Voting is Open for the 2026 WISE Women of Inspiration Award!
Seattle Sports is proud to partner with Women in Sports & Events (WISE) Seattle for the 2026 Women of Inspiration Award, and now it’s time for the community to make its voice heard.
The nomination period has officially closed, and after receiving submissions recognizing women who embody the values WISE Seattle was built upon, three incredible finalists have been selected. These leaders are encouraging an inclusive community, empowering personal growth and development, and helping evolve the sports and events industries for future generations.
Voting is now open and runs through September 25, 2026.
Meet the 2026 Women of Inspiration Finalists
Jilyne Jarvis
Co-Founder & Executive Director, ZGiRLS
A seven-time NCAA All-American and retired U.S. Ski Team member, Jilyne Jarvis founded ZGiRLS in 2014 to help girls build confidence, resilience, and self-worth through the mental skills used by elite athletes. A recognized leader in youth empowerment and confidence education, she was named to the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and continues to support future leaders through mentorship and entrepreneurship programs across the region.
Avery Brown & Michiko Yee
Rainier Beach High School Girls Flag Football Coaches
Now in their fifth year leading the Rainier Beach High School Girls Flag Football program, Avery Brown and Michiko Yee have transformed the team from a seven-player club into a thriving WIAA varsity program with more than 30 student-athletes. Both former collegiate athletes and educators, they are passionate about creating opportunities for young women in sports while helping athletes develop confidence, leadership skills, healthy relationships, and a lifelong love of movement.
Dr. Hannah Olson
Co-Director, UW Center for Leadership in Athletics
As Co-Director of the University of Washington’s Center for Leadership in Athletics, Dr. Hannah Olson is helping shape the future of coaching and leadership in sport. Through evidence-based training programs and initiatives such as Game Changers and #SheLeads, Hannah works to increase the number of women in coaching while creating meaningful professional development opportunities for women leaders throughout athletics.
2026 Schedule
- June 2, 2026 – Nominations Opened
- July 10, 2026 – Nominations Closed
- September 1, 2026 – Finalists Announced & Voting Began
- September 25, 2026 – Voting Concludes
- October 16, 2026 – Winner Announced at the Seattle Sports Commission Women in Leadership Breakfast
About the Women of Inspiration Award
The Women of Inspiration (WOI) program speaks to WISE Seattle’s desire to leave a lasting impact on future generations of women in the sports and events industry. Launched in Seattle in 2022, the award honors and recognizes a woman in our community who is doing something notable to support women while aligning with the chapter’s vision and core pillars of encouraging, empowering, and evolving.
The winner will receive a cash donation from WISE Seattle and its partners to be distributed to the non-profit, organization, or cause of their choice, helping continue their work and expand their impact throughout the community.
WISE Seattle is the local chapter of a national organization that works to encourage, empower, and educate women professionals in the sports and events industries through professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The finalists have been chosen. Now it’s your turn to help select the 2026 Women of Inspiration Award winner. Cast your vote before September 25 and help celebrate the women who are making a difference in sports and events across our community. Vote here today!