Most Powerful Women in Business.”
Thanks @WNBA! Honored! https://t.co/t7QEMgtNZJ
— Andrea Jung (@AndreaJung9) August 24, 2017
In addition to honoring women making a difference in the community and in the boardroom, the WNBA also honored one of its newcomers who made a big difference on the court this season.
.@WNBAPrez Lisa Borders presented @DallasWings guard @Graytness_15 with the #WNBA Rookie of the Year Award at the #InspiringWomen Luncheon! pic.twitter.com/XJZ5jHorZp
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 19, 2017
Allisha Gray of the Dallas Wings was named the league’s Rookie of the Year for 2017.
While much of the pre-season hype around rookies revolved around the San Antonio Stars’ Kelsey Plum, Gray made her transition to the W look almost seamless. She averaged 13 points per game, had an 80 percent free throw percentage, and also averaged over one steal per contest.
Gray was instrumental in willing the Wings to their first ever trip to the playoffs since the franchise relocated from Tulsa.
Also…there was a trophy sighting…
A little something that the Lynx and Sparks will be fighting for in the Finals #WNBA pic.twitter.com/j6ZwgRLSN4
— Pat Ralph (@Pat_Ralph) September 19, 2017
Sunday. 3:30 ET/12:30 PT. ABC. Is it Sunday yet?
By: Akiem Bailum (@AkiemBailum on Twitter, Instagram)
