MINERVA AWARDS

“In looking for a namesake and symbol for these awards, I chose Minerva, the Roman goddess of ‘a thousand works,’ not only because she graces the California state seal, but also because she embodies what I believe to be truly heroic and feminine qualities.”   – Maria Shriver, Founder, Minerva Awards

 

The Minerva Awards were created by Maria Shriver in 2004, then First Lady of California, to recognize remarkable women “who serve on the front-lines of humanity,” celebrating their unique contributions that better the lives of others in communities across this country and around the world.  Each of the 33 women honored at the Minerva Awards has found herself in extraordinary circumstances and risen to the challenge to become a visionary and Architect of Change.  Click on each woman below to watch short, inspiring videos about their remarkable legacies honored by the Minerva Awards.

2010:

OPRAH WINFREY

Chairwoman and CEO, Harpo Productions and the Oprah Winfrey Network

SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR

First Woman Appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Serving from 1981 – 2006.

 CAROLYN BLASHEK

Founder, Operation Gratitude

 

ORAL LEE BROWN

Helps at-risk kids graduate high school and college through the Oral Lee Brown Foundation

 SISTER TERRY DODGE

Executive Director, Crossroads Inc., working with women being released from prison

2009:

DR. JANE GOODALL

Founder, The Jane Goodall Institute & Roots and Shoots; Environment Peace Activist

AGNES STEVENS

Founder, Schools of Wheels; Educator of Homeless Children

 

 DR. KATHY HULL

Founder, George Mark Children’s House;
Children’s Hospice Advocate

HELEN WAUKAZOO

Founder, American Indian Friendship House
San Francisco