Honoring the past while supporting the future women of Washington
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, a landmark legislation which changed the lives of women and girls and opened the doors to equity in education and sports. To honor our past and continue the fight for equality, Washington Athletics hosted a series of events to bring together generations of Huskies.
Each UW women’s team held a Title IX alumni reunion to honor the trailblazers who paved the way and provide former student-athletes a space to reconnect. Our annual Big W Club blanket parade was also led by our female alumni and coaches. This time-honored Homecoming tradition celebrates all of our former student-athletes with letterwinners creating a tunnel for the Football team to run through.
Our keynote event was a Title IX Networking Reception held in November at the Washington Athletic Club. Junior, senior and graduate UW female student-athletes met with a wide range of successful female professionals from the local community.
“If I’ve learned anything at the University of Washington, it’s that good things happen when women come together,” shared UW Athletic Director, Jen Cohen.
Other speakers included TV and radio host Elise Woodward, Carter Subaru CEO, Jen Moran, and Senior Director for the Mariners, Ingrid Russell-Narcisse. As former student-athletes, each shared their personal story about the impact of Title IX and how it opened doors and changed their lives. They also reflected on equity in sports — how female student-athletes began to receive various resources they previously didn’t have access to and how far we have come from those early days.
Ingrid urged current student-athletes to take advantage of the evening. “There are a lot of wonderful, powerful women in here tonight,” said the UW Women’s Basketball alum and Tyee Board Advisor. “Go seek them out. Get connected. Share business cards. Share your LinkedIn profile. Connect with them and then stay connected.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to donate to the Mighty Are the Women Title IX Fund to support Women’s Athletics at the UW. These women follow in my footsteps — just as I was once one of them, following those before. My athletic career has made an enormously positive impact on my life. Woof!” — Catherine “Cat” Clark
Mighty Are the Women Day of Giving raises $506,265
This fall for Giving Tuesday, we held a 24-hour crowdfunding initiative to directly support all 11 of our women’s teams and 300 female student-athletes. Together, we raised $506,265 from over 130 donors to fund enhancements in their athletic, academic and personal growth. Thank you to all who participated!
Miss our Day of Giving?
You can still support the women of Washington and help fund the next 50 years of progress by making a gift at GoHuskies.com/TitleIXFund.
