“We’ve all gotten a chance to see what Vital Voices is doing all around the world… If we can get these stories out – that success is possible – then we will all be better off.”

Melinda French Gates
Global Trailblazer, Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards
March 10, 2010

The 2010 Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards at the Kennedy Center on March 10 was a smashing success, raising over $1.3 million to support women leaders working to strengthen democracy, increase economic opportunity and protect human rights around the world.

More than 1,000 friends and supporters packed the Eisenhower Theater for the annual event, themed Impact through Innovation: Women Inspiring Change, to honor remarkable women who, every day, push boundaries and take risks to alleviate poverty, safeguard human rights, end violence against women and promote education in their communities.

A power-packed presenter line-up from media, entertainment and government sectors included Sally Field, Angélique Kidjo, Sheila Bair, Suze Orman, Andrea Jung, Reese Witherspoon, Ann Moore, Sheila Johnson, Nicholas D. Kristof, Diane von Furstenberg, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Brian Williams, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Michele Norris.