Women of Inspiration Celebration

When: Tuesday, December 13^th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Who: WISE Members & Guests

What: Join us for an evening of celebration, as we recognize the women who have inspired us this year. Holiday attire is welcomed! Please consider bringing a children’s book to support Super Bowl LI’s initiative to build 5,100 personal libraries for children living in public housing and undeserved areas.

Award Recipients: Anita Martini, Sallie Sargent, and Janis Burke

Emcee: Patti Smith

Where: Hughes Manor 2811 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007

Parking: $12 per car. Carpooling is encouraged.

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Having issues registering?  Email your RSVP to info@wisehou.org

ANITA MARTINI, SPORTS JOURNALIST 

Anita Martini, a native of Galveston, began her radio career in 1965 doing interviews from the Astrodome stands because female journalists were not allowed on the field. Seven years later, she was allowed in the Dome’s press box. In 1973, she and producer Nelda Pena were credentialed to cover the All-Star Game. In 1974, Ms. Martini won a major victory in female reporters’ fight for equal access to professional sports facilities when Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Walter Alston admitted her to his team’s clubhouse after a game at the Houston Astrodome.

Martini was a candidate for play-by-play jobs with NBC and ABC in the early 1970s and also worked for ESPN in addition to her jobs on local television and radio until 1991. She returned to radio, briefly, in 1993 before her passing at age 54. She was the inaugural inductee into the Astros’ Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor and also inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. Anita Martini is remembered at a true pioneer for women in sports.

SALLIE SARGENT, PRESIDENT & CEO – HOUSTON SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE

Sallie Sargent has enjoyed a diverse and exciting career over the past 30 years. A seasoned veteran of the sports marketing and special event world, her background includes five Super Bowls, 14 Fiesta Bowls, the NBA All-Star Game; MLB’s Charity Gala; and the Phoenix Open.

In 2012, Sargent was retained to direct and deliver Houston’s Super Bowl Bid presentation to the NFL. She successfully secured the 2017 Super Bowl and was named President & CEO of the Host Committee in 2014 to spearhead Houston’s planning and execution for Super Bowl LI.

JANIS BURKE, CEO – HARRIS COUNTY – HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY

In 2006, Janis Burke, CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority became the third chief executive and first woman to hold the position since the inception of the organization in 1997.  In addition to overseeing the billion dollars of bond debt service for Houston’s premiere, professional sports stadiums, under her leadership, Houston has been awarded major sporting events to include:  Olympic Trials, numerous National and World Championships, AAU Junior Olympics, All Star Games, Transplant Games of America, and a variety of elite collegiate events.  The Sports Authority was named Sports Commission of the Year by the 750-member National Association of Sports Commissions.  Burke has been recognized locally by Conference USA and Rice University for her outstanding contributions and achievements as a woman in the Houston sports industry, identified as a Houston “Woman on the Move,” named one of “Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women,” and in 2015 received the Industry Impact Award from Sam Houston State University, Community Impact Award from the World Youth Foundation, and the Impact Performer Award by the Greater Houston Prep Academy.

Thank you to our sponsors!