#United States #Washington D.C. #Mattel #Sara Blakely #Dr. Opal Lee

Celebrating Extraordinary Women at the 2025 Women Making History Awards Gala

Last night, the National Women's History Museum (NWHM) held its annual Women Making History Awards Gala at The Anthem in Washington D.C., honoring an impressive cohort of women who have made significant strides in various fields. Hosted by renowned CBS journalist Norah O'Donnell, the event recognized the achievements of celebrated figures including Sara Blakely, a pioneer in entrepreneurship; Dr. Opal Lee, known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth"; and Shirley Ryan, an advocate for transformative research in education. Additionally, the gala marked a historic moment for Mattel, Inc., as they received the inaugural Evelyn Y. Davis Women Making History Corporate Changemaker Award.

The evening began with a moving video message from Honorary Chair Meryl Streep, who emphasized the importance of the museum's mission to showcase women's stories. Norah O'Donnell captivated the audience with personal anecdotes about her grandmother, which fueled her passion for women's narratives. Following her remarks, the chair and vice chair of the NWHM Board of Directors, Susan Whiting and Singleton McAllister, honored the women that inspired them throughout their lives, reaffirming the museum's longstanding commitment to amplifying women's voices across America.

During the event, attendees were treated to a rousing performance of "Keep Marching" from the Tony Award-winning musical Suffs, featuring original Broadway cast member Hannah Cruz. This artistic showcase set the tone for a night dedicated to recognizing the contributions of women to society.

Honoring Outstanding Women

Dr. Opal Lee, a central figure in the Juneteenth movement, received an enthusiastic standing ovation after her introduction by Dr. Beverly Guy-Sheftall. In her acceptance speech, Lee emphasized the collective responsibility of people to achieve freedom and inclusion for all, stating, "It’s a we thing, and together we can accomplish much more."

Next, Shirley Ryan was introduced by Dr. Richard L. Lieber, who praised her transformative work in advancing understanding of infant neuroplasticity. Shirley spoke passionately about her commitments, highlighting her initiatives that support children with movement and sensory delays. Through her leadership, Ryan has made significant legal and educational advancements that have positively influenced countless lives.

National Women's History Museum President and CEO, Frédérique Campagne Irwin, took the stage to announce the launch of the campaign She Is Not a Footnote, which aims to address the critical underrepresentation of women in educational curricula. She passionately called for everyone, regardless of gender, to engage in changing societal narratives about women’s roles in history.

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, was warmly received as she shared her story, reflecting on her desire to empower women and ensure they are represented in history. With both her mother and daughter in the audience, Blakely captured attention as she highlighted her vision of women writing their own narratives rather than being mere footnotes in history books.

The event’s highlights included an award presentation to Mattel, accepted by Lisa McKnight, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer. McKnight expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting the company’s ongoing commitment to empowering future generations of women through its brands. This included the renowned Barbie, which has transformed its image to serve as a role model for young girls.

The gala concluded with the world premiere of the organization's inaugural song, We are Here, composed by Grammy Award-winning artist Tena Clark and performed by Sara Niemietz and Norelle Simpson. This uplifting tribute resonated with the evening's overarching theme of empowerment and celebration of women's contributions.

A Night to Remember

The event was attended by numerous notable guests, including Laura Coates, Bellamy Young, and PBS auctioneer Lydia Fenet, contributing to the inspiring atmosphere of the evening. The Women Making History Awards Gala, now in its thirteenth year, has previously honored legends such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Viola Davis, and NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, continuing its tradition of recognizing women who break barriers.

This annual gala symbolized not only a celebration of individual accomplishments but also a collective rallying call to continue the fight for equality and representation of women across all sectors. Each honoree epitomized the essence of trailblazers, demonstrating that when women support one another, they can effect real change in the world.

The National Women's History Museum remains committed to sharing the stories of influential women and inspiring future generations to embrace their potential. As the collective efforts of these remarkable individuals unfold, events like the Women Making History Awards Gala will help illuminate the path towards a more equitable society for all.

For more information about the National Women’s History Museum and their initiatives, visit womenshistory.org.