Three women were recognized as WISE Women of the Year at a luncheon ceremony yesterday in N.Y. that also saw Raptors President MASAI UJIRI receive the WISE Champion award. WISE President KATHY FRANCIS kicked off the event which drew more than 500 people by saying women “still face challenges being seen and heard” and imploring those in the room that “we must work together to improve our culture.” She said, “Talent is the currency that counts the most.” The three Women of the Year were Fox Sports West Senior VP & GM LINDSAY AMSTUTZ, Flywheel Sports CEO SARAH ROBB O'HAGAN and Heat and American Airlines Arena VP & GM KIM STONE. Fox Sports Regional Networks President JEFF KROLIK introduced Amstutz and noted her efforts in organizing the “Women of Fox Sports” program. “The fact that this award is (for) women and by women means so much to me,” Amstutz said. N.Y. Times Exec VP & COO MEREDITH KOPIT LEVIEN introduced O’Hagan, calling her an athlete and a leader who makes “other people better,” and “the human exclamation point we all want in our lives.” O’Hagan vowed to continue to “help women of all backgrounds” and encourage them that “they are not alone” in their career development. Stone was introduced by her 14-year-old niece ABBY and during her remarks, Kim Stone referenced the quote, “If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit” to stress her theme that people must rise to the challenges they face. NBA President of Social Responsibility and Player Programs KATHY BEHRENS introduced Ujiri and cited his work hiring and empowering women not just in Toronto but through his efforts in Basketball Without Borders and Giants of Africa. Ujiri called the award “overwhelming,” as he was “raised and inspired by women.” He encouraged women in the audience to “please keep standing tall,” while concluding, “I will continue to use my voice" (THE DAILY).
