NOW's First Intrepid Awards Gala a Huge Success

July 14, 2003

by NOW Staff

NOW and the NOW Foundation presented four inspiring women with the first-ever Intrepid Awards at their July 10 Gala. Held at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., the Gala raised funds for the just-launched Drive for Equality campaign.

Helen Thomas    Photo by Judy Rolfe

Attending the 2003 Gala were key leaders and activists within the feminist and progressive movements, as well as many high-profile supporters of women's rights from Congress. "The turn-out was incredible," said NOW President Kim Gandy. "We were thrilled to see so many feminist friends and allies gathered together to acknowledge four fabulous women."

NOW honored women who embody the definition of "Intrepid"—resolutely courageous, fearless and bold. The first honoree, Helen Thomas, is nationally known as "the dean of the White House press corps." Thomas is a trailblazer for women journalists and has covered every U.S. President since John F. Kennedy. She continues to ask the hard questions of our political leaders as a columnist with Hearst Newspapers.

Rebecca Walker    Photo by Judy Rolfe

Dr. Mae Jemison    Photo by Judy Rolfe

Margaret Cho    Photo by Judy Rolfe

Maureen Bunyan, anchor for WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., was the emcee for the evening. Bunyan has earned seven Emmy Awards for reporting on local, national and international issues. She has been an outspoken advocate for women and minorities in the newsroom, founding the National Association of Black Journalists and the International Women's Media Foundation.

Many attendees left the museum praising the Intrepid winners' moving speeches as well as NOW and NOW Foundation's success in staging their first annual gala. NOW and the NOW Foundation look forward to making the Intrepid Awards into a talked about event every year.