OIWC Presents Posthumous Pioneering Woman Award

Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) will present a posthumous Pioneering Woman Award to Sean Patrick, founder of HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation. The award will be presented during the OIWC’s gathering on Thursday, July 23, 2009 from 4:30-6:00 pm, during the Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City at the prAna booth #10027.

The Pioneering Woman Award honors women who have furthered the OIWC mission by demonstrating an outstanding commitment to mentoring female colleagues through exemplary leadership skills. The award is typically presented at the winter trade show; however, OIWC is hosting a special award presentation after long-time member and industry friend Sean Patrick succumbed to ovarian cancer in January 2009.

Sally Grimes, Executive Director of the OIWC said “The award recognizes Sean for her extraordinary efforts to empower as many women as possible to take control of their health. We are thrilled to present this to HERA in her honor.”

Seven years after clipping her first biner, at age 46, Sean reached an advanced level in climbing, 5.12a. At the same time, she faced the greatest test of her life: a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

During her recovery from surgery she decided to use her passion for the outdoors and resolve the lack of awareness, information, and funding for ovarian cancer by creating the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation, creating Partners in Action â„¢ and launching the popular HERA Climb4Life â„¢ three-city fundraising event series.

The award will be presented during the OIWC Gathering on Thursday, July 23, 2009 during the Outdoor Retailer trade show at the prAna booth #10027. Networking begins a 4:30pm with the presentation at 5:30pm.



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OIWC and HERA also present a joint fundraising effort, “Empowering Women, for Health, for Life.” OIWC and HERA are two distinct organizations with a common goal: EMPOWERING WOMEN. OIWC’s focus is on empowering women to reach their career goals, while HERA’s mission is to empower women to take control of their health.

Now for a limited time, industry friends and professionals have the opportunity to support both organizations with a single donation. Half of your donation will go to the OIWC Education Foundation and half to the HERA Foundation. Visit www.oiwc.org to make a donation today.

About OIWC
Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC), a 501(c) 6 non-profit corporation is a membership community of professionals in the Outdoor Industries. The OIWC is focused on providing power, influence, professional development and opportunity in the outdoor related businesses and to generate champions to inspire other women. To learn more about the OIWC online member community or to become a new member or sponsor, please visit www.oiwc.org.

About OIWC Foundation
The OIWC Education Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt entity and non profit business organization dedicated specifically to funding educational programs and career development resources for women currently engaged in the outdoor industries, or those women seeking to explore potential opportunities in the outdoor industries. The OIWC Foundation raises funds strictly for the purpose of supporting the OIWC’s educational programs.