Professional Dimensions’ Sacagawea award was created in 1982 to recognize two trailblazing women who exhibit the spirit of Sacagawea. The award is named for the Native American woman who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their legendary 1804-1806 search for the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. This prestigious honor acknowledges exceptional leadership by “Women Who Inspire,” and embraced opportunities to hone their skills and strive toward excellence by conquering daily challenges through career achievements. The Sacagawea Awards is now a virtual experience that will be held Thursday, July 16, 2020.

Proceeds of this annual fundraising event will benefit Milwaukee area organizations that work to advance the self-sufficiency of women and girls. Our 2020 beneficiary is YWCA Southeast Wisconsin.

2020 Sacagawea Award Winners 

We are proud to announce the selection of our 2020 Sacagawea Award winners. Congratulations to Cecelia Gore, Executive Director of the Brewers Community Foundation, and Jackie Herd-Barber, Community Volunteer serving the Greater Milwaukee Area.

 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). Her successes include the rebranding efforts that positioned the organization to be thoughtful, dependable, philanthropic leaders in the Greater Milwaukee area and throughout Major League Baseball. Gore serves on multiple boards in the Greater Milwaukee area and serves as an advisor to various foundations and corporate executives. Gore graduated from Alverno College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Business and a Master of Business Administration. 

 Jackie Herd-Barber is an active member of the community, 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 ti improve the quality of education to every child in the city of Milwaukee. Herd-Barber earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from MSOE, where she co-founded the school's National Society of Black Engineers/NTA chapter. She worked as a Sales Engineer after graduating and later served in sales management roles or Motorola, before retiring in 2009.

We are thrilled to honor these two trailblazing women leaders who have been selected for their career accomplishments, commitment to community and dedication to addressing issues facing women today. 

Please click here to view the coverage of our 2020 Sacagawea Award winners by the Milwaukee Business Journal. 

2020 Sacagawea Artist

Anne Raskopf, the 2020 selected Sacagawea Award artist, will create three unique pieces of art: one piece will be crafted for each winner, and one that will reside in the permanent Sacagawea 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. Raskopf says she imagines Sacagawea "walking through the dense flowing colors of the forest, seeking bits of light and color by which to guide her followers to their objective." In this spirit, she includes flowing earthy elements in her paintings, guiding the viewer into another world. 

Please click here to learn more about Anne Raskopf and to view her gallery.