MILWAUKEE, Wis. (June 30, 2020) - Professional Dimensions (PD) announces a reimagined event for their 39th Annual Sacagawea Awards, traditionally held in March. To ensure the health and safety of its 600+ guests due to the COVID-19 crisis, the annual event is now virtual and will be held on July 16, 2020. The new format is a combination of virtual networking, a live-streamed awards ceremony, and professionally produced video. There will be live social media feeds, special guests, sponsored elements, and a surprise gift delivered to registered guests so they can celebrate safely at home with honorees Cecelia Gore and Jacqueline Herd-Barber.
“I’m excited to bring a new vision for the way virtual events are done,” said Wendy Terwelp, the 2020 Sacagawea Awards Chair. “This will be a highly interactive virtual event to celebrate and honor our awardees, Cecelia and Jackie, and wow our members, guests, and sponsors. This event also raises funds to benefit the Professional Dimensions Charitable Fund (PDCF) joint project with the YWCA Southeast Wisconsin (YWCA SEW), The Ripple Effect,” she said.
“The Ripple Effect supports systemic change at the intersection of racism and sexism. The inequities that women and people of color are facing because of the COVID-19 crisis point out to all of us the criticality of this work,” said PDCF Board of Directors Chair, Janet Slater. “PDCF is grateful for the support of our sponsors, PD members, and those in the community giving us the opportunity to grant $50,000 to the YWCA SEW for this joint project. Thank you for being a part of creating systemic change!” she said.
The Sacagawea Awards was created to recognize trailblazing women leaders in our community. This year, honorees Jackie Herd-Barber and Cecilia Gore, have both created a legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and community throughout Milwaukee.
“This year’s honorees represent the best of PD and of Milwaukee: they are fearless, inclusive leaders who have committed themselves to positive action on behalf of our community,” said Judith Mouton, PD Board President. “During this moment of unprecedented change in our city and world, Jacki and Cecelia are the kind of leaders we need. PD is proud to honor them,” she said.
Cecelia Gore is a collaborative leader and change agent with a passion for community excellence and impact. She is a senior level executive with extensive experience leading community and external affairs, foundations/sports philanthropy, and nonprofit management. Currently, Gore leads the Brewers Community Foundation, the charitable arm of Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club (MLB).
Jackie Herd-Barber is an active community volunteer, serving on several community and civic boards in Milwaukee. She is immediate past chair and current board director of the Marcus Performing Arts Center Board, and past chair of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee urban League, Rotary Club of Milwaukee and MSOE Alumni boards. Herd-Barber serves on various boards throughout the Greater Milwaukee Area, including serving as co-chair Milwaukee Succeeds, an initiative to improve the quality of education to every child in the city of Milwaukee.
Each honoree will receive a custom work of art created by Anne Raskopf, the 2020 celebrated Sacagawea Award Artist. Anne also created a painting for the permanent Professional Dimensions art collection at Alverno College. Raskopf is an Oconomowoc-based artist, known for residential and commercial murals adorning homes and establishments throughout the Lake Country Area.
