Inspiring women and an inspiring league

This past week, I traveled to Chicago for a wedding and a work trip. Just as I pulled out of my place in DC, I tweeted my status, “En route to Chicago.” Among responses from friends wishing me safe travels came an email from one of my WNBA contacts inviting me to their Inspiring Women luncheon in downtown Chicago the next day, should I have time to swing by.

The event was great. One of the major accomplishments of the event is that it provided an opportunity for the league’s sponsors to come together for a nice lunch. Watching the WNBA President, Donna Orender,  greet everyone (including me) by name with a smile is quite an experience.  It exemplifies how the league tries very hard, despite criticism, to make everyone feel like family. The event also shows that the league supports inspiring women in society, too.

The WNBA honored Cokie Roberts, senior news analyst for NPR News, political commentator for ABC News, and best-selling author.

Donna Orender said,

“Inspiration is one of the WNBA’s core qualities, and it is a desire to recognize this quality in women both on and off the court that launched the annual presentation of the WNBA Inspiration Award. This award celebrates an individual or group who, on a daily basis, demonstrates the ability to inspire others through commitment, passion, and dedication to work, family and community. “

It occurred to me as I watched everyone interact that the league is still quite young. They’re only in their 13^th season. It also occurred to me that the sponsors behind this league see something worthwhile and promising. So do I.

After I enjoyed my lunch, I headed back to work to finish the rest of my day. Then, immediately after work, I headed over to the UIC Pavilion where I saw the start of the Chicago Sky vs. the LA Sparks. I have to say, even though the UIC Pavilion is smaller than arenas where I watch other teams play (like the Mystics’ Verizon Center), I enjoyed the environment a lot more.

The crowd seemed like it was pouring in the doors. The energy was there… right at the start of the game and the atmosphere was loud, energetic and fun. I prefer than any day to a quarter-filled stadium with only a few dedicated fans.

I walked in about an hour early and saw all the players shooting around. It was cool to walk right in front of Candace Parker and Sheldon Williams, who had his new baby in his lap. Very neat to see Candace Parker back on the court.

In all, it was a great experience, and I thank my friends at the WNBA for the invite. Though the league is still pretty new (only 13 years in the works), I think they’re headed in the right direction for growth. Keep up the good work, and keep supporting those inspiring women!

For more information, check out WNBA: 2009 Inspiring Women